Packers general manager Ted Thompson has a well-chronicled unwillingness to trade away draft picks. But concerns at the safety position may have caused a temporary change in Green Bay's philosophy.
The Florida Times-Unionreported on Sunday that the Packers have acquired safety Anthony Smith from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.
Smith is no stranger to the Green Bay system. The Packers signed him as a free agent in 2009, but released him in the final round of cutdowns during training camp.
Smith didn't play in the Jaguars’ losses to the San Diego Chargers in Week 2 and Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 because of a foot injury. He returned to the lineup in Week 4 against the Colts and intercepted a pass. He played in 64 snaps against the Colts and 56 against Buffalo last week.
The Packers have been hit hard by injuries at the safety position. Rookie Morgan Burnett, who was the starter, tore his ACL against the Detroit Lions in Week 4, and last year’s starter, Atari Bigby, is on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing ankle surgery. Bigby is eligible to return in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday.