Free Agency Hangover: Trust the Core
Time for the wide receivers to improve and elevate together.
The Green Bay Packers free agency sweepstakes concluded with the team adding zero wide receivers. This could mean a couple things:
- The market for adding an impactful veteran wide receiver appeared too costly as the front office resisted the urge to be aggressive and take a gamble.
- Brian Gutekust is content and confident in this wide receiver core to continue to grow and develop together regardless of the growing pains.
Both can be true.
Gutekust did not make a call to WR Davante Adams for a reunion, who signed with the Rams for two-years $46 million with $26 million guaranteed. He also did not cough up a second round pick and a giant contract for WR DK Metcalf, who was traded to the Steelers for pick 52 and signed for five-years, $150 million with $58.2 million guaranteed. Now that the madness of free agency has subsided, seeing the guaranteed money for both receivers looked like a wise decision to not bring them to Lambeau. WR Cooper Kupp, who has been consistently injury-prone and struggled to get open last season, signed for three-years $45 million with Seattle, meaning cheesehead nation can take a deep breath of relief with how that rumor-filled story concluded. Yes, the Packers should approach this season with a “win now” mindset, but remaining patient while avoiding potentially reckless and costly signing decisions is never the wrong answer.
Where does the Green Bay wide receiver depth chart stand?
Here are the current top six wide receivers on the depth chart:
- Christian Watson, who in three seasons has played 38 games collecting 98 receptions, 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns.
- Romeo Doubs, who in three seasons has played 43 games collecting 147 receptions, 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns.
- Jayden Reed, who in two seasons has played in 33 games collecting 119 receptions, 1,650 yards and 14 touchdowns.
- Dontayvion Wicks, who in two seasons has played in 32 games collecting 78 receptions, 996 yards and 9 touchdowns.
- Bo Melton, who in two seasons has played in 22 games collecting 24 receptions, 309 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Malik Heath, who in two seasons has played in 26 games collecting 25 receptions, 222 yards and 3 touchdowns.
What are the expectations for this core to elevate?
Every receiver needs to take a step up. Watson and Doubs are set to be free agents as of now when the 2025-2026 season concludes. Expect both wide receivers to be motivated on a contract season to perform their best when available. Watson needs to look sharp coming off of an ACL injury. Doubs needs to remain as one of QB Jordan Love’s most trustworthy assets when it’s time for a clutch play.
Reed and Love’s chemistry development is a key factor for the offense to start clicking and elevating together. Reed has that number one receiver potential and there should be a trust that he will meet that expectation. Wicks has the ability of being able to consistently get open, which a lot of teams are missing that type of playmaker. If Wicks can improve on the drops, he can be a real catalyst and blossom into a touchdown machine. Melton and Heath both will have more responsibility and a chance to get more playing time with Watson being out. Expect the Packers to also draft a wide receiver adding to the depth chart.
RB Josh Jacobs did not hold back when stating that the team needs a proven number one wide receiver. Maybe it hurt some feelings, but maybe it also lit a fire of motivation for this young wide receiver core. That is what great leaders do, motivate. The potential is there.
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Mitchell Adams is a passionate lifelong Packer fan bringing a unique West Coast perspective, and also produces multiple podcast platforms, is a published author, and a proud Packers shareholder. Follow him on X at @mitchadams209.
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Comments (35)
beerandbrats
March 18, 2025 at 02:10 pm
Wicks disappointed by dropping so many critical passes last year. I like Wicks and I'm hoping Wicks turns into DA 2.0 this year!
GregC
March 18, 2025 at 02:59 pm
It's Melton, not Milton. Sheesh!
LambeauPlain
March 19, 2025 at 08:21 am
I learned early in life proof-reading was not a strength. So I worked at it...but when writing important communications I learned to have a colleague who was good at proofing to proof my work.
Rustyweezee
March 18, 2025 at 03:03 pm
If you follow Justis Mosqueda, you may already be wondering about Reed being talked about as the Packers #1 receiver. Justis has a good article out today (3/18) about Reed. Unless they have three wide receivers on the field, he’s not on the field. And considering how LaFleur wants a run-based offense and frequent two tight end sets, that doesn’t leave very much room for a slot receiver to get many snaps. Then add in his ineffectiveness against man-to-man coverage, and we’re left with a receiver who just isn’t in the discussion for #1 receiver. I love the big time plays we’ve seen from him, but I’m not believing he’s the guy to put our hopes in anymore.
beerandbrats
March 18, 2025 at 03:36 pm
I think Reed is our top WR but why is he a slot receiver?
What happened to the days when you got it done with 2 receivers, like Brooks and Ferguson? What happened to the days where all receivers had to learn every position for every play so defenses couldn't key on any particular guy, like the slot receiver? Isn't this one reason why we have standards for selecting a WR in the draft? It's the Packer way!
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 04:20 pm
That’s somewhat misleading. Reed had the most snaps last year of any receiver. Only Doubs was close. Doubs tends to be the nearest to a fixture as he does most of the dirty work (and thus is less often a primary target than one would think) and the others move in and out and not always at the same position to a greater extent, depending on the game tactics or call.
That includes Reed, even though he’s primarily a slot, and he’s done most of his damage when used as one, which he really wasn’t conventionally (those routes were rare) in the second part of last year. Reed, like most slots, has struggled with press on the outside. Most true slots do, partly that’s due to size and partly that most haven’t had much experience facing previously.
LaFleur does not often call deep routes from the in field receivers in 3+ receiver sets either. This is not the earlier era McCarthy offense.
NJMagic
March 18, 2025 at 04:35 pm
Justis pointed out that Reed was also terrible at beating man coverage.... can't be a #1 if can't get open.
(or catch the ball....looking at you Wicks...)
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 04:52 pm
I don’t know that he is bad in man necessarily, more he’s at a disadvantage, but he definitely struggles with press and press man. That’s not surprising at sub190 and 5’11. If he’s not in motion he’s got issues of size, reach, strength. At the line he can be knocked off his timing by press.
To beat man he’s got to get separation by route finesse (like most slots that’s not his strong point) or speed. He’s at a disadvantage high pointing and needs more separation vertically than a Watson type on long balls to get a clean shot at it over the defender. Melton has the same issues.
Conversely, play off coverage to either and their burst and agility come in to play. That’s why most teams do not play off if they see them move to the perimeters. In the slot they can separate through motion or gaps in zones.
TarynsEyes
March 18, 2025 at 03:41 pm
Choosing a #1 from a bunch of two and three's at best, doesn't really make a legit #1. Let's get these guys to perform consistently at their levels first. Someone needs to separate from the others, in a meaningful way, not a game here and there. If it doesn't happen this year by trade deadline, then it's a deeper issue with the talent evaluations, and or, coaching ability.
LeotisHarris
March 18, 2025 at 04:26 pm
"Wicks has the ability of being able to consistently get open, which a lot of teams are missing that type of playmaker."
"Reed and Love’s chemistry development is a key factor for the offense to start clicking and elevating together."
:::bites back of hand:::
Does the author know the difference between core and corps?
Grammarly is FREE.
Leatherhead
March 18, 2025 at 05:37 pm
I've come to believe it doesn't matter. Cursive writing doesn't matter, spelling doesn't matter, even basic grammar. You're one of the last of your kind.
The other night on TV, a U.S. Representative, a lawyer, went on a rant that was just full of grammar errors and profanity.....in front of the cameras. I remember wondering how a person who can't express themselves better than that could graduate from a law school. Apparently, they can.
Isn't 'corps' supposed to have an 'e' on the end?
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 05:52 pm
To answer that last part: Mine will, when I die.
egbertsouse
March 18, 2025 at 06:41 pm
Depends what law school and whether your father is rich.
Bitternotsour
March 18, 2025 at 06:04 pm
aren't the packers technically more of a collective than a corp?
egbertsouse
March 18, 2025 at 06:42 pm
Sounds suspiciously commie to me.
the_gavia_pass
March 18, 2025 at 04:43 pm
it's years and years I read this.
and i always think...if you have a stone it will remain a stone may be you can make it a little better but it will never develop in gold.
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 05:06 pm
Gold is found within some stone, if you keep at it. What one can’t do is turn a lead into gold if it’s lead you actually found.
LeotisHarris
March 18, 2025 at 08:23 pm
Are we supposed to tolerate this alchemist erasure?
Leatherhead
March 18, 2025 at 05:30 pm
A single stone brought down Goliath and changed history.
Never under estimate the power of Rock.
the_gavia_pass
March 18, 2025 at 05:57 pm
was not a stone. a stupid giant vs a high IQ small guy
LeotisHarris
March 18, 2025 at 08:26 pm
Sure, now the Stone Deniers show up. Jesus Christ!
egbertsouse
March 18, 2025 at 06:44 pm
Do you smell what the Rock is cooking?!
Oppy
March 18, 2025 at 05:36 pm
Everyone is working overtime trying to pull together a passable turn of phrase out of this stone/gold analogy. Sometimes it's best to just stick to the classics that are time tested- I'm pretty sure the polished turd analogy is what fits best here.
LeotisHarris
March 18, 2025 at 08:24 pm
It's a slippery slope from a polished turd to a turd in the punchbowl.
Oppy
March 18, 2025 at 05:48 pm
Wicks gets sited for drops, but Reed gets a free pass? (No pun intended, I swear)
In 2024 regular season:
Reed:: 9 drops. Targets: 75, 12% drop rate.
Wicks, 9 drops. Targets: 76. 11.8% drop rate.
The drops were absolutely atrocious for both players, among the absolute worst in the league at any position for drops and drop percentage, much less just WRs.
Romeo Doubs, our "hands" guy, had the 14th most drops of any player regardless of position in the league with 7; his drop percentage was 9.7%, good for 18th worst in the league.
Watson's injury aside; if Reed, Wicks, and Doubs can correct the drops and just become middle-of-the-road in terms of catch percentage, it will be a massive boon for the offense.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 05:54 pm
I trust my core every time I do squats. Gotta keep it engaged to avoid injuring the back.
(Engaged? Who’s getting married? And out of all of our backs, I really hope Jacobs doesn’t get hurt.)
stockholder
March 18, 2025 at 05:54 pm
It's time= for better
SDPack
March 18, 2025 at 06:36 pm
What does not get talked about regarding drops of QB accuracy. Love just seemed like his timing was off much of the year due to his injuries. That led to misplaced balls and hard to catch balls that will have an impact on the receiver drops stat. The fact that Wicks, Doubs, and Reed all had so many drops is not a coincidence. Love needs to bounce back and find his passing rhythm. I think improved QB play and more experience together will lead to better performance and fewer drops. It is too easy to look at the stat and blame the WRs. This is a team game and the timing and accuracy of throws is part of that process, not to mention pass protection, etc. It all has to operate together.
I also hear a lot of criticism on Musgrave. Let’s recall he originally beat out Kraft. Injuries obviously derailed him. However, he is the field stretching TE and nobody else on the team has his skill set. A healthy Musgrave will mean more 12 personnel and less reliance on 3 WRs. He will play a vital role next year and hopefully another lacerated kidney is not in the cards.
GregC
March 18, 2025 at 07:00 pm
Good point about accuracy and drops. The single easiest way to improve this offense will be improved QB play. I'm optimistic that it will happen next season.
I am hoping to see a lot of Musgrave next year. He tied the Packer record for most catches by a rookie TE, in spite of missing a few games near the end of that season. The strange thing was how little he was involved in the offense in the early part of his second season. I think he can at least be a good #2 TE, even if the offense has to work a little differently if he needs to replace Kraft.
SJPack
March 18, 2025 at 07:27 pm
The ankle surgery after his week 4 injury may have contributed to Musgrave's slow start and being out for a couple of months ;0) He's got to get those ankles working in sync too, no more tripping over his own feet.
Oppy
March 18, 2025 at 09:50 pm
"It is too easy to look at the stat and blame the WRs."
You are correct. Luckily, I watch the games with my own two eyes and witnessed literally dozens of balls that hit those WRs in both hands and ended up hitting the ground regardless. The WRs' drops are a very real problem that is owned by the WRs. That's not to say there weren't some accuracy issues on Love's end of the donkey, but to pretend the WR drops weren't a WR problem is dishonest at best.
There's a ton of talent in the WR room and I believe they can and will surmount their issues, but their drops are a real problem. There's no defending it. The balls were there to be caught.
It's got to improve.
NFLfan
March 18, 2025 at 08:38 pm
Too much focus on the run game. The receivers and Love don't get enough reps and what happens if Jacobs gets severely injured?
Oppy
March 18, 2025 at 09:53 pm
Balanced offense is good for everyone. If Jacobs gets injured, we have two other backs on the roster who posted very good results when they were handed the rock (5+ ypc) and another RB who has an incredibly intriguing skillset- and although we haven't had the chance to see that on the field yet- he could be a real highlight reel back if things fall just right.
NFLfan
March 18, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Pass offensive play-calling and execution were problematic.
harleycops
March 19, 2025 at 08:19 am
If these WRs can't catch the ball and keeping racking up dropsy stats after 3 years, then when do they become Guter's big receiving corps that needs no new FAs? So, he'll draft another and another hoping to find one with good hands. How ironic if Guter drafts a WR in the draft in Green Bay.