The Green Bay Packers needed to upgrade the wide receiver room, but their decision to select Matthew Golden and Savion Williams has inflicted some collateral damage.
It's impossible to please everyone, especially in such a crowded wide receiver room. Last year, Romeo Doubs' reported frustration led to a one-game suspension from the team.
Now, Jayden Reed is the receiver asking questions.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst recently met with Reed's agent to discuss his role with the team.
"Guteksunst met last week with Jayden Reed's agent Drew Rosenahus to clarify the wide receiver's status in Green Bay after the team drafted Matthew Golden and Savion Williams," Schefter reports. "The team said it will not affect Reed's status as its top receiver, per source."
This is where things get awkward. Reed's target share surprisingly diminished in the second half of last season, and he has every right to question whether using premium picks on two wide receivers will further hurt his opportunities.
Reed has to think of the big picture. He is two seasons away from becoming a free agent, and being a bit-part player rather than a featured piece is one way to drive down his future salary.
Packers immediately have to put out fires after drafting two wide receivers
Selecting Golden might decrease Reed's target share as the "WR1," but the Williams pick adds the most confusion. He plays a similar role to Reed. The Packers could use him in the backfield, on jet sweeps, and in the slot. It's fair to question how drafting Williams impacts Reed.
Schefter notes that it "will not affect Reed's status as its top receiver," which is interesting framing.
What about Romeo Doubs? Christian Watson, when he returns? Where does all of this leave Dontayvion Wicks?
The Packers are playing a dangerous game and risking having too many cooks in the kitchen. Wide receivers need regular reps and targets to find their rhythm, and Matt LaFleur's spread-the-ball-around system is both a blessing and a curse.
If the team already has to clarify Reed's role, just imagine if one of the Packers' receivers goes a game or two without many targets.
Matt LaFleur must navigate choppy waters with so much talent in the room but no clearly defined roles. If anything, it just adds to the trade speculation.