Obvious Packers target emerges after Kadarius Toney trade

The Green Bay Packers are one of 30 teams which couldn’t swing a trade for Kadarius Toney — no harm no foul — but who should they deal for ahead of the deadline?

By trading for Kadarius Toney, the Kansas City Chiefs took themselves out of the chase for other star receivers, including Houston Texans target Brandin Cooks.

Cooks, a veteran with experience as a No. 1, could be a great fit on a Green Bay Packers roster with plenty of youth at the receiver position. The Packers have already been connected to Cooks, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC Houston.

Kansas City and the Rams were also mentioned as teams which have called about Cooks. With the Chiefs out and the Rams focused on a running back trade, Green Bay has emerged as the primary suitor for the 29-year-old.

Packers rumors: Everything to know about Brandin Cooks

By trading away Brandin Cooks, Houston would take on a large sum of dead cap. While they can surely afford that, it may up their asking price some. This is all for a receiver who’s numbers are down in 2022, and has $18 million on his contract for next season.

Brian Gutekunst has said he’s willing to spend for the right player. With Aaron Rodgers visibly upset with his offensive line and receiving corps, now would be the time to swing a trade if Green Bay has any hopes of winning a Super Bowl in one of No. 12’s final seasons.

In one way or another, Green Bay has been connected to nearly every wide receiver on the open market — from Odell Beckham Jr. via free agency to Chase Claypool of the Pittsburgh Steelers via trade. Checking in on Cooks, a player who would come at a great financial cost but possibly less draft capital in return due to his age, makes sense.