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Green Bay Packers: Sam Bradford-like Trade On Horizon?

By Erik Lambert

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary (65) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary (65) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers fans have trusted GM Ted Thompson for a long time, but even they found it difficult not to question his decision regarding Josh Sitton.

The three-time Pro Bowler has remained a fixture on the offensive line since 2008 and been a critical component to the teams’ success since then. He was ranked one of the best pass protectors in the NFL last season. Considering the struggles the Packers front had keeping Aaron Rodgers upright, this doesn’t feel like an addition by subtraction.

Whether it was because of money disagreements, tension over comments he made regarding offensive philosophy or concerns about his health, the fact remains his exit by all signs made them worse. Not only that but it potentially made one of their biggest rivals, the Chicago Bears better after they quickly scooped him up just a day after he left.

Tom Oates of Madison.com illustrated just what kind of fire Green Bay is playing with.

"“McCarthy has anointed career backup Lane Taylor as Sitton’s replacement, which is a major reach after Taylor impressed no one during exhibition play. He isn’t close to Sitton as a pass-blocker and, the last time anyone checked, keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers healthy is job one in Green Bay. Just as important, McCarthy didn’t give Taylor any time with the No. 1 line during the preseason, so it will take time for it to build chemistry.”"

It seems the only justification that can be found for replacing Sitton with Taylor is that Taylor is younger. As anybody knows in the NFL, younger is not always better. It would not be surprising if in the near future Green Bay was forced to make a move to stabilize an offensive line that doesn’t look any better than it was in 2015. A season in which they allowed 47 sacks.

Could this mean the team might take drastic action? Perhaps an aggressive trade similar to what the Minnesota Viking did with Sam Bradford after Teddy Bridgewater went down?

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If so then one name immediately jumps out. That is Ronald Leary. For those who don’t remember, he was the starting left guard in 2014 for the Dallas Cowboys when they made the playoffs. Last year an injury setback caused him to lose his job to La’el Collins. Now he’s stuck on the bench at 27-years old. So far trade requests haven’t been received by the Cowboys, who seem intent on keeping him as their primary backup.

Unless of course a team comes with a strong enough offer. Jerry Jones has never been afraid to do some trading but only when the draft currency involved is significant. Green Bay might want to make an aggressive move for Leary, who is more experience, more proven and at this point better than Lane Taylor. If 2016 is about the Super Bowl as they’ve said, then Thompson and McCarthy need to at least consider this move.

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