Packers’ 3,840-Yard Duo Named Potential Release Targets For Browns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers receiver room is one of the most crowded and competitive spots on the team as the offseason winds down. With 12 players vying for spots, it is likely only six or fewer will make the final roster, especially since the Packers have not kept more than six receivers on their final roster since 2022.

Christian Watson should open the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams should all make the 53-man roster. That leaves just one spot up for grabs among McCole Hardman, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Samuel Brown, Cornelius Johnson, and Julian Hicks.

Doubs and Watson are both entering the final year of their rookie contracts in 2025. Watson has racked up 2,140 career receiving yards so far, while Doubs has 1,700 — numbers that show both have contributed consistently to the team over the past few seasons. It might be tough for the Packers to extend both. That’s why 247Sports’ Brad Ward mentioned them as possible release targets for the Cleveland Browns.

"The Green Bay Packers are likely to part ways with one of their young veteran wide receivers after selecting two players, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, within their first three draft picks. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who are both in the final year of their contracts, are the most probable candidates for release," Ward wrote.

"While Doubs has been the more reliable receiver of the two, he will also incur a larger cap hit in 2025. Meanwhile, Watson is recovering from a torn ACL and may end up on injured reserve for the season," he added. "If the Packers release Doubs, they could save $3.4 million against the cap."

There is a 0% chance Green Bay would release Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs. The more likely scenario is the team lets them play out their rookie contracts, then works to negotiate a new deal with one of them before the 2026 league year begins.

Could the Packers make one of them available in a trade? Sure, but it is unlikely. Doubs has become a reliable target for Jordan Love, and if you’ve listened to any interview with head coach Matt LaFleur, it’s clear how much the team values Watson — both as a player and as a person.

Doubs should be heavily involved in Green Bay’s offense this season, while Watson will likely return in the second half of the year as he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in the 2024 regular-season finale against the Bears. The NFL can be a tough and unpredictable business, but it would be surprising to see Green Bay release either of them at any point before or during the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: