What to Know: Packers have veteran WR Keke Coutee in for workout
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers reportedly worked out wide receiver Keke Coutee on Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero.
Listed at 5’11” – 180 pounds, Coutee was a fourth-round pick in 2018 by the Houston Texans. During his first three NFL seasons, Coutee caught 94 out of his 128 targets at 11.2 yards per catch with five touchdowns. Nearly 75% of his career snaps have come lined up in the slot, according to PFF ($$).
However, Coutee dealt with injuries and has spent the last two years with Indianapolis, where he played a small role in the Colts’ offense. During that span, Coutee was targeted only two times. Where he did make his impact, specifically in 2022, was as a punt returner, totaling 17 return attempts that averaged a solid 8.9 yards per opportunity.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston would add to Pelissero’s initial report that Coutee had a “strong” workout with the Packers, and although he will not be signed immediately, it could happen in the next few weeks. Wilson mentioned that Green Bay liked Coutee’s versatility.
The Packers have a very young wide receiver room, with Romeo Doubs and his 529 career snaps being the most experienced on the team. Even with all the talent that Green Bay has on the roster at that position, there will inevitably be ups and downs with all of the inexperience on the roster. A veteran addition would hopefully add some stability, along with being an extra set of eyes within the film room, on the practice field, and on the sidelines on Sundays.
With that said, Matt LaFleur mentioned recently that the Packers would first give the young receivers the chance to compete before deciding whether or not to venture into free agency. This idea aligns with the timeline that Wilson reported, allowing Green Bay to get a better idea of what they have in their young receivers during OTAs, which will take place over the coming weeks.
Whether or not Coutee would fill that veteran role remains to be seen. If signed, this could be more of a special teams move than anything else. Although the Packers do have All-Pro return man Keisean Nixon back under contract, along with second-round pick Jayden Reed, who has ample kick and punt return experience from his time at Michigan State, both will presumably be playing larger roles on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Having another option in Coutee to handle that workload as a return man, thus taking some responsibilities off Nixon and Reed’s plates, may not be a bad idea.
Currently, the Packers have 10 receivers on the 90-man roster, nine of which were either drafted or signed as an undrafted rookie within the last two offseasons. After releasing James Wiggins on Monday, Green Bay does have one open roster spot.