The Green Bay Packers are going into the 2024 NFL Draft with 11 picks, including five in the first three rounds. Suddenly, a wide receiver no longer seems like a first-round need for the Packers. For years fans have been begging the team to end the drought and pull the trigger on drafting a wide receiver in the first-round. This year, however, the defense or offensive line seems to be getting the most first-round attention.
However, one of the Packers’ biggest NFC rivals seem desperate to move up in the first round of the draft.
One Green Bay Packers Rival Are Reportedly Shopping Two Of Their Best Playmakers
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the San Francisco 49ers have “had conversations” with teams about trading Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk to move up in the 2024 NFL draft:
The 49ers have had conversations with teams, including with one picking in the top 10, about trading either of their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel in an effort to move up in the first round, per sources.
The 49ers picked up Aiyuk’s fifth-year option for 2024, leaving his future uncertain since he is in the last year of his rookie contract. In light of a spike in the receiver market, Lynch has the opportunity to trade the 2020 first-round pick if he has reservations about extending him.
As for Samuel, he’s bound through 2025, so a contract extension or deal aren’t as urgent.
He might see the 2024 draft as a chance to replace either of his two top pass catchers with a younger, cheaper replacement if he’s considering trading up into the top 10.
Would The Packers Consider Trading For One Of These Stars?
Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and even Bo Melton have proved to be an electric group. The young core is set to be together for at least the next 2-3 years.
However, if Green Bay feels like adding a veteran pass catcher could take this group to the next level, I wouldn’t rule it out. The one thing standing in their way? Brian Gutekunst. According to Zach Jacobson of The Packers Report:
Gutekunst said he’d love to have “13, 14 or more” picks in this week’s draft.
The Packers are already tied for the most picks in the league with 11, so expect some movement.
It seems more likely that, if the Packers make a trade, it’ll be to acquire more draft picks. We will have to see what happens when the first round kicks off.
