The Green Bay Packers have a pressing need at inside linebacker. They released former First-Team All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell earlier this offseason, who battled injuries last season. The move freed up over $10 million in cap space. However, the only formidable inside linebackers on the Packers are talented, young defender Quay Walker and role player Isaiah McDuffie. Walker has recorded close to 240 tackles over the last two seasons, and McDuffie had a career year in 2023 but has only started nine games in three years.

Green Bay needs another inside linebacker to pair with Walker. With the Packers’ stash of draft picks, 11 to be exact, they do have some ammo for a trade. They have five top-100 picks. Why not try to acquire an elite playmaker like Kansas City’s Nick Bolton?

Mr. Do-It-All

If the Packers are looking for another elite defender in the middle of their defense, they’ll want someone who is young and explosive. This is where 24-year-old Nick Bolton could come in. He is one of the bright young linebackers in the league.

For starters, he set the Chiefs record most tackles in a season in 2022 (180). He jumped from 112 as a rookie to 180 as an NFL sophomore. Throw in 21 tackles for loss too over his young career. But not only is he a big-time tackler, he also has a nose for the ball. He has recorded nine pass deflections and three interceptions over his first three years. If it wasn’t for his play in the middle of Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, the Chiefs might not have back-to-back Lombardi Trophies.

What A Trade Could Look Like

Again, Green Bay has a haul of draft picks heading into the NFL Draft this month. They could either send a first-round pick, or they could package a couple to send to the Chiefs for Bolton. Judging by his abilities, tape, and age, Packers fans should not be mad if GM Brian Gutekunst sent Kansas City the 25th overall pick for him. Again, inside linebacker is a big need for Green Bay. Trading for Bolton and pairing him with Walker would be a big-time, win-now move, especially for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.