Packers Must Bolster Receiver Room Before Trade Deadline

It was undoubtedly the biggest storyline of the offseason in Green Bay. After Davante Adams was shipped out to Las Vegas, how were the Packers going to replace his production? Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs added some much needed juice to the group, but it hasn’t been enough. And that was always going to be the case, especially with a quarterback notoriously tough on his receivers. It shouldn’t be a surprise that ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler reported that the Packers were looking to be active ahead of the trade deadline, saying “a few general managers I’ve spoken to are certain Green Bay is looking for potential receiver help on the trade market.”

Green Bay is a team built to win now, but has been nothing short of anemic on offense a third of the way through the season. With an MVP QB and one of the bright minds of the league calling plays, many just assumed the offense would be business as usual in 2022. But they clearly are missing that dynamic threat in the passing game that defenses need to worry about. And with Christian Watson, Randall Cobb, and Sammy Watkins all injured, they just don’t have the firepower they need to run this offense the way Rodgers and LaFleur both clearly want to. So here are three options should they try and make a move before the November 1st deadline.

Chase Claypool

Claypool has been a hot name on the trade market, at least in the media. His time in Pittsburgh has not been as smooth as they would have anticipated for a top 50 draft selection. He has shown inconsistencies throughout his first three seasons, and with the Steelers quarterback situation, he has been sparsely targeted. And with the selection of George Pickens this past year, the Steelers have moved Claypool from the outside into the slot. But he represents a matchup nightmare, and could offer Green Bay a deep threat that it desparately needs.

Denzel Mims

Mims was a prospect that the Packers reportedly really liked coming out of Baylor in 2020. He has the athleticism and size that the Packers covet at the receiver position at 6′ 3″ and 207 lbs, and a Relative Athletic Score of 9.77/10. But things have just never clicked for Mims in New York. He requested a trade from the Jets this offseason, and so far has been inactive for all six of their games this season. There is the obvious connections with Robert Saleh and OC Mike LaFleur – so Green Bay should know exactly what they’re getting in to.

Kendrick Bourne

Bourne had a productive first year in New England a season ago – with 55 catches for 800 yards and 5 TDs. But his role has quickly dwindled with the Patriots, and with them bringing in DeVante Parker and drafting Tyquan Thornton in the 2nd round this year, his opportunities are limited. Through their first six games – he has appeared in only 29% of snaps. But he could provide Rodgers with another reliable option – having caught 79% of his targets without a single drop in 2022.

Jared is a rogue Packers fan from a Steelers family and an overall football junkie, including playing 4 years at Ithaca College. You can follow him on twitter at @JPrugar.

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