Should The Green Bay Packers Trade Matt LaFleur?

The contract standoff between the Green Bay Packers and Matt LaFleur has taken center stage in the NFL news cycle. Following a season that ended in a stunning Wild Card collapse against the Chicago Bears, the Packers find themselves at a crossroads with LaFleur. With LaFleur entering the final year of his contract and negotiations for an extension reportedly underway, a once-unthinkable question has emerged: Should the Packers trade him? While trading a coach with a .654 regular-season winning percentage seems radical, a closer look reveals a compelling argument for a fresh start for both parties.

The Case for Trading LaFleur

The primary argument for moving on from LaFleur stems from a troubling pattern of underperformance in critical moments. Despite his impressive regular-season record (76-40-1), his postseason resume is a starkly different story. LaFleur is just 3-6 in the playoffs, a record marred by high-profile failures. His teams have lost home playoff games as the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2020 and 2021, folded in the fourth quarter against San Francisco in 2023, and most recently, blew an 18-point lead at home to a division rival in this year’s Wild Card round.

This trend of late-game collapses isn’t isolated to the postseason. In 2025 alone, the Packers let significant leads slip away in losses and a tie. The narrative that a LaFleur-led team cannot close out big games is now stronger than ever, leading to palpable frustration among players and the fanbase. Keeping a coach who has lost the confidence of the public could lead to a toxic environment in 2026. A trade offers a clean break, allowing the organization to reset its leadership without the baggage of recent failures.

Furthermore, a trade presents a unique opportunity to recoup valuable draft capital. The Packers parted with significant assets to acquire defensive end Micah Parsons, and trading their head coach could help replenish those resources. Precedent exists for such moves, with coaches like Sean Payton, Jon Gruden, and Mike Holmgren fetching first or second-round picks. While LaFleur may not command that level of compensation, securing a Day 2 pick for a coach the organization may be hesitant to extend is a shrewd business move. With nine current head coaching vacancies, a market for LaFleur certainly exists.

The Argument Against a Trade

On the other hand, trading LaFleur is a significant gamble. Finding a coach who can win 76 games over seven seasons is no small feat. His offensive system has proven effective, and his ability to prepare a team for the 17-game grind is undeniable. Firing or trading a coach with his track record could easily backfire, potentially setting the franchise back for years if his replacement fails to meet expectations.

There is also the question of stability. The Packers are an organization that prides itself on continuity. Abruptly moving on from the head coach could create chaos and uncertainty. The front office may believe that LaFleur, despite his shortcomings in big moments, is still the best person to lead the team. They may feel that with a few roster adjustments and a renewed focus, he can overcome his postseason struggles. Giving up on a proven winner after a few devastating losses could be seen as a rash, shortsighted decision.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision rests with team president Ed Policy. Extending LaFleur would be a vote of confidence in his regular-season success, but it would also be an endorsement of his postseason failures—a tough sell to a disillusioned fanbase. Allowing him to coach as a “lame duck” in 2026 creates an uncomfortable and potentially unproductive environment.

Therefore, exploring a trade is the most logical path forward. It allows the Packers to capitalize on LaFleur’s strong regular-season reputation, acquire valuable draft assets, and bring in a new voice to lead the team into its next chapter. It is a bold move, but it may be the necessary one to break the cycle of disappointment and build a team that can finally finish the job.