Green Bay Packers: 4 Wide Receivers Still Available
The Green Bay Packers still need to address their hole at wide receiver and could turn to any of these four remaining players to do so.
The Green Bay Packers got an early head start on free agent by signing Christian Kirksey and Ricky Wagner on Monday–before the legal tampering period even began. Both guys had been released by their respective team the week before, allowing Green Bay to sign them before free agency technically began.
Even with inside linebacker and right tackle temporarily addressed, the Packers still have a huge hole at wide receiver. Davante Adams is their stud, but the talent is few and far in between after him.
General manager Brian Gutekunst did tender exclusive rights free agents Geronimo Allison and Allen Lazard, meaning they’ll both be back next year. Regardless, the Packers lack a true number two receiving threat across the board and could desperately use an upgrade at the position after seemingly taking hits on their offensive line and inside linebacker. Here are four wide receivers still available that they could target:
Phillip Dorsett
The speedster out of the University of Miami, Phillip Dorsett’s career hasn’t quite gotten of to the start he hoped for after being selected with the 29th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. His best season came back in 2016 when he snagged 33 receptions for 528 yards. Despite the lack of production, he would be a cheap option for Green Bay and an instant upgrade to their lack of team speed. Considering Green Bay’s lack of available cap space, that might make him an attractive option at this point in free agency.
Taylor Gabriel
Taylor Gabriel appears to be the Packers’ type of free agent acquisition they’ve targeted this season, as he was released by the Chicago Bears earlier. However, the Packers aren’t losing a receiver in free agency so there’s nothing to cancel out as far as compensatory picks. Gabriel can play all over the field and is also known for his speed, similar to Dorsett. It would be fun to watch him spread the defense out and give Adams and Lazard more room to work with underneath.
Robby Anderson
Speaking of deep threats, Robby Anderson is one of the best wide receivers remaining. At just 26-years-old, he won’t come cheap in a class that’s void of top targets outside of Amari Cooper. He posted career-highs in receptions (63), receiving yards (941) and touchdowns (7) in 2017. He hasn’t quite been able to match those numbers in 2018 or 2019, but will be asking for a contract based on his previous potential. If Gutekunst is willing to pony up the cash Anderson is his man.
Next. Packers: 5 Affordable Free Agents Remaining. dark
Emmanuel Sanders
Arguably the top remaining receiver on the board, Emmanuel Sanders has a polar opposite game of Anderson. Where Anderson relies on speed, Sanders has a bag full of elite route running, agility and veteran savvy. His best days are certainly behind him, but that didn’t stop him from hauling in 66 receptions for 869 yards last season. If the Packers are looking for a stop-gap in the slot, they could target Sanders to upgrade their receiving corps.