Packers 2021 roster preview: Devin Funchess makes his return
What can Devin Funchess add to the Green Bay Packers‘ offense this season?
It’s easy to forget that last offseason the Packers were criticized for not drafting a wide receiver (and understandably so) but they had signed Funchess in free agency earlier that spring.
After opting out of the 2020 season, Funchess will finally get his opportunity to impress in Matt LaFleur’s offense this year.
2020 stats
Funchess didn’t play last season as he opted out. He also only played in one game in 2019 for the Indianapolis Colts due to injury. He caught three passes for 32 yards in that game for the Colts almost two years ago.
Will he make the roster?
It’s fair to say Funchess has a good chance of making the 53-man roster. He’s an experienced wide receiver and can provide some depth behind the starters. He’s been a solid number two receiver in the past during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
If we assume that Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and Amari Rodgers are all making the roster, that leaves potentially one or two more spots on the 53. Funchess would be competing with Equanimeous St. Brown, Malik Taylor, and Juwann Winfree. However, given his talent and experience, Funchess will have every chance to win that battle and earn a spot.
What to expect in 2021
That’s hard to say. At the time of writing in June, there’s no guarantee Funchess will even make the roster.
But if he does, he can be a good addition to the Packers’ offense. Back in 2017, he was targeted 111 times, catching 63 for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. If Funchess can get anywhere even close to those numbers this season, the Packers will be delighted.
However, that was four years ago. Funchess put up 44-549-4 the following season before signing with the Colts. He played only one game due to injury, then didn’t play at all last year with the Packers.
We know the success Funchess has had in the past, but he’s now on his third team in four years and has played just one regular-season game since 2018.
It’ll be interesting to see Funchess get more involved in this offense over the summer and during the preseason.