Latest intel reinforces the Packers are heading toward a champagne problem, and that's a challenge they don't mind

The Green Bay Packers couldn't be more impressed by what they have seen from wide receiver Romeo Doubs early this season. While Tucker Kraft leads the team in receiving yards, Doubs is the best wide receiver on the team with 179 yards and four touchdowns.

Now, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Packers are having initial talks about a potential extension, albeit that doesn't mean a deal is close.

This is what Fowler wrote:

"Romeo Doubs has emerged as the Packers' No. 1 receiving option in a contract year. The trade rumors surrounding Doubs, who has four touchdowns through four games, never made much sense. That conversation was understandable last season, when the team suspended Doubs for one game for missing practices for personal reasons. But the Packers have shown no interest in trading him, and my sense is they have more interest in potentially extending him.

"The sides have had cursory talks, keeping in contact about the future. Doubs staying in Green Bay beyond 2025 is at least a possibility. But getting a bargain deal for an emerging receiver without a 1,000-yard season -- think Buffalo's four-year, $53-million pact with Khalil Shakir -- is getting increasingly harder. Doubs is building a case as the No. 1 free agent option. Mike Evans, Jakobi Meyers and Jauan Jennings are in the class but aren't entering their second contract like Doubs, who is 25. Youth always pays. Indianapolis' Alec Pierce will also be in the free agent mix as a potent vertical threat."

Romeo Doubs' key stats

• Targets: 19
• Receptions: 13
• Receiving yards: 179
• First downs: 11
• Touchdowns: 4
• Yards per catch: 13.8
• Yards after the catch: 49

Why it's tough for pull off a Romeo Doubs' extension

The problem is that an extension now feels almost counterproductive for both sides. The Packers like Doubs, for sure, but they would probably prioritize players with skill sets more difficult to replicate, like Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Watson received a one-year extension through 2026 to return from his ACL injury with more financial security established.

This year, the Packers drafted Matthew Golden and Savion Williams thinking about the future of the position, and Dontayvion Wicks is also under contract through 2026.

For Doubs, as Fowler mentioned, he has a shot to enter free agency next offseason as one of the best available wide receivers. And at his age, entering his second NFL contract, it's very realistic to expect a big deal in the open market. Josh Queipo, a cap analyst for Pewter Report, projects that Doubs is expected to get something between $15 million and $20 million per season, with $18 million being his projected yearly average. Before the hot start, his projected average would be more around $13 million.

The Packers also have multiple players from other positions setting up monster extensions. Tight end Tucker Kraft will be eligible next offseason, and Devonte Wyatt is a prime candidate entering his fifth-year option season—a new deal would lock him up long term, but also probably lower his 2026 cap hit.

After Micah Parsons' trade and extension, some tough decisions will be inevitable.

Solid player

Romeo Doubs is not an explosive piece of the offense. His yards per route run (1.58) or average depth of target (14.3) are just okay. But he's a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love, and head coach Matt LaFleur values what Doubs brings to the locker room.

'I just think when his number is called upon, he's delivered. And I think it's been his approach, LaFleur said on Tuesday. "In four years, Rome has done everything the right way. I know there was a little blip on the screen, but I don't think it was just a one-off. Over time, he does everything the right way in regards to how he prepares and how he supports his teammates.

"So it's really cool to see a guy have success like that, and I would expect that to continue. He approaches the game the right way. He comes to work every day with the right mentality. He puts the work in. He does extra work. He does all the little things required, I think, to help you become the best version of you. And it's really cool to see."

It's not easy to allow that type of player to walk away, but it's a scenario the Packers will have to consider among many extension-worthy pieces on the roster.