Much of the attention when it comes to Green Bay Packers playmakers has been on Matthew Golden and Christian Watson. Considering the leap that both players are expected to take this is understandable, but leaving the third receiver a bit underrated this summer. Fans were given a reminder of that in Green Bay's preseason opener when Jayden Reed was targeted twice by Jordan Love and caught one of these for 19 yards in what was a nice play and proved Reed is being a bit underrated when talking about the Packers top playmakers.
Tucker Kraft factors into thisas well with the tight end coming off a serious injury and making a case as the league's best at the position when healthy. Add in the contract extension for Watson and the larger role for Golden, and it makes sense there has been little attention on Reed. This leaves the pass catcher as the most underrated offensive weapon, and one that has already proven capable of having an elite impact when able to stay healthy.
Reed's best season was in 2024, when the receiver offered 857 receiving yards and six touchdowns. This was a season after having eight touchdowns and 793 receiving yards proving in both seasons he was a safety blanket for Jordan Love. Last season things took a huge step back with Reed never appearing to be healthy and not having the same burst and impact when he was on the field a season ago.
Packers Shouldn't Underrate Jayden Reed Ahead of 2026 Season
Last season's results were 207 receiving yards and a lone touchdown as injuries derailed any chance of building momentum. With this in mind, the larger smaple size says that Reed is going to have far more of an impact on the season ahead than he is getting credit for. While there are understandable reasons for this, it doesn't take away the fact that the Packer playmaker is being set up for a big year.
Due to reps and being tested in big moments it is easy to argue that Love has a far higher level of trust in Reed than the younger Golden. Add in the fact that Watson is yet to complete a season without missing time due to injury, and there is a case to be made Reed could finish the season with a far more impressive stat line than many expect.
The lone drive that Love played in the preseason opener served as a reminder of this and should have expectations building for the fourth-year pass catcher.
Add us as a preferred source on Google