The recent Sunday night game left an indelible mark on the hearts of Green Bay Packers fans. The team’s weak defensive performance against the Dallas Cowboys was not merely a significant loss on the scoreboard; it was a blaring alarm about serious vulnerabilities in their defensive system. This raises a crucial question: could this be the prelude to a “big move” by Brian Gutekunst, a strategic maneuver to salvage the season and a flickering Super Bowl dream?

The Defensive Debacle Against the Cowboys: Dak Prescott Takes Over

What unfolded on the field against the Dallas Cowboys was nothing short of a nightmare for the Packers’ defense. Despite facing significant pressure, Dak Prescott achieved a remarkable 90% completion rate, throwing for 134 yards and a touchdown without a single turnover-worthy play. What makes this even more alarming is that he accomplished this without the help of star player CeeDee Lamb, who was benched for most of the game. This highlighted the inexcusable weakness of the cornerbacks, who should have been able to cover their assignments effectively during the short time Prescott had to get the ball out.

The performance of the Packers’ defense, particularly the secondary, showed a worrying regression. After an impressive start to the season in the first two games against the Lions and Commanders, where they demonstrated solidity and efficiency, everything seemed to collapse. The game against the Cowboys marked the nadir of this decline, showcasing one of the worst performances by the cornerbacks all season. Nate Hobbs, who had been praised just days before, had his worst day as a pro, targeted six times, allowing five receptions, 57 yards, and two touchdowns, with a passer rating against him soaring to 145.8. These numbers paint a bleak picture of his effectiveness. Other defensive backs like Carrington Valentine (nearly 160), Javon Bullard (98.6), Xavier McKinney (95.8), and Evan Williams (89.6) fared no better, indicating a collective failure of the defensive unit.

The Peril of Over-Reliance on the Defensive Line

Over-reliance on the defensive line to generate pressure on the opposing quarterback is a double-edged sword. When the defensive line fails to create timely pressure or sacks, the secondary is forced to bear an immense burden. This was painfully evident in the game against Dallas. Without a strong enough secondary to contain the opposing receivers, games where the defensive line doesn’t get many sacks will inevitably become disasters. The Packers witnessed this firsthand as the Cowboys easily put up 40 points—a number that is unsustainable for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. To win critical games, especially in the playoffs, a solid secondary is a non-negotiable requirement, even if the defensive line has an off day.

Tariq Woolen: A Promising Trade Target?

Given the urgency of the situation, the question is whether Brian Gutekunst should make a big move to shore up the defense. With Jaire Alexander’s departure and no suitable replacement beyond moving Bo Melton from wide receiver, the need for a quality cornerback is glaringly obvious. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks.

Rumors about the Seahawks’ willingness to trade Woolen are not without merit. Ian Rapoport reported on the possibility, especially with Devon Witherspoon’s return, which has diminished Woolen’s playing time in his contract year. Insider sources from Chat Sports suggest that it was actually John Schneider, the Seahawks’ General Manager, who leaked this information, indicating that Seattle is actively looking for a trade partner. This could be a golden opportunity for the Packers.

While 2024 has not been Woolen’s best year, this very fact places his value at its lowest, creating an opportunity for the Packers to acquire a talented player at a reasonable price. With a better defensive system and the formidable pass rush of the Packers’ defensive line, Woolen could potentially regain his peak form. He has 14 tackles in 2025, 46 tackles in 15 games in 2024, 53 tackles in 16 games the year before, and 63 tackles in 17 games in 2022, along with multiple interceptions in his past three seasons. He is considered the most realistic trade target, with an expected price of a 2026 fourth-round pick. Given that the Packers already made a significant move to bring in Micah Parsons, demonstrating their commitment to competing for a Super Bowl in 2025, adding Woolen could be the logical next step to complete the roster.

Joshua Williams and Other Free Agent Options

In addition to Tariq Woolen, another name mentioned is Joshua Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he lacks the name recognition or on-field value of Woolen, Williams could be a more cost-effective option, particularly if the Packers are only looking to add depth. He has primarily been a special teams player in 2025 but has played 40% of defensive snaps over the last three years. While not a star, acquiring Williams could provide the necessary flexibility for the defense.

However, an even more intriguing option exists: the free agent market. Players like Stefon Gilmore, Asante Samuel Jr., and Kendall Fuller are still available. While Gilmore is older, he is still regarded as capable of playing at a high level. Asante Samuel Jr. is arguably the youngest and most promising of the three, but he is dealing with health issues. Signing one of these players could provide a “plug-and-play” solution after a week or two of adapting to the new system. This might be a less risky approach than trading away a draft pick.

Conclusion: The Time for a Major Decision

Based on their performance against Dallas, it’s clear that the Green Bay Packers’ defense needs serious attention. The over-reliance on the defensive line to generate pressure is simply not sustainable. A strong secondary is the key to victory, especially in games where the opponent’s passing game is effective.

Brian Gutekunst is now facing a crucial decision. Will he take a risk with a trade for a talent like Tariq Woolen, hoping he can regain his best form in a new environment? Or will he opt for a safer solution from the free agent market, perhaps waiting for stars like Asante Samuel Jr. to recover? Whatever his choice, one thing is certain: the Packers must make a “big move” to solidify their defense if they genuinely want to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. Silence is not an option right now. Fans are waiting, and the pressure in Green Bay is mounting.