Over the past year, the narrative surrounding the Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver corps has been a rollercoaster ride, with opinions swinging from optimism to concern. Following the 2023 season, many analysts enthusiastically labeled the Packers’ roster as featuring a collection of potential WR1s. Fast forward to the end of the 2024 season, and that sentiment has flipped – it’s challenging to find anyone who would confidently declare the presence of a single alpha receiver on the squad.
This dilemma was brought into sharper focus recently when running back Josh Jacobs weighed in on the need for a bona fide WR1 in Green Bay. His candid remarks on local radio emphasized the urgency for a player who can take on that critical role, saying, “I think we need a guy that’s proven to be a #1 WR already.” Such comments reflect the mounting pressure on the front office to find a game-changer at the position.
The question now is whether the Packers will look to free agency to remedy this significant gap. The wide receiver free-agent market isn’t as robust as it once seemed, especially with Tee Higgins likely to be franchise-tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite this, intriguing names such as Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs could potentially become available.
Diggs, in particular, has been floated as a possibility for the Packers. While he may not be the WR1 he once was, there’s reason to believe his skill set could still be valuable to Green Bay. His ability to line up both inside and outside would help create mismatches, alleviating some of the burdens on Christian Watson, who has faced his own injury challenges. Additionally, the thought of acquiring Diggs on a one-year deal post-ACL injury could make for an interesting consideration.
However, this option also raises eyebrows. For one, Diggs will be turning 32 next season, and coming off an ACL tear is no small concern. As highlighted, it’s hard to envision him stepping in as a high-end WR1 again, particularly given his injury history and what we’ve seen on the field in recent years.
Moreover, the fears surrounding injuries cannot be ignored. With Watson already at risk of missing the entire 2025 season due to a similar injury, adding another receiver dealing with his own recovery might not be the best strategy for a franchise looking to secure top-tier production.
Ultimately, the notion of signing Diggs may serve as a temporary solution to a deeper issue in Green Bay. While fans and analysts alike crave that elite playmaker on the outside, relying on a veteran like Diggs could be more of a patch than a plan. Instead, the Packers might be better off exploring a bold move in the draft or taking a wait-and-see approach, positioning themselves for a stronger future, rather than settling for a quick fix.
