Are the Green Bay Packers aware of their need for assistance at the wide receiver position? Christian Watson is sidelined indefinitely after tearing his ACL in the last regular-season game, creating further uncertainty among the receiving group following the previous season. The Packers struggled to challenge defenses downfield without Watson’s speed, while both Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed faced issues with dropped passes throughout the year.
Who can reliably defeat man coverage? Which receiver will rise to the occasion when Jordan Love urgently needs a play? The Packers had their chances. According to ESPN’s Jason Wilde, Davante Adams was open to rejoining the team, but Green Bay never contacted him. The situation was similar with DK Metcalf, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst needs to enhance the receiving lineup, but his lack of action leaves the Packers looking solely at the draft. Another potential target slipped away on Wednesday. The Seahawks have signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, eliminating a potential short-term fix for the Packers. The Packers lack a player who can match Watson’s speed, which is a crucial element in Matt LaFleur’s offense. It compels defenses to take the deep pass seriously, creating opportunities underneath for Reed, Romeo Doubs, and the tight ends.
Bringing back Marquez Valdes-Scantling could have provided the Packers with a cost-effective, temporary solution during Watson’s absence. However, that option is now off the table. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Valdes-Scantling has agreed to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks. Speed plays a vital role in LaFleur’s offense, and Valdes-Scantling could have delivered that aspect.
He is familiar with the system. Although MVS might never become a top receiver who commands numerous targets, as a field-stretching player capable of generating significant plays, he was an ideal free-agent option. The remaining free agency choices? Limited. Unless the Packers are willing to bring in a veteran like Stefon Diggs (when healthy), Amari Cooper, or Keenan Allen, the draft remains their only avenue.
However, they are all seasoned players and won’t adequately replace Watson’s role in this offense. Diggs is also recovering from a serious injury. While the Packers have bolstered their offensive line and secured assistance at cornerback, they still face many of the prominent issues they started the offseason with. Green Bay still requires pass-rush support, an external cornerback, and has yet to address the receiver position.
