IF Packers Add to WR, it will be After They See Their Current Group

There are still a few big names left on the wide receiver market, most notably Julio Jones and Odell Beckham, and many are wondering — or hoping — if the Green Bay Packers are going to make a move at the position.

As I’ve discussed before, I don’t see that happening. Although the receiver room has its question marks, it is still crowded. However, if an addition is going to be made, it won’t come until we are well into training camp or at the very end.

If the Packers end up making an addition at wide receiver, it will be after they see how their current group performs.

Before deciding to bring in another receiver, I imagine that the Packers want to see what they have in the players already on the roster because, as it currently stands, I’m not sure that there is room on the roster for an outside signing.

If the Packers keep six receivers — which is the most they’ve kept on the initial 53-man roster under Matt LaFleur — then each of those spots is already very likely accounted for by Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers. Then there is also Juwann Winfree and Samori Toure, who could provide special teams help, if the Packers choose to roster seven receivers.

On top of that, we can’t forget about the running backs and tight ends, both of whom will also be active in the passing game. Aaron Jones has finished second in targets three consecutive seasons, while AJ Dillon had 37 of his own in 2021. Robert Tonyan had 59 targets when fully healthy in 2020–not to mention that Marcedes Lewis and Josiah Deguara will have their own opportunities.

Another receiver on the roster also means fewer opportunities in practice and preseason games for the Packers’ young pass-catchers, who right now need as many reps as they can get.

An additional receiver on the roster, who is likely in Green Bay on a one-year deal, may also mean having to cut a younger receiver who could provide a longer-term impact.

Although there may be unknowns about this receiver room at this time, that doesn’t mean things are going to be bad either–we just don’t know.

Perhaps Watson and Doubs pick up the offense quickly and get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers. Maybe Amari Rodgers takes that Year 2 leap that many successful NFL players make while Watkins remains healthy and provides that downfield presence. Lazard and Cobb could also show that they can remain efficient and effective with more opportunities and attention from the defense.

If even a few of those things happen, which is very possible, LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst may not feel much of a need to add to the position. But the key is first going through padded practices and some preseason action to determine whether or not that is the case.

Now, on the flip side, if Watson and Doubs are coming along more slowly, while Rodgers doesn’t appear ready for a larger role, or the Packers simply aren’t seeing enough from their veterans, then there will likely be more urgency to address the receiver position.

We’ve certainly seen in recent seasons that if there is a hole to fill on this roster during the summer and even into the season, Gutey won’t hesitate to make an addition. Whitney Mercilus, Rasul Douglas, Jared Veldheer, and Tyler Ervin are just a few examples.

At this stage of the game, there definitely is uncertainty at the receiver position, but before feeling compelled to address that potential need, the Packers likely want to get an idea of what they have in these players first before bringing in someone new.