Green Bay Packers Should Target Darren McFadden At NFL Trade Deadline

The Green Bay Packers have a couple of needs ahead of the 2016 NFL trade deadline. One of the biggest needs is at the running back position, where the Packers are dealing with injuries to both Eddie Lacy and James Starks. Ty Montgomery is currently the starting running back, while Knile Davis is working hard to figure out the offense.

Ted Thompson went out to acquire Davis from the Kansas City Chiefs before last week’s game against the Chicago Bears. Davis didn’t make an impact in that game, but Mike McCarthy mentioned that he would be a part of this week’s game plan against the Atlanta Falcons.

While the Packers have already traded for one running back, they likely would consider another if the price was right. Darren McFadden has fallen out of his role from last year with the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott has taken the starting job by storm and is without question one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Evan Western of Acme Packing Company mentioned McFadden as a potential running back trade target for the Packers.

Darren McFadden on trade rumors: I love it here, but I’m ready to play wherever … https://t.co/AtzFDZaz9l

— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) October 24, 2016

Last season as the starting running back in Dallas, McFadden carried the football 239 times for 1,089 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 40 passes for 328 yards on the season. Adding that behind Aaron Rodgers would give the Packers an even more dangerous offense.

Even though Lacy could come back before the end of the season, Green Bay cannot afford to depend on him. He has already looked like weight gain is an issue for him again this season. Lacy is likely playing in his final year as a member of the Packers and it’s time to begin moving on from him.

McFadden may not be a superstar, but he is more than capable of being a 1,000-yard back each and every season. He has had health issues throughout his career, but seemed to break free of them last year.

There is no telling whether the Cowboys would be willing to trade McFadden to an NFC rival like the Packers. He could be the missing piece that Green Bay needs to get back on track offensively. It will also be interesting to see what kind of price it would take to acquire McFadden if the Cowboys are indeed open to dealing him.

At 29-years-old, McFadden is in the final year of his contract with Dallas. If the Packers do bring him in, they won’t be forced to keep him longer than the rest of the season. Thompson isn’t normally aggressive on the trade market, but he may not have a choice if he wants to keep his franchise quarterback happy.

Rodgers wants another Super Bowl, and the Packers have come up short the past few years. Green Bay has lost some embarrassing games in the postseason over the past few years, and they can’t afford to miss out on opportunities to bring more talent on board.

Green Bay has a bigger need at the cornerback position, which they may choose to address via trade. They have dealt with Sam Shields missing almost all season due to concussion issues once again. Damarious Randall has struggled with nagging injuries as well, and there is no telling what the rest of the season holds at the position.

Ted Thompson has to make some moves if he wants to win a Super Bowl this season. Green Bay is once again one of the favorites in the NFC, especially with teams like the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals all struggling. At this point in the year, the Minnesota Vikings look like they might very well be the best team in the conference.

All of that being said, it will be interesting to see if the Packers swing a trade at the deadline. McFadden would make the Packers’ running game much more dangerous, although Green Bay may not be willing to give up the pieces it would take to get him. While the Packers may not make a deal, McFadden would be an excellent addition to their backfield.

Do you think the Green Bay Packers should consider trading for Darren McFadden? What other players do you think they should consider making a move for ahead of the deadline? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Featured Image by Jeffrey Phelps/AP Images]