The Green Bay Packers made significant strides in bolstering their receiving corps this offseason, with a clear intent to find a No. 1 target. They made headlines by selecting Matthew Golden in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, a move that suggests they have high hopes for his contributions. Moreover, the addition of third-round pick Savion Williams could potentially yield unexpected rewards as both players join an already talented roster.
With promising wideouts like Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed already holding their ground, the competition for a spot is fierce. This logjam of talent means that some receivers are likely seeking opportunities elsewhere to showcase their skills. Enter Malik Knowles, a former Packers wide receiver, who is eyeing a fresh start after signing with an NFC rival.
In a recent development, the San Francisco 49ers have brought Malik Knowles into the fold with a one-year contract. Originally signed as an undrafted rookie in 2023 out of Kansas State, Knowles found himself on the Packers’ practice squad last season, where he continued to develop his game but did not see any action during the regular season.
Prior to his NFL journey, Knowles excelled at Kansas State, where he accumulated impressive collegiate numbers: 127 receptions for 1,867 yards and two touchdowns throughout his five-year career. His final season was particularly noteworthy, as he notched career highs with 48 catches for 725 yards and two touchdowns, complementing those stats with three touchdowns on just eight carries, showing his versatility as a weapon in the offense.
Despite his college success, Knowles has faced challenges in translating that production to the NFL. Shortly into his first training camp with the Vikings, he suffered an injury that resulted in him being waived during final cuts last August. After a brief stint on the Packers’ practice squad, he now looks to carve out his niche with the 49ers.
While the 49ers’ roster isn’t devoid of talent, Knowles may find a clearer path to earn playing time compared to his time in Green Bay, where the receiver depth chart is particularly congested. With a whopping 12 receivers vying for spots in San Francisco, Knowles faces an uphill battle, but it will undoubtedly be an intriguing storyline to watch as training camp unfolds. Can he leverage this fresh opportunity to finally secure his place in the league? Only time will tell, but the potential is there for him to make an impactful contribution in the coming season.
