Packers Set to Make a Bold Offseason Play: Could They Land a Proven No. 1 Wide Receiver?
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs made waves during Super Bowl week when he openly discussed the Packers’ need for a proven No. 1 wide receiver. Speaking to various media outlets in New Orleans, Jacobs emphasized the potential of the Packers’ young receiver group but stressed that the team would benefit from having an established playmaker at the position. “We’ve got a really young group of receivers,” Jacobs remarked on 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee. “All can be really, really special. But I think, personally, we need a guy that’s proven to be a No. 1 already.”
This question of whether the Packers need a true No. 1 wideout has lingered for some time. Last offseason, much of the focus revolved around who would step up to fill that role. With Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks all vying for significant roles, the team hoped that one of these young receivers would emerge as the dominant force in the passing game. Each of them showed flashes of potential, particularly Watson, Doubs, and Reed, but none managed to assert themselves as a consistent No. 1 option. Despite their upside, the Packers’ passing attack lacked the stability and consistency one would expect from a true No. 1 receiver.
General manager Brian Gutekunst, who had initially banked on the young receiving corps to develop, acknowledged after the 2024 season that the Packers need to start competing for championships. However, it’s clear that Green Bay’s best chance at contending next season might lie in acquiring an established wide receiver. Watson, who is set to miss a significant portion of the season due to a torn ACL, further complicates the situation.
Despite these needs, Gutekunst remains somewhat skeptical of heavily relying on a single top receiver. He explained, “I think historically, if you look at a lot of the teams, very rarely do teams that have one receiver that’s super heavy with targets — that doesn’t usually play out well for playoffs and success there.” Gutekunst added that while the team is open to exploring external options, including the draft and free agency, they are focused on helping their current receivers step up to the challenge.
Head coach Matt LaFleur echoed these sentiments, expressing that he hoped one of the Packers’ existing receivers would rise to the occasion and become a true No. 1. However, as the offseason approaches, the possibility of acquiring a proven star through free agency or a trade remains a real option, one that could help solidify Green Bay’s chances of returning to playoff contention. The Packers face a critical decision — whether to rely on the growth of their young talent or to pursue a more immediate solution at the wide receiver position.
