Deebo Samuel Isn't The Answer To Green Bay's WR1 Question

The 2024 season is over, with the Philadelphia Eagles earning the Lombardi Trophy.

Time to get back to the office and figure out how the Green Bay Packers can be that team in 2025.

Running back Josh Jacobs made some comments regarding Green Bay's need for a true No. 1 wide receiver — a common talking point these past two seasons.

Green Bay's talented room didn't make the massive leap forward we expected, but it's hard to deny that having a go-to guy would make Jordan Love's life much easier.

However, elite wide receivers don't grow on trees (it would be weird if they did!), so where can the Packers find one?

Jacobs hinted that he might recruit former Packer Davante Adams to take a second stint in Green Bay, but it's worth noting he's under contract with another team at this moment. Other options like Tee Higgins and Cooper Kupp are available but have their own concerns. Most recently, the San Francisco 49ers granted WR Deebo Samuel permission to seek a trade, adding another potentially exciting option.

But while Samuel might be the most high-profile option available, he doesn't actually make a lot of sense in Green Bay. This is one conversation Brian Gutekunst doesn't need to be in.

It's not to say Deebo isn't an exciting player. Every team is chasing his unique skillset as both a receiver and a runner. As we inch deeper into the hellscape of mock draft saturation, you'll see multiple prospects positively compared to Samuel. An offensive weapon that defies true positional boundaries is enticing.

The Packers like that concept so much that they went out and got their own! Jayden Reed might not have evolved into a “true WR1” this season, but he's that guy for the Packers. Reed and Samuel have a similar skill set. While you can legally have both on the field simultaneously, realistically, Samuel would take away snaps from Reed.

Samuel is the household name thanks to being the face of that archetype and his eye-popping 2021 season, but Reed did the job better in 2024.

Reed led the Packers in receiving yards (857) and was second on the team in receiving TDs (six) while putting up 163 rushing yards and another touchdown. Drops were an issue, but Reed was still the team's most productive receiver.

Meanwhile, Samuel had 670 receiving yards (three TDs) and 136 rushing yards (one TD). George Kittle and Jauan Jennings were the team's most productive receivers, with the team's WR1, Brandon Aiyuk, missing most of the season.

Considering age, price, and recent productivity, Reed is a better option for that role. And with only two seasons under his belt, Reed could take that mythical Year 3 leap and develop into that WR1 role.

Green Bay has plenty of role players in its current group. What they need is a true do-it-all receiver they can build the offense around and who can win in multiple ways. For all of his value, that's not Samuel.

ESPN's Mina Kimes says the best fit for Deebo is with a team that already has speed and needs yards-after-catch ability. With Christian Watson set to miss a good portion of the 2025 season, the Packers lack a speedy deep threat. But they do have Tucker Kraft, YAC machine. The skillset/need match-up isn't a great fit.

Green Bay needs a player with separation ability, and that's not Samuel's specialty. In a conversation with AtoZ Sport's Wendell Ferreria and Nicholas McGee, McGee explained why he didn't believe Samuel could be a WR1 at this point in his career.

Between those criticisms and already having Reed in a similar role, Samuel doesn't look like the guy for what the Packers need.

Gutekunst likes Samuel's game and considered him -- along with D.K. Metcalf, another wide receiver who might be available in March -- in 2019. However, he ultimately went for Elgton Jenkins with his second-round pick. But that was years ago, and, again, the team has Reed now. Gutekunst won't let nostalgia make a decision for him.

Samuel should be a hot commodity once the new league year begins, and he'll play a valuable role for whatever offense he goes to. He just doesn't make much sense for Green Bay. The Packers need to explore every avenue to get Jordan Love a No. 1 fella, and Gutekunst will likely at least inquire about Samuel's availability. But don't be surprised when the Packers look elsewhere.