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Jayden Reed's underrated impact shows up again as he reminds everyone why he's vital to the Packers locker room and offense

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated May 15, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers went through a weird, or at least uncomfortable situation. ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that wide receiver Jayden Reed's representatives had had a meeting with general manager Brian Gutekunst to understand Reed's role moving forward after the team selected Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.

While it's natural for a player to understand the team's plans for him, considering how much his production affects his future contract negotiations, it did seem unnecessary to leak that to the media. However, it doesn't bother the Packers.

And it doesn't because Jayden Reed is still a big part of the Packers offense, but also a positive presence in the locker room—and that includes his relationship with Golden, a first-round pick who could compete for snaps and targets.

"He is a natural leader," said Packers passing game coordinator Jason Vrable on Wednesday. "He's standing behind Matthew Golden right now, helping him go over every single play."

Now entering his third NFL season, and in a room full of young pieces, Reed has the chance to be a vocal leader and show his value beyond the production.

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Room full of talent

Speaking of production, no Packers wide receiver has done more than Jayden Reed over the past two years. Since he entered the NFL in 2023, Reed had 119 catches, 20 rushing attempts, 1,932 scrimmage yards, and 17 total touchdowns. He had more targets in two years than Christian Watson had in three.

Reed led the Packers in receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, and last year he became the first Green Bay wide receiver to reach 1,000 scrimmage yards in a season since Davante Adams left.

In 2025, the competition for snaps and targets will be even more significant. Even though Watson will miss the start of the regular season with a knee injury, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath, Mecole Hardman, and Bo Melton are all veterans in the room, in addition to the two draft picks.

"Right now, we're as deep as our receiver room has been in four or five years," Vrable highlighted. "And maybe even better than that."

Amongst all the Packers' wide receivers, Jayden Reed is in the best position to receive a contract extension—and he will be eligible for one next offseason. That's why 2025 is so important for him, and why fitting well alongside Golden is a key for the offense to reach its full potential.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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