3 trade deadline moves separating Packers from Super Bowl glory

2. Trade for a cornerback with Jaire Alexander sidelined

Cornerback was a need for the Packers this past offseason after they were torched by the Buccaneers in the NFC Championship game. They certainly addressed it by selecting Eric Stokes out of Georgia in the first-round, and he has played very well in his first couple of games with the team.

But the Packers were dealt a blow in their group after star corner Jaire Alexander was carted off the field during Sunday’s game in what was initially described as a shoulder injury. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Alexander is dealing with an AC joint injury and will see how severe. With that, Alexander is essentially out indefinitely.

Alexander being out will force the Packers to promote Stokes to their top cornerback. While he has played up to his potential early on, the team needs to bring in an outside option to not only help fill the void, but to potentially pair alongside Alexander if he can return at some point this season.

There are some big names on losing teams, such as Joe Haden on the Steelers and Patrick Peterson on the Minnesota Vikings. While Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots is the top cornerback option in free agency next year, he is on the physically unable to perform list due to a quad injury. Either way, the Packers should make some calls around the league for a corner.