### Packers Consider Trades Ahead of Deadline, Smith and Dillard Draw Interest

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Green Bay Packers are contemplating their strategies, and they have some potential trade assets in defensive end Preston Smith and tackle Andre Dillard. The team's decision could significantly impact their season and future draft prospects.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has reported that both Smith and Dillard are among nine players in the league who have sparked trade interest as Week 7 looms. This comes after Smith agreed to a contract adjustment this offseason, lowering his 2024 base salary by $1.9 million in return for $4 million in sack incentives if he hits 10 sacks for the season. Currently, Smith has managed 2.5 sacks in 2024, but the Packers' defense has faced challenges transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme.

Given his skills, Smith would be more advantageous to a team that employs a 3-4 defense. In Green Bay’s current 4-3 scheme, Smith is often tasked with pass-rushing duties that haven't been his forte in recent years. Trading Smith could also open up opportunities for Lukas Van Ness, a former first-round pick. Van Ness has participated in 153 snaps (39 percent), compared to Smith's 228 snaps (58 percent), suggesting that removing Smith could significantly increase Van Ness's development opportunities as a pass rusher.

On the other hand, Andre Dillard has yet to make an offensive appearance for the Packers since being signed before the draft as tackle insurance. Activated for only three games this season, Dillard has not played any offensive snaps but has contributed 16 special teams snaps, primarily in field goal protection roles. Despite limited playtime with Green Bay, Dillard has an extensive resume with previous teams, having participated in 62 NFL games and 19 starts, accumulating 1,276 regular-season offensive snaps in his career.

The demand for offensive line talent is ever-present, and recent moves by teams, such as the New England Patriots’ acquisition of Lecitus Smith from the Packers’ practice squad, demonstrate this need. Green Bay might leverage Dillard’s experience to garner draft capital. Specifically, trading Dillard could recoup a seventh-round pick for the 2025 draft, a pick the Packers had traded to the Tennessee Titans for backup quarterback Malik Willis.

As the trade deadline nears, the Packers have critical decisions to make, weighing immediate needs against long-term gains. Trading seasoned players like Smith and Dillard could pave the way for both roster development and future draft opportunities.