🚨The Green Bay Packers may not be done making moves after the NFL Draft just yet. Following a wave of new draft picks and UDFA signings, speculation is already growing around several players who could potentially be traded before the 2026 season begins — and some of the names being discussed are far bigger than fans expected.

One player generating serious attention is former first-round edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. At first glance, the idea sounds crazy, especially after Green Bay picked up his fifth-year option. But internally, that move may have been more about financial flexibility and keeping options open rather than a true long-term commitment.
The reality is that the Packers suddenly have a crowded and extremely young edge room. After adding multiple developmental pass rushers over the last two drafts, Green Bay now has several players fighting for snaps behind established veterans. The organization reportedly feels very good about the upside of younger names like Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, both of whom flashed intriguing athletic traits and long-term potential.
Because of that, Van Ness enters a massive prove-it year. If the younger players continue developing quickly while Van Ness fails to take the next step, Green Bay could decide to move him while he still carries trade value around the league. For a former first-round pick with elite physical tools, there would almost certainly be teams willing to take a chance on unlocking his upside.

Another surprising name that could emerge in trade discussions is veteran cornerback Keisean Nixon. Nixon opened last season looking like one of the Packers’ best defensive players, but his production became increasingly inconsistent as the year progressed. Meanwhile, Green Bay used premium draft capital to aggressively reinforce the cornerback room, adding talented young defensive backs they clearly believe can become long-term starters.
That creates an interesting situation.
If rookies quickly outperform expectations during training camp, the Packers may decide Nixon becomes expendable — especially because experienced corners with starting experience always generate trade interest around the league. Green Bay could also create additional cap flexibility by moving him, making the possibility even more realistic.
At linebacker, Isaiah McDuffie is another player quietly drawing attention as a possible trade candidate. While he remains a solid rotational linebacker, Green Bay appears extremely excited about the future of younger players already climbing the depth chart. Edgerrin Cooper continues to develop into a potential star, while the team also believes Ty’Ron Hopper could eventually take on a larger role defensively.
If Hopper takes a major leap this season, McDuffie could suddenly become more valuable as a trade asset than as a depth piece. Teams around the league are constantly searching for experienced linebackers who can contribute immediately, and McDuffie’s versatility could make him attractive to linebacker-needy defenses.
On the offensive side, one of the most fascinating names being discussed is tight end Luke Musgrave. Just one year ago, many fans viewed Musgrave as a major piece of Green Bay’s future offense. But things have changed quickly. After injuries opened the door for him to claim a bigger role, Musgrave reportedly failed to fully capitalize on the opportunity, posting underwhelming production even when the offense desperately needed him to step up.

At the same time, the Packers continue adding more young talent at tight end, including intriguing undrafted players who are already generating quiet buzz internally. Combined with the emergence of Tucker Kraft as the clear TE1, Musgrave suddenly feels much less untouchable than he once did.
And because he is still young and athletic, Green Bay may believe now is the perfect time to move him before his value drops further.
Offensive lineman Jacob Monk is another under-the-radar name worth watching. The Packers continue prioritizing versatile linemen who can play multiple interior positions, and after adding more depth through the draft, Green Bay may eventually decide Monk becomes somewhat redundant within the system.
Versatile offensive linemen are highly valuable across the NFL, though, meaning Monk could absolutely attract interest from teams searching for affordable depth at center or guard.
And finally, perhaps the most awkward situation of all involves kicker Brandon McManus.
After an inconsistent 2025 season that included major struggles on longer field goals, Green Bay aggressively created competition by drafting rookie kicker Trey Smack. According to the discussion surrounding the roster, the Packers clearly want a true kicking battle entering camp — and if Smack wins the job outright, McManus could quickly become trade bait for teams desperate for veteran kicking help later in the offseason.
The biggest takeaway from all of this?
The Packers are entering a new phase where younger, cheaper talent is beginning to push established veterans off the roster. And with so many recent draft picks fighting for opportunities, Green Bay may not be done making major moves before Week 1 arrives.