Packers must use other methods to find wide receiver help
The Packers need to consider all options at wide receiver.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst understands the need for more help at wide receiver.
The Packers tried to sign Emmanuel Sanders in free agency but Sanders opted for the New Orleans Saints. According to Peter King of NBC Sports, Green Bay tried to trade up in the second round of last week’s draft with two receivers in mind. But once those two prospects were off the board, Gutekunst decided to go in another direction rather than reaching for a receiver.
While he was right not to take a receiver for need who he didn’t have at the top of his board, the fact remains that the Packers didn’t take advantage of a historically deep class. And that’s on top of also not landing a big-name receiver in free agency. The Devin Funchess addition could be a good one, but there are still big concerns about the wide receiver talent outside of Davante Adams.
With the draft now gone, Gutekunst will need to look at other ways he can strengthen the wide receiver room. Fortunately, there’s still time to get better.
There are still options in free agency. Taylor Gabriel, Paul Richardson, and Demaryius Thomas are among the remaining free agents at receiver. Gabriel would be my top choice as his speed and big-play ability would give the Packers offense something it lacks.
The good news about signing a free agent now is that it won’t count against any future compensatory picks. As of Monday, new signings no longer make a difference to next year’s compensatory picks.
The other option would be via a trade.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported last week that a “name to watch” was Curtis Samuel of the Carolina Panthers. While no trade was worked out during the draft, perhaps the Panthers would still be open to offers. Samuel has 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons and is still only 23 years old.
What about Alshon Jeffery? The Philadelphia Eagles drafted three wide receivers and traded for Marquise Goodwin. What does this mean for Jeffery’s future? Jeffery has battled injuries throughout his career but when healthy, he would be a great target for Aaron Rodgers.
Would the Los Angeles Rams be willing to listen to offers for Robert Woods? OJ Howard might not be a wide receiver but he’d give Rodgers another target. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bringing in Rob Gronkowski, would they trade Howard?
Wide receiver is still a concern after the Packers didn’t draft one. Gutekunst should consider every option, including turning to free agency or making a trade offer.