The Green Bay Packers kicked off the offseason with a whirlwind of moves, addressing significant gaps by signing Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs to substantial free-agent contracts. Yet, as a week has passed since the official start of the league year, fans are still eagerly anticipating the addition of a top-tier receiver.
Josh Jacobs highlighted the Packers’ receiving struggles during Super Bowl week. While Jayden Reed is a dynamic asset, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks had only moderate success last season. With Christian Watson potentially sidelined at the start of next season due to an ACL injury, securing a premier receiver has become crucial. Despite the desire for a major acquisition being high on fans’ lists this offseason, Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst has reportedly taken on the role of “The Grinch.”
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports that the Packers were “never in play” to trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Although the team was linked to the former Seattle Seahawks standout before the league year commenced, Demovsky notes that while Gutekunst was open to offering a lucrative contract, he was hesitant to part with a high draft pick to secure Metcalf.
The report indicates that the Packers were prepared to match or surpass the four-year, $132 million contract extension Metcalf received after being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month. However, Gutekunst likely hesitated at the thought of giving up the 2025 second-round and seventh-round picks, which the Steelers surrendered in the trade.
This development is disappointing for Packers fans, as Metcalf remains one of the NFL’s elite targets, having achieved three 1,000-yard seasons in the last five years. Remarkably, Metcalf was just 41 yards short of making it five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, finishing last year with 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns.
Metcalf could have been the spark the Packers’ offense needed. While Bo Melton is returning after re-signing with the team, the Packers have yet to add another receiver in free agency and seem more focused on acquiring an edge rusher, either through trade or in next month’s draft.
