Green Bay Packers: Top 5 Free Agent Wide Receivers Remaining in 2020
The Green Bay Packers could still use a boost to their wide receiving corps and here are the five best remaining in free agency.
Fans and analysts alike entered the offseason expecting a major overhaul at wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. Even after finishing the season 13-3 and one game short of the Super Bowl, it was clear they didn’t have enough offensive weapons to beat the likes of the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs.
Last year, Davante Adams carried the unit with 83 receptions and 997 yards in just 12 games. Allen Lazard posted the best stats for a Packers’ wide receiver after Adams with a whopping 35 receptions and 477 yards. Not great, Bob.
Despite the momentous question marks at receiver, Green Bay zigged where everyone thought they would zag. Instead of loading up in the passing game–they only signed free agent Devin Funchess and drafted zero receivers–they doubled-down on the running game. General manager Brian Gutekunst used his second and third round picks on a running back and fullback/tight end respectively.
That leads the door open to wondering if Gutekunst will pursue another free agent acquisition at the position or if he’ll be satisfied with Lazard, Funchess and company supporting Adams in the passing game. If he decides to go with the former, here are the five best receivers remaining on the free agent market.
5. Tavon Austin
Once an explosive athlete drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 draft, Austin turned into a bit of a journeyman in the NFL, playing for three teams throughout his career. He’s now looking for his fourth and good be a nice gadget player for the Packers. He could play some in the slot and help Green Bay with those underneath crossers that have hurt them throughout the years.
4. Demaryius Thomas
There was a time when Demaryius Thomas was one of the most dominant wide receivers in the game. From 2012 to 2016, he posted at least 1000 receiving yards each season and even accrued more than 1300 in four of those five seasons. However, he’s failed to eclipse that milestone for three straight seasons and his arrow appears to be pointing downward. If he even has a little left in the tank, he’d be a good addition for Green Bay and a good mentor for the younger receivers.
3. Taylor Gabriel
Taylor Gabriel isn’t as fast as he once was, but he would still add some speed to the Packers’ skill positions. His best season came in 2018 when he caught 67 receptions for 688 yards; that would be a welcomed addition in Green Bay. Head coach Matt LaFleur could also do some unique things with him and move him around the field.
2. Paul Richardson
Coming off a fairly productive 2017 season which saw him catch 44 passes for 703 yards with the Seattle Seahawks, Paul Richardson signed a lucrative five-year contract with Washington. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and he was set free just two years into the deal. At 28-years-old, Richardson should still have something left in the tank and could push for snaps in Green Bay’s offense.
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1. Josh Gordon
Josh Gordn has never lived up to the hype he built up during his time with the Cleveland Browns–mostly due to suspension after suspension. Well, he was suspended indefinitely in December, but could return sooner due to the league’s relaxed marijuana rules. If that’s the case, the Packers could use a dynamic threat like Gordon.