The Question Is Not "If" But "How" the Packers Add Receivers

The Green Bay Packers’ roster is stacked with young talent, and some of these players are starting to come into their own. But this offseason could see a tilt toward some veteran additions. Considering the current state of the offense, some help at wide receiver is essential. What Green Bay chooses to do at the position could elevate that unit to an elite level.

Josh Jacobs ran for 1329 yards last season behind a high-performing offensive line. However, Jordan Love and the passing game took a step back from 2023.

Some of that may be attributable to the WR corps, where many moving parts are going in different directions this offseason.

Christian Watson tore his ACL in Week 18 and isn't expected back until midway through 2025. Romeo Doubs sustained two concussions in 2024, including one in the playoff loss. Jayden Reed suffered a torn labrum in the same game against the Philadelphia Eagles and could miss early parts of the offseason program.

Even if those injuries hadn't happened, Green Bay would still have a receiver near the top of their wish list. That group didn't evolve as well as expected, which isn’t entirely on them. Love was up-and-down all season and also dealt with injuries. Meanwhile, head coach Matt LaFleur couldn't quite scheme guys open as often as he had in the past.

In his press conference at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Brian Gutekunst spoke in detail about the wide receiver group, which shed a little light on his plans.

It's well known that the Packers haven't selected a receiver in the first draft round since they took Javon Walker in 2002. In recent years, that lone fact has blown up to evolving theories that the Packers flat-out refuse to take a first-round WR as a personal philosophy.

Gutekunst shot that down.

The wrinkle for Green Bay is that they already have a bunch of young wide receivers. The more logical move is to bring in a veteran to help supercharge the passing game in 2025.

However, Gutekunst believes wide receivers are developing differently today.

It's a fair point. Just look at this year’s rookie wide receivers like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, who are perfect examples of pass catchers who immediately contributed to their respective offenses.

Gutekunst is no fool. There is too much uncertainty in this WR group not to add somebody to the room, one way or another.

One of those questions is the injuries that piled up. With Watson, specifically, Gutekunst expects No. 9 to attack his rehab.

The Packers would feel Watson's absence if they stand pat at wide receiver. Watson started to develop into much more than just a deep threat in 2024. His route tree expanded, and opposing defenses must always account for him when he's on the field. Rolling with the same crew while knowing Watson will miss significant time in 2025 would be reckless.

Green Bay's offense is so close to complete. The running back room is in a great spot. The offensive line is only getting better and has so many versatile pieces. The tight end room has Tucker Kraft, who is becoming one of the better young options in the league. However, the wide receiver room is still missing something, and filling that void is the key to taking this offense to the next level.