Why Packers could be about to make blockbuster trade

Golden’s arrival could herald a full-fledged overhaul at wide receiver for the Packers.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests that if Golden’s blazing 4.29 speed shows signs of translating to being a difference-maker at the NFL level during training camp this summer, the Packers could look to trade Romeo Doubs or one of their other top playmakers.

"If Golden and Williams impress in training camp," Barnwell writes for ESPN, "teams will be calling the Packers to inquire about their young wideouts and whether any of them might shake available before the start of the season. Reed’s ability after the catch is unique, and for whatever it’s worth, the team reassured him he was their top receiver earlier this month. Watson’s role in the lineup could be filled by Golden, but it’s unclear when Watson will be able to get back on the field after tearing an ACL in January, which would make it difficult to get a meaningful trade return for him.

"Doubs seems like the most obvious candidate, given that he was already suspended for one week by the team last season for missing a pair of practices. Owed $3.4 million in the final year of his rookie deal, the Packers might rack up a compensatory pick if he leaves after the season as a free agent, but Gutekunst has been relatively aggressive adding options such as Jacobs, Xavier McKinney and Nate Hobbs over the past couple of offseasons. Dealing Doubs would lock in draft compensation and avoid a potential headache if he falls down the depth chart during the season."

Trading Doubs would jibe with Gutekunst’s forward-thinking view on roster building, especially through the NFL Draft.

Likewise, Doubs could see a strong market. Widely viewed as the Packers’ No. 1 receiver by executives around the league, the 25-year-old has caught 147 passes for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns through his first three seasons.

Similarly, Jayden Reed seems unhappy about his role and how the Packers seem to view him, so there’s a chance that if teams come calling about the Packers receivers, Reed could be a potential high-value trade target to watch as well.