Aaron Rodgers has a habit of collecting his former pass catchers in his new offense, since departing the Green Bay Packers following the 2022 season.
Over the past two seasons with the New York Jets, former Packers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb spent time in Rodgers’ supporting cast, and now that he’s a Pittsburgh Steeler, the 41-year-old might once again push for one of his former teammates to join him in the Iron City.
D.K. Metcalf is in place as a true deep threat for Rodgers, in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers are reportedly trying to add another playmaker in the passing game for their new quarterback.
Over at CBS Sports, NFL analyst Cody Benjamin suggests that Packers wide receiver Christian Watson could be a top trade target for the Steelers, and for Rodgers.
“Watson may well be the most gifted player in the Packers’ wide receiver room,” Benjamin writes for CBS. “But there’s a reason Green Bay spent two early draft picks at the position this April; the 26-year-old veteran has missed multiple games due to injury in each of his first three NFL seasons, giving the Pack a true boom-or-bust experience on the perimeter.
“With both Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in line for significant roles as rookies, might the Packers be willing to sell Watson as he recovers from an ACL tear? Rodgers might have to wait until later in 2025 to reunite with the speedster as a result, but the potential for late-season fireworks might make the gamble worthwhile.”
There’s a legitimate possibility that Golden could quickly climb the depth chart this summer, and if that happens, Watson could become expendable for Green Bay.
However, Watson’s health and recovery from a torn ACL suffered in Week 18 will likely determine if he has any trade value and when he might be available to get back on the field for the Packers, Steelers, or any other team across the NFL looking for veteran receiver help.
However, Watson had the most prolific season of his career, catching a career-high seven touchdowns from Rodgers back in 2022 so there’s reason to think the Steelers may try to rekindle that connection in Pittsburgh this fall.
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