Do the Green Bay Packers realize they need wide receiver help?
Christian Watson is out indefinitely after tearing his ACL in the regular-season finale, while there's also uncertainty about the entire receiving corps after last season. The Packers struggled to stretch defenses vertically without Watson's speed, while Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed battled drops all year.
Who can consistently beat man coverage? Which receiver can step up when Jordan Love desperately needs a play?
The Packers had opportunities. ESPN's Jason Wilde reported that Davante Adams was "open" to a reunion, but Green Bay never reached out. It was a similar story with DK Metcalf, who landed a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
General manager Brian Gutekunst needs to upgrade the receiving corps, but his inaction forces the Packers to look exclusively at the draft. On Wednesday, another possible target came off the board.
Seahawks sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling to take a possible short-term fix off the market for Packers
The Packers don't have a player who can replicate Watson's speed. It's a vital part of Matt LaFleur's offense, as it forces defenses to respect the deep pass, opening opportunities for Reed, Romeo Doubs, and the tight ends underneath.
Reuniting with Marquez Valdes-Scantling would've given the Packers an affordable, short-term solution while Watson is out.
That's no longer an option. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Valdes-Scantling is signing a one-year deal worth $5.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks.
Speed is so important in LaFleur's offense, and Valdes-Scantling could've offered that.
He knows the system. MVS will never become a WR1 who dominates the targets, but as a field-stretcher who can generate big plays, he was an ideal free-agent target.
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The remaining options in free agency? Limited. Unless the Packers are willing to sign a veteran, like Stefon Diggs (when he is healthy), Amari Cooper, or Keenan Allen, the draft is the only option. They are all aging veterans and won't fill the Watson void in this offense. Diggs is also recovering from a significant injury.
The Packers strengthened the offensive line and found help at cornerback, but they still have many of the same glaring issues they entered the offseason with. Green Bay still needs pass-rush help, an outside corner, and has yet to make a move at wide receiver.
MVS might not have been a dream signing, but he could've helped address an area of concern in LaFleur's offense.
The Packers are running out of options.