Packers: Addition of Devin Funchess doesn’t fix need at wide receiver
By Evan Siegel
The Green Bay Packers finally added to their receiving corps, signing Devin Funchess as their third signing of the offseason.
The Packers are “expected” to sign the former Panther and Colt, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, in the first of likely several moves geared towards overhauling the receiver position this offseason. The Packers missed out on any opportunity to sign Robby Anderson, Austin Hooper, or Emmanuel Sanders in free agency as they devoted what little resources they had elsewhere.
The Packers have made a couple of head-scratching moves to this point in the offseason, signing Christian Kirksey and Ricky Wagner. Both are solid contributors but are not exactly upgrades from the players departing town at linebacker and tackle. Having made two signings that don’t really move the needle, it stripped the Packers of any opportunity to sign a player who would make a true impact at the position.
Funchess is coming off a very disappointing season with the Colts after he signed a one-year “prove it” deal worth $10 million. Funchess played in just one game last season before going on injured reserve with a broken collarbone. While both sides appeared to need each other, and the Packers might be getting a motivated player playing for a big contract, the signing is very yawn-inducing for a team in such dire need of pass catchers.
It also shows a bizarre lack of faith in Allen Lazard, who is notably a similar type of wide receiver to Funchess. Right now, the Packers have 6-foot-1 Davante Adams, 6-foot-4 Devin Funchess, and 6-foot-5 Lazard. Further down the depth chart are 6-foot-4 Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 6-foot-5 Equanimeous St. Brown. What is still missing, and has been for years, is a true speedster who can win the underneath matchups.
Furthermore, the Packers have nothing to be confident in at tight end. Jace Sternberger and Marcedes Lewis is arguably the worst tight end group in football, unless Sternberger makes a huge second-year jump.
The Packers desperately need to target Henry Ruggs III, K.J. Hamler, or Jalen Reagor in the draft to have someone, anyone, who can play the slot position. The signing of Funchess appears to be more of a depth move than one that will make any real improvement to the offense.