Heading into the 2023 season, we know that WR’s Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs will be on the roster and likely a big part of the Packers offense. In regards to who the other pass catchers will be, that remains a mystery. While the Packers could make an effort to retain Allen Lazard and likely have the choice to retain Cobb, it’s no sure thing that either one will be on the team come next fall. With Watson, Doubs and potentially 2022 7th rounder Samori Toure on the team, let’s take a look at some current NFL veterans the Packers could add to bolster their receiving room.

DeAndre Hopkins

As you may have heard, the Packers are currently the betting favorites to land DeAndre Hopkins this off-season. While I would personally fade that bet, it’s an entertaining possibility to flirt with as a fan. Hopkins, who turns 31 in June, is still a very dangerous weapon when on the field. In 9 games last year, Hopkins still raked in 64 balls for 717 yards. Acquiring a guy like DeAndre would be a major upgrade over last years version of Julio Jones, for example. The guy appears to have a lot left in the tank.

With that said, the Packers are in a less than ideal position to take on a contract like the one Hopkins has, who is set to make an average of $17.5mm in the last two years of his deal. With other money issues at hand on the current roster, it would be a fun but potentially disastrous gamble for Green Bay to take on Hopkins’ contract, in addition to the potential regression many players go through once in their 30’s.

DJ Chark

Chark would be a fun addition for the Packers receiving core but it depends on the price. Chark is only 26 years old and has proven to be a quality NFL wide receiver in his short time in the league. In 2019, Chark caught 73 passes for 1000+ yards and 8 touchdowns. Last season in his limited time with the Lions, he averaged 18.1 yards per reception, proving his downfield playmaking ability.

Chark however, will probably be in line to make around $10-14mm per season when he finds his new home or sticks with Detroit. While he’s only surpassed 13 games once in an NFL season, 6’4 playmakers at only 26 years old are not a dime-a-dozen. The Packers would probably have to do more cap gymnastics to bring in a player like Chark.

Marvin Jones Jr.

Bringing a player like Marvin Jones Jr. to Green Bay is a more realistic possibility, on paper. Jones Jr., going into his 11th NFL season, could probably be signed to a somewhat affordable 1 or 2 year deal. He keeps himself in great shape and definitely can still contribute. He’s played in at least 16 games in 3 consecutive seasons and from 2020, has recorded 76, 73 and 46 receptions. If the Jaguars let him explore his options, the Packers should do their do diligence and consider adding him to the team. He’s better and more dependable from an injury standpoint than Randall Cobb is right now.

Parris Campbell

Campbell is coming off his best season by far as a pro. In 2022, Campbell was finally able to stay healthy, playing in all 17 games. He posted a 63/623/3 line and at only 25 years old, has plenty of speed and playmaking ability in front of him.

The question with Campbell is of market value and health. Most teams in the NFL would love to add a fast and dynamic player like Campbell to their offense but how will he be viewed on the market? Prior to 2022, Campbell played in just 15 games between 2019-2021.

Jakobi Myers

The New England Patriot WR is an unrestricted free agent and could potentially be available this offseason. Myers, 26, recorded 83 receptions in 2021 and 67 in 2022. He’s as dependable as they come (outside of laterals at the end of games) and is a great teammate and professional. His services will surely be desired by many but if the Packers could sign a guy like Myers, it would be a huge boost for the offense.

Other Names Worth Monitoring

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Olamide Zaccheaus, Ashton Dulin, Mack Hollins, Noah Brown, Trent Sherfield, Chris Moore, Trent Taylor, Darius Slayton

——————

Alex grew up in a family of Chicago Bears fans in the suburbs of Chicago but was always a Packers guy. Alex\'s AIM name when he was in elementary/middle school was PackerAlex. He now lives in Nashville, Tennessee and you can follow him on twitter at @Alex_Mayer93.

——————