The Green Bay Packers are juggling many things right now. They are struggling to make a decision on keeping or trading star CB Jaire Alexander. They are finding out ways to get weak points sorted—with perhaps a joint practice session with the Seahawks. And then there’s the one roster question that has probably left the front office, analysts and the community sleepless: Who will the Packers’ WR1 this coming season among the surplus options? Well, looks like Matt LaFleur has an answer. Heads-up: We’re not sure if it counts as one.
The Packers HC was on Kay Adams’ podcast on May 20, where he seemed surprised to know that the wide receivers’ issue has become such a “headache”.
He started, “I don’t really care to be honest with you, what people think. I just care about what we think in our building. And I think we got a lot of great options. And I think we have the versatility to put people at the point of attack. And have confidence that they’re going to go out there and make the play.” The Packers currently have eight receivers on the depth chart. But… three of them, who have played as WR1, WR2, and WR3, are questionable. Star players Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Mecole Hardman are injured.
While firmly admitting the strength his roster has at the wide receiver position, LaFleur then clearly explained his stance. He added to the above point, saying, “Do I think there’s another level for our guys? Absolutely. Do I think we can do a better job as coaches by putting them in different positions? No doubt about it.” He then added, “I think we’ve got a really deep room and there’s going to be a lot of competition in that room to catch a lot of balls,” he said without unfortunately taking any names. To fans’ dismay, looks like LaFleur is going to stay tight-lipped for a little while longer. But, he is right. The Packers do have a solid toom. They also added star CFB wide receiver Matthew Golden, if the questionable wideouts are not available.
Golden made 58 receptions in the 2024 CFB season while covering 987 yards, and landed nine TDs. But with the rookie yet to take a single snap, the responsibility does land on veterans like Reed. But how available is he going to be?
Packers talk about Jayden Reed’s role in 2025
As we know, the Packers drafted two wide receivers in the first 100 picks: Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. That’s why an understanding of Jayden Reed’s role is important to clarify the WR1 position of the Packers.
On May 21, NFL insider, Adam Schefter, reported that the Green Bay Packers met with the representation of receiver Jayden Reed to clarify the player’s long-term role. According to various sources, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst told Reed’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that Jayden Reed is still the top wideout in the room.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
During the 2024 season, Reed made 55 receptions for 857 yards, and also clinched six touchdowns. Hopefully, he’ll be in the upcoming season’s lineup to score even better.
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