BREAKING: Packers to Trade 1st-Round Pick for $100 Million Star
The Green Bay Packers will have to rely on their current cornerback depth for the 2024 NFL playoffs, but they could explore a significant trade opportunity with the rebuilding Cleveland Browns during the 2025 offseason.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak recently proposed that the Browns might consider trading one of their starting cornerbacks—Denzel Ward or Greg Newsome II—this offseason. Cleveland, facing a pressing need for additional draft picks to accelerate its 2025 rebuild, could see this as a viable move.
Solak specifically identified the Packers as a potential trade partner for Ward, suggesting Green Bay might be willing to offer a first-round pick for the four-time Pro Bowler.
“With no competitive future on the horizon, I expect the Browns to trade players for draft assets,” Solak wrote on January 6. “Both Denzel Ward, who had a stellar season, and Greg Newsome II, who struggled more than usual, should be available. I predict one will be moved. A young, ascending team like the Packers or Vikings could put a first-round pick on the table for Ward, giving Cleveland the draft capital it needs to rebuild aggressively.”
According to Solak, the Packers might offer their 2025 first-round pick—likely no higher than No. 19 overall—in exchange for Ward. The 27-year-old cornerback, who earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection in 2024, is under contract on a $100 million deal through the 2027 season.
Would Denzel Ward Trade Make Sense for Packers?
A trade for Denzel Ward would undoubtedly energize the Packers’ defense in 2025 and help solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders. However, the question remains: does trading for a $100 million cornerback truly align with their long-term strategy?
Ward was one of the NFL’s premier single-coverage cornerbacks in 2024, earning praise from Pro Football Focus for his exceptional one-on-one abilities. His league-leading and career-best 19 pass deflections, combined with at least two interceptions for the seventh straight season, underscore his veteran prowess and playmaking instincts.
The challenge, however, lies in the Packers’ current financial commitments. They are already heavily invested in Jaire Alexander, who is earning $21 million annually on a four-year deal through 2026. While it’s possible to accommodate Ward’s similar cap hit for 2025, it raises concerns about allocating two of their top four cap hits to cornerbacks—especially if acquiring Ward requires a first-round pick.
The idea of pursuing Ward—or another high-profile cornerback—might become more viable if the Packers choose to part ways with Alexander in the 2025 offseason. Until that decision is made, though, their path forward remains uncertain.
Jaire Alexander’s Future Remains Crucial 2025 Question
Before exploring trade options at cornerback, the Packers must first address the future of two-time All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
When healthy, Alexander has been a dominant lockdown presence on the perimeter, but injuries have plagued him, limiting him to just 14 games over the past two seasons. Most recently, the 27-year-old missed the final seven games of the 2024 season due to a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery and landed him on injured reserve.
Although Alexander remains under contract through the 2026 season, his cap hits will escalate significantly, reaching approximately $25.37 million in 2025 and $27.37 million in 2026. That’s a steep price for a player who has missed 33 regular-season games over the past four seasons, even one as talented as Alexander.
If the Packers are confident Alexander can regain full health and return to his elite form in 2025, they may be willing to absorb the hefty cap charges. However, his injury history could make them hesitant and prompt consideration of alternative paths. While cutting Alexander outright is improbable, they might explore trading him to a team willing to bet on his upside. Given his two-time Pro Bowl pedigree, Alexander would likely draw interest on the market.
Ultimately, the decision the Packers make regarding Alexander will be pivotal in shaping their approach to the cornerback position and their overall defensive strategy moving forward.