It is undeniable that the Green Bay Packers' receiving corps is talented. However, they experienced significant regression last year. Ranking third in drops, they struggled to create separation against man coverage, especially in the absence of Christian Watson, who had often been the catalyst for big plays.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst knew he had to enhance competition through the draft. To do so, he added Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, each of whom could compete for a prominent role in the receiving corps. While the Packers boast a diverse group of receivers, it is evident that Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have emerged as Jordan Love’s most reliable targets.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brian Gutekunst met last week with Jayden Reed’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to clarify the wide receiver’s standing with the team following the addition of Golden and Williams. The Packers assured that the selection of these new prospects would not impact Reed’s status as the team’s top receiver.
The report caught many fans off guard, as the additions of Golden and Williams likely do not pose an immediate threat to Reed’s role. A former Packers All-Pro shared his interpretation on the situation, offering insight into how things could have played out.
"Player is disgruntled based off draft and previous season’s # of targets. Rightfully so, this is a Business EOD," former Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari posted on X.
Jayden Reed has recorded more targets in just two NFL seasons (176) than Christian Watson has in three (172). Last year, Reed led the Packers in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, while also topping the team in routes run (361) and total targets (75). However, he ranked 86th among all wide receivers in routes run per game and 69th in targets per game. Despite being Green Bay’s most productive receiver to date, Reed has yet to solidify himself as the team’s undisputed No. 1 option.
Pro Football Focus credited Reed with a team-high 10 drops last season and ranked him among the top three in drop rate league-wide among receivers with at least 40 targets. While he is the most versatile piece in Green Bay's receiving corps, like the rest of the group, he will need to bounce back in 2025 to help elevate the offense.
The Packers should have a healthy competition in the receiver room this year. If Reed locks in and lets his talent speak for itself, he should have no trouble getting back on track and putting together a productive 2025 season.
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