After a disappointing 2024 season where Green Bay’s passing offense collapsed late, the need for a true No. 1 receiver has been a hot topic. Running back Josh Jacobs just added fuel to the fire with his recent comments at Radio Row in New Orleans.
“We’ve got a really young group of receivers. All can be really, really, really special, but I think, personally, we need a guy that’s proven to be a No. 1 already. Somebody that we know is going to be a little more consistent,” Jacobs said while appearing on 97.3 The Game.
A host then hinted at the possibility of a reunion with former Packers wideout Davante Adams, to which a grinning Jacobs responded, “If he comes at the right price.”
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Adams played eight seasons in Green Bay before being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Last season, Adams was dealt to the New York Jets, reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, the Packers haven’t come anywhere close to replacing Adams’ production since his departure.
The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro is still under contract with the Jets but would likely be released if Rodgers retires or he declines to rework his contract.
However, Green Bay may be unwilling to spend big on a wide receiver in free agency. General manager Brian Gutekunst was adamant in the season-ending press conference that finding a No. 1 receiver isn’t a priority, but internal improvement from the current group is.
“Teams that have one receiver that’s super heavy with targets, that doesn’t usually play out well for playoffs and success there,” said Gutekunst. “We’re looking for these guys that we have currently to take a step into that role where they are more consistent on the down-to-down basis.
“If there’s somebody outside of our building, whether it’s the draft, free agency, that makes some sense for us, we’ll certainly look to do that, but we’re also looking for these guys to continue to grow and hopefully grow into that space.”
Consistency was a major issue for Packers pass catchers last season. Jayden Reed finished as the top receiver with 55 receptions for 857 yards and six touchdowns but saw his production teeter off as the season progressed. Christian Watson is the most talented wide receiver on Green Bay’s roster but has failed to live up to his second-round selection, while injuries have hindered his development in his three seasons. Unfortunately, Watson is expected to miss most of the 2025 season after suffering a significant knee injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 18.
That leaves Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks as the only other wide receivers with significant roles in the offense. Both have had games where they’ve looked like the team’s top receiver, but like Reed and Watson, neither has taken the necessary steps to command the role full-time.
As Jacobs mentioned, Reed, Watson, Doubs, and Wicks are talented players, and each brings a unique element to the offense. But when it comes to having a consistent impact each week, all four fall flat.
Time will tell if Gutekunst heeds Jacobs’ advice and actively searches for a proven No. 1 wide receiver. Even though an Adams reunion or a splash free agent signing like Tee Higgins would be fun, it’s a safer bet that the team will spend multiple draft picks at the position this offseason to develop some more playmakers around Jordan Love.