Don’t expect a big splash from the Green Bay Packers in terms of adding a big-name wide receiver early on in training camp. General manager Brian Gutekunst is content with the look of his receiver group at this point in the process.
“I don’t think, right now, we’re really looking to add anything,” Gutekunst said Wednesday to open training camp.
“I really like the group we have.”
Gutekunst said the Packers may look at the position come cut down time around the NFL, when more receivers suddenly become available, but the focus now is seeing the young receivers in action on the practice field.
“We want to give them the opportunity to go out there and see if they can do it,” Gutekunst said.
On Tuesday, the Packers signed USFL standout Osirus Mitchell.
Earlier this offseason, the Packers added Sammy Watkins and drafted Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure after losing Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The receiver group looks radically different, and it’s a little short-handed with Watkins on the non-football injury list and Watson on the PUP list to open camp, but Gutekunst is ready to give the young players a chance to prove what they can do on the practice field before entertaining the idea of making a move – especially with limited options available.
“I want to give those guys the opportunity to see what they can do,” Gutekunst said, “and if we feel we need to do anything, we’ll adjust, but right now it’s like any year at this time of year, there’s not a lot out there. They’re usually on teams.”
Watkins is dealing with a minor injury and is expected to return to the practice field soon, while Watson had a procedure to clear up a lingering issue and will miss some time during camp, potentially delaying his on-field development with Aaron Rodgers.
The Buccaneers signed Julio Jones on Tuesday, taking away one of the most prominent names still available at receiver. Odell Beckham Jr. could be a name to watch during the regular season as he recovers from an ACL injury.
The pickings are slim, so Gutekunst will be patient.
The Packers brought back efficient and experienced veterans Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, who will lean into more featured roles. Amari Rodgers, a 2021 third-round pick, shed weight this offseason and is hoping to be more explosive in Year 2. Along with Watson, Doubs and Toure have a chance to make an immediate impact. Juwann Winfree and Malik Taylor both played for Matt LaFleur over the last two years and could take advantage of the opportunity early in camp.