Are the Green Bay Packers aware of their urgent need for wide receiver reinforcements? Christian Watson faces an indefinite absence after tearing his ACL in the season finale, and last year’s performance leaves the entire receiving group shrouded in uncertainty.

Without Watson’s speed, the Packers struggled to challenge defenses vertically, and Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed dealt with frequent drops. Who can reliably defeat man coverage? Which receiver will rise to the occasion when Jordan Love needs a crucial play? The Packers had chances. According to ESPN’s Jason Wilde, Davante Adams was open to returning, yet Green Bay didn’t pursue it.

The same happened with DK Metcalf, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. General manager Brian Gutekunst must enhance the receiving corps, but his lack of action means the Packers must turn solely to the draft. On Wednesday, another potential target slipped away. The Seahawks signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, eliminating a potential short-term fix for the Packers.

Green Bay lacks a player who can match Watson’s speed, a critical component of Matt LaFleur’s offense that compels defenses to honor the deep threat, creating opportunities for Reed, Romeo Doubs, and the tight ends underneath. A reunion with Valdes-Scantling could have provided the Packers with an affordable, temporary solution during Watson’s absence, but that’s no longer an option. As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Valdes-Scantling is signing a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks.

Speed is essential in LaFleur’s system, and Valdes-Scantling could have brought that to the table. He is familiar with the scheme. While MVS may never be a WR1 commanding all targets, he was a prime candidate for a free-agent signing as a field-stretcher capable of creating significant plays. The options left in free agency are scarce.

Unless the Packers are willing to consider a veteran like Stefon Diggs (when healthy), Amari Cooper, or Keenan Allen, the draft remains the sole route. These veterans are aging and unlikely to replace Watson’s role in this offense. Diggs is also recovering from a major injury. The Packers have bolstered their offensive line and strengthened their cornerback position, yet many of the glaring issues from the offseason persist.

Green Bay still needs improvements in pass rush, an outside cornerback, and has yet to address the wide receiver position. While MVS might not have been the dream acquisition, he could have addressed a concern in LaFleur’s offense. The Packers are running out of options.