Packers could have chance to add 5-time Pro Bowler in 2026 blockbuster

The Green Bay Packers have a big season coming in 2026. The team desperately wants to make a deep playoff run and put their recent woes behind them.

However, the NFC North is arguably the toughest division in football, so it won't be easy. As is pretty typical for the Packers, the team didn't add a ton of players in free agency, and mostly seems content to rely  on internal progression. 

If the team really wants to get over the playoff hump, though, they may need to consider a big trade. Luckily, the perfect player could come available soon. 

Packers could trade for cornerback Denzel Ward

While the Packers are trying to contend, the Cleveland Browns are not. As a result, it won't be surprising if the Browns try to ship off more key pieces after recently sending Myles Garrett out. 

One such player could be cornerback Denzel Ward. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently predicted some trades that will be made before the next deadline, and one is for Ward to be sent to the Packers. 

Regarding that possibility, Moton offered the following: 

Entering his age-29 term, Ward wouldn't fit the Browns' timeline if they continue rebuilding their roster next offseason. He only has two more years left on his contract, and Cleveland would save $17.4 million in cap space if it trades him this year, per Over the Cap. 

The Packers could significantly upgrade their cornerback unit by acquiring Ward, who's coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl campaign. They'll need the help in pass coverage as three-time All-Pro edge-rusher Micah Parsons works his way back into tip-top game shape from a torn ACL.

As Moton mentioned, Ward is now 29 and won't be in his prime anymore by the time the Browns are competitive again. As a result, it makes sense for the team to get what they can for him while he's still playing at a high level. 

In 2025, Ward played in 15 games and collected 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, and one interception. Ward earned his third-straight Pro Bowl appearance and his fifth overall in 2025. 

The Packers could certainly use a player of Ward's caliber. The Packers gave Nate Hobbs a big four-year deal in 2025, but cut him after just one disappointing season. Now, the team is set to rely heavily on Keisean Nixon, who struggled mightily in 2025, and rookie Brandon Cisse. 

Will Packers make a big trade? 

The Packers aren't usually quick to make blockbuster deals, but as we saw with the Micah Parsons trade, they will if it makes sense. Speaking of Parsons, the star isn't expected back until mid-October, so adding more help for the defense in general makes sense. 

If the young Green Bay secondary struggles, don't be surprised if general manager Brian Gutekunst works the phones hard. Ward wouldn't be purely a rental either, as he's under contract through 2027. 

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