We all know the Green Bay Packers will have a lot of turnover on their roster before the start of the 2022 season. Much of it revolves around the uncertain future of Aaron Rodgers who could return to the Packers, may retire or may demand a trade.
The Packers are already well over the projected 2022 salary cap and Rodgers’ decision will go a long way toward figuring out what other moves the team can and will be able to make.
But one position that will likely face significant changes before the start of next season is wide receiver. Here is a look at the Packers situation at the receiver position heading into the offseason:
Davante Adams (unrestricted free agent)
The Packers undisputed number one receiver is an unrestricted free agent and wants to be the highest paid receiver in the NFL. He set franchise records this year with 123 catches for 1,553 yards and caught 11 touchdown passes. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the fifth straight year and All Pro honors for the second straight year.
Adams is asking for $30 million per year according to published reports and while that is likely a starting point for negotiations, Tae won’t come cheaply.
The Packers have threatened to use the franchise tag on Adams, but that would cost the Packers more than $20 million against the cap and Adams would certainly not be happy about that move.
If Rodgers stays, Adams is more likely to want to re-sign with the Packers as the two have outstanding chemistry after playing together for so long.
If Adams returns, the wide receiver room is stronger but it won’t be easy for the Packers to bring him back.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (unrestricted free agent)
Valdes-Scantling is the Packers fastest receiver and best deep threat. He missed the playoff game due to injury and his absence was felt. Rodgers indicated he wanted both MVS and Adams back but it’s likely the speedster will get a better offer elsewhere if he hits the open market.
Spotrac.com estimates MVS’s value as a free agent at approximately $8.8 million and that would be too much for the Packers especially if Rodgers and Adams are both back. But if MVS leaves, the Packers would need another receiver who can stretch the field.
Allen Lazard (restricted free agent)
Lazard is a restricted free agent and the Packers have a choice to make. They can let him hit the open market but that is unlikely given Lazard’s blocking ability and reliability as a depth receiver. They can place a second-round tender on him which would give him a cap hit of almost $4 million or they can go with a right of first refusal tender which would leave his cost at $2.433 million.
The Packers should look to bring back Lazard but won’t break the bank to do so.
Randall Cobb
Cobb has quite a high cap hit for 2022 at more than $9.6 million. That’s far too high a number for a third or fourth receiver on the depth chart. There is no way he will play for the Packers at that number.
Cobb is experienced and is a favorite of Rodgers. If Rodgers stays in Green Bay, the Packers may try to reach a new, multi-year deal that could give the Packers some cap relief for 2022. Cobb could also sign a new deal for less money to help the team get under the cap.
If Rodgers doesn’t return, Cobb could be let go and that would save the Packers approximately $6.7 million against the cap.
Equanimeous St. Brown (unrestricted free agent)
EQ is a solid performer on special teams but never really carved out a big role on offense. He played in 13 games and caught 9 passes for 98 yards while running three times for 14 yards on jet sweeps and end arounds.
The Packers could re-sign EQ at or near the veteran minimum but it would be cheaper to develop a rookie who could make similar contributions for less money.
Amari Rodgers
Rodgers is still on his rookie deal and will be back for his second NFL season. Once the Packers reacquired Cobb, you knew Rodgers’ role on offense would be reduced. He caught four passes for 45 yards in limited action on offense while struggling at times to field the ball cleanly and make smart plays as a punt returner.
The Packers hope Rodgers makes a big jump in his second season and can contribute more.
Juwann Winfree
Winfree is under contract for 2022. He has a cap hit of $895,000 and will compete for a job as a backup and special teams player.
Malik Taylor (Exclusive Rights Free Agent)
All the Packers need to do to keep Taylor under contract for next year is make him a qualifying offer. If they don’t want to, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. Taylor can add depth and play on special teams but has yet to carve out a consistent role in the offense for himself. He had two catches for 14 yards and both came in the season opener against the Saints.
The Packers also have Chris Blair and Rico Gafford under contract. Blair spent the season on the practice squad while Gafford has experience with the Raiders and was signed to a futures contract.
Overall, the top three receivers from 2021 (Adams, Lazard and Valdes-Scantling) are not under contract for next season with St. Brown also due to be a free agent and Cobb needing to renegotiate his deal if he’s going to stay.
Look for a lot of turnover at receiver this offseason. Depending on who stays, the Packers will likely use a high draft pick to fortify the position even if they add an experienced receiver in a possible Rodgers trade.
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers