The Green Bay Packers made some meaningful changes to their roster during the 2025 offseason, from altering the alignment of their starting offensive line to moving on from injury-troubled veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander.
But with more than $35 million remaining in cap space, the Packers have the resources available to make another splashy addition to their roster before the start of training camp if they feel there is a veteran who can help them improve their Super Bowl odds.
As a hypothetical, here are three potential trade candidates the Packers could consider:
Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey
GettyDolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The Packers have expressed confidence in cornerbacks Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine for the 2025 season, but they also attempted to retain Alexander on a restructured deal before releasing him, which suggests they believe having another veteran cornerback in the room would help their defense. That would track considering seventh-round picks Micah Robinson and Kalen King are their top two depth options.
While free agency has some cornerbacks to consider, the bolder play for the Packers would be bringing in Ramsey and letting him duke it out with their other boundary options to ensure they have the best possible starters in their secondary. Ramsey had 60 tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass deflections as a 17-game starter for the Dolphins in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons before missing out last year.
Yes, Ramsey is already 31 and tied to an expensive contract for the next four seasons (with a cap hit of about $16.6 million in 2025), but the Packers won’t mind paying him top-end money if he can push them over the edge in their championship pursuits.
Cleveland Browns CB Martin Emerson Jr.
GettyBrowns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.
Ramsey might be the most eye-catching cornerbacks on the trade market ahead of 2025 training camp, but Emerson is a lower-cost option who could provide the Packers with the experience they need at the position without disrupting the current order of things.
Emerson has started 33 games for the Browns in his first three NFL seasons, putting himself on the map in 2023 with four interceptions and 14 pass breakups while allowing an opposing passer rating of just 46.3 in coverage. While he took a statistical step back in 2024, he has outside starting experience that could provide the Packers with a safety net as they prepare for life without Alexander. The Browns might even consider trading him for a late Day 3 selection if they are intent on signing starter Greg Newsome II to a long-term extension and letting Emerson walk in 2026 free agency.
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson
GettyBengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Packers have not made many trades to acquire veteran talent in Brian Gutekunst’s eight offseasons as general manager. But with a home-run talent like Hendrickson on the market and the cap space to fit him on the books, Gutey could swing for the fences.
Hendrickson has been one of the league’s top pass rushers over the past several years, reaching four consecutive Pro Bowls and posting 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Bengals. The only reason that he is even considered available is that the Bengals have thus far been unwilling to pay him a contract more in line with his talent, which has led to intense friction with Hendrickson’s camp — and a trade demand.
Now, the Packers are currently hoping Lukas Van Ness will take the next step for them as their starting defensive end opposite Rashan Gary in 2025. They also added Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver with Day 3 picks during this past spring’s draft, which could prompt them to stick with the developmental route. If the Bengals are willing to lower their asking price from a first-round pick, though, the Packers should think long and hard about whether Hendrickson is a piece that can push them over the edge in 2025.
3 Potential Trade Targets for Packers Before 2025 Training Camp