Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, and how the Packers can approach the wide receiver position in 2025

Several questions in one, but let's start with these because they're all connected.

The Packers don't have much control over the Christian Watson situation right now, as he is entering the final year of his deal. Yes, his contract can toll to 2026, but for that to happen he would have to miss the entire 2025 season, including playoffs, and barring a complication in his recovery process, that's not the case.

The only alternatives the Packers have right now are just waiting or giving Watson an early extension, for which he became eligible after the regular season. But extending a player who's not a star and who just suffered a significant knee injury is not likely whatsoever, especially at a position that general manager Brian Gutekunst has historically undervalued.

Regarding Davante Adams, Gutekunst doesn't tend to sign back players he allowed to leave. Adams is obviously a special player, so things might change, but since he took over as GM in 2018, Gutey has rarely signed players back—and the examples are just from minor moves like Patrick Taylor or players who not even played in the final stint, like Tramon Williams or Pat O'Donnell, signed just for depth insurance. Also, Adams will want real money, and the Packers have prioritized young free agents entering their second deals. Oh, and Adams is still under contract with the New York Jets.

DK Metcalf makes more sense, because he is 27 and Gutekunst himself said that Green Bay had a high grade on him when they took Elgton Jenkins in the second round in 2019. The question is how much will the Seattle Seahawks want in a trade.

It's hard for some team to be willing to trade for Alexander, because he hasn't played much and because they can just wait for the Packers to release him. Moreover, a trade wouldn't allow the Packers to spread the dead money beyond 2025. That being said, if Green Bay can get something in return from a team that wants to secure Alexander's services, I'd think a fifth-round pick would already be a great return considering the circumstances.

The funniest possible outcome, though, is the Packers trading Jaire to the Jets for Davante Adams. But that would demand both players, Adams in particular, agreeing to revised contracts.

It usually depends more on who's on the board than a position itself. But in an ideal world, cornerback and wide receiver are the two top priorities. You could include defensive end there as well, but the Packers think they have the personnel to be better at the position, and that's why they fired defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich.

Cornerback is the consensus top need, especially if Jaire Alexander is cut or traded. And this class is not exactly strong for wide receivers at the top. However, the Packers need more offensive weapons to make Jordan Love's life easier, and it became clear down the stretch—particularly because Christian Watson will miss at least two thirds of next season.

He is a good player, average starter, but there are two points about him. First, there's a perception that Rhyan is that great run blocker, but that's not really the case. He has been much better in pass protection, and his run block has some highlights but it's very up and down. Second, he's good but not good enough to preclude the Packers from getting better.

Rhyan can absolutely be the starter moving forward at right guard or even at center if the Packers don't retain Josh Myers, but I wouldn't rule out a scenario where he is a swing interior offensive lineman in 2025—in fact, that's probably the ideal scenario for the Packers, because it would mean they upgraded the line. At least, he will have to compete with a healthier version of Jordan Morgan.

Brian Gutekunst loves Quay Walker and he is under contract for 2025 , so no, that's wasn't the driving factor. The Packers needed depth at the position after releasing De'Vondre Campbell and because Isaiah McDuffie is slated to be a free agent in 2025.

Moreover, Gutekunst sees value in addressing the same position multiple times in the same draft class, because you never know exactly who will be good. In this case, the higher pick was the better player. But at safety, for example, Evan Williams was a fourth-rounder and played much better than Javon Bullard, a second-rounder.

So throwing multiple darts is a smart way to improve your chances of effectively addressing an issue.

There's more about the pending free agents here . I'd expect all exclusive-rights free agents to be back, but regarding the unrestricted ones, my two main priorities would be kicker Brandon McManus and defensive tackle TJ Slaton, the only interior run stuffer the Packers had in 2025.

Josh Myers is beloved by the Packers, but he's probably the (kinda) good preventing them from looking for great. Even though he has an important role to call adjustments in protection, he is average at best and is a below average run blocker. If the Packers want to be a run-heavy operation as they have, Myers is simply not good enough.

The Packers could add pieces, yes, but I don't think it needs to be with high draft picks or expensive free agents. Contrary to the popular belief, it's extremely realistic to find productive edge defenders and interior defensive linemen in free agency. The Minnesota Vikings, for example, signed Jonathan Greenard for much less than the Packers are paying Rashan Gary and he was much better in 2024.

Players slated to hit free agency at these positions now include DeMarcus Lawrence, Josh Sweat, Chase Young, Dante Fowler. So I'd look for scheme fits to do what Jeff Hafley intends to, and not necessarily high ceiling-low floor types.

Based on how much the Packers community has bought this idea of "dime a dozen," it would be a truly amazing plot twist.

The Packers have already answered us the coaching part, firing Jason Rebrovich, and I've mentioned cornerbacks and receivers as the primary needs. As far as the idea of exploring free agency, yes, I'd absolutely expect the Packers to make some moves. Nonetheless, I am extremely curious to see if Gutekunst will keep his "go big or go home" approach in free agency, or if he will be willing to get some mid-level pieces.