Packers 2021 offseason position review: Wide receivers

With the offseason underway for the Green Bay Packers, we begin our series reviewing every position group on the roster.

We’ll start with a position that had a lot of focus last offseason and throughout the year. It was a major surprise when the Packers didn’t make many changes to the position last spring, but the offense still ranked No. 1 in scoring during the regular season.

Let’s look back at the wide receiver performances this past year before looking ahead to 2021.

2020 season review

We already knew Davante Adams was a special player entering 2020 but he took his game to a completely new level with one of the greatest seasons by a wide receiver in Packers history.

Adams set a new single-season franchise record for receptions by catching 115 passes, while also putting up 1,374 receiving yards (eighth in franchise history) and 18 touchdowns (tied for first).

He broke one franchise record and tied another. In a 16-game season, that would be incredible. But let’s not forget Adams left the game in Week 2 early due to a hamstring injury and would go onto miss two more games.

There’s no doubt that Adams is currently the best receiver in football.

While he did make far too many frustrating mistakes, mostly drops, it was a strong season for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He finished second on the team in receiving with 690 yards and six touchdowns. He emerged as a great deep threat, averaging an impressive 20.9 yards per catch.

MVS came up with some huge plays when his team needed them throughout the season and saved one of his best performances for the NFC Championship Game.

Allen Lazard made a fast start to the season but suffered a core muscle injury in Week 3 which required surgery. When he did return, Lazard was unable to recapture his pre-injury form until the divisional round when he made a game-clinching 58-yard touchdown catch.

With a chance to get fully healthy in the offseason, expect more from Lazard in 2021.

What’s next in 2021?

So let’s talk about 2021.

Adams is the best WR in the league. We know that. The question now is whether the Packers will look to strengthen their wide receiver room.

MVS will have a role to play in 2021. He’s earned that. Valdes-Scantling is a home-run hitter and has improved his overall game as a receiver. He’s an important piece in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Lazard, too, should be a key part of LaFleur’s plans moving forward. He’s an exclusive rights free agent but expect him to be brought back.

Devin Funchess will be able to make his return after opting out of the 2020 season. If he’s still in the Packers’ plans, he will provide more depth.

The Packers didn’t get many big contributions from their other wide receivers, so there’s room to add depth. Brian Gutekunst may also look to add a difference-maker opposite Adams. Imagine signing a free agent like Allen Robinson or Chris Godwin. Unlikely given the salary cap, yes, but still a possibility.

If the Packers want to go “all-in” for 2021, maybe that’s a move they entertain.

Perhaps they’ll look to bring in Will Fuller, a player they were said to have interest in trading for before the deadline.

Don’t be surprised if the Packers turn to the draft in search of a receiver great after the catch. Imagine this offense with a receiver like Deebo Samuel, who can catch a short pass and turn it into a huge gain.

Green Bay’s receiving corps proved itself to be full of talent in 2020, but that doesn’t mean this can’t become an even better group with an addition or two in the offseason.