With the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline right around the corner, the New England Patriots are going to be an intriguing team to keep an eye on. As the team continues to struggle, plenty of moves need to be made. One potential move could be working with the Green Bay Packers on a trade for offensive lineman Yosh Nijman to shore up the offensive line in front of quarterback Mac Jones.
Nijman has been floated as a potential trade candidate all season long. However, the Packers have their own issues on the offensive line and there is no guarantee that they would open to trading away their depth on the line.
Bleacher Report recently listed Nijman as an “add now” target for the patriots. A trade for him would not be too expensive and he would certainly immediately slide in as a starter for Bill Belichick and company.
Why The Patriots Should Trade For Packers’ Yosh Nijman
Here is a bit of the reasoning Bleacher Report gave for why the Patriots should consider trading for Nijman.
“It would make sense for the Patriots to at least look at adding another tackle, and Yosh Nijman would be an interesting option. He’s on track to be a free agent in 2024, but he isn’t getting the chance to earn a payday because he has played sparingly after starting 13 games last season.”
Standing in at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, there is no one that would deny that Nijman is a physically intimidating presence on the offensive line. He combines his impressive side with good athleticism and quickness for a man his size.
What would it cost for the Patriots to pull off this kind of a trade with the Packers? Honestly, it would likely not cost more than a fourth-round selection.
Green Bay has been an absolute nightmare themselves this season. After losing to the Minnesota Vikings at home in Week 8, the Packers fell to 2-5 on the season. Many believe that they could end up selling some of their veteran talent and players who they don’t view as long-term fits for the direction they’re heading.
The Patriots should absolutely consider this trade for a few reasons. Nijman could easily become a long-term piece of the New England offensive line. While Jones has received a ton of criticism for his play at the quarterback position this year, the line and playmakers around him have failed brutally as well.
If they can pull off a trade with the Packers for a reasonable price, they absolutely should do so. They may not end up pursuing Nijman, but the move would make a ton of sense.