Packers trade pitch sends $17 million player with 65 tackles to Bengals for unproven pass rusher

The Green Bay Packers are aiming to challenge the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North division title this season—even after their recent defensive decision to part ways with Jaire Alexander just over a week ago. Many expected Alexander to return, but it didn’t work out that way for the Packers.

“Packers GM Brian Gutekunst met in person with CB Jaire Alexander on Sunday one last time, presumably giving him one last chance to restructure/reduce his contract and when he refused, Alexander was released from the team the next morning. Jaire has yet to comment this offseason,” Packers reporter Mike Clemens wrote.

Green Bay is still searching for ways to improve its defense, starting with the pass rush, which was underwhelming last season. The Packers have been encouraged to trade for a pass rusher or at least sign a free agent who can contribute. However, they have stayed put for now. Former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness could be on the trading block, as his snap count has diminished.

“Whatever snaps were freed up by Smith’s departure weren’t handed to Van Ness. Instead, Brenton Cox and Arron Mosby got more opportunities and largely delivered. Both Cox and Mosby put interesting reps on tape last year as pass rushers, though their size made them liabilities in the run game,” Joe Meerdink wrote.

Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani suggests that Van Ness could be traded for the Bengals’ unsigned rookie Shemar Stewart.

“The Green Bay Packers could send Lukas Van Ness and a third-round pick for Shemar Stewart. Van Ness hasn’t exactly worked out as a first-round talent for the Packers — good against the run, steady player, he could help the Bengals for sure," Milani said. "At the same time, [Green Bay needs] to boost this pass rush, add some upside for this Packers defense, and Stewart might be a better fit for this current version of this Packers defense."

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Such a trade would give both teams what they want: an edge rusher for the Packers and a player with plenty of potential for the Bengals.