Green Bay Packers Encouraged to Pursue Former Rival as WR1 for Offseason Boost

The Green Bay Packers are heading into a pivotal offseason. Along with the usual tasks of deciding which players to re-sign and who to let walk in free agency, the team will also enter the new league year with significantly more financial flexibility than in recent seasons.

This improved cap situation stems from the removal of dead money tied to Aaron Rodgers’ previous contract, as well as the expiration of dead money from David Bakhtiari’s deal.

With this newfound spending power, many fans and analysts expect the Packers to target a game-changing wide receiver who can become Jordan Love’s go-to option in the passing game.

The Green Bay Packers Are Urged to Sign Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Chris Godwin

“This one may be a bit of a stretch, but hear me out. Chris Godwin is a free agent but is coming off an ankle injury that cut his 2024 season to just seven games.

“In that time, Godwin registered 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns, which would have put him third in touchdowns, fifth in yards, and tied for second in catches for the 2024 Packers. And he achieved this in less than half a season.

“At 6-foot-1, Godwin uses blazing speed, having run a 4.42 40 at the NFL Combine prior to being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Packers fans are familiar with Godwin. In his past two games against Green Bay, he has caught 15 passes for 265 yards

“Health is a concern as Godwin prepares for his age-29 season. He has already had ACL surgery, as well as ankle surgery from the injury this season. However, if you can lure him away from Tampa Bay, he may be a great addition to this team.”

As Fischer notes, Godwin is coming off of a season in which an ankle injury limited him to just seven games. That being said, he has eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in four of his eight NFL seasons, and has never had few than 525, even when he was limited by injuries.

The Green Bay Packers Would Have to Adapt to Having a WR1

 

Here’s the thing about the Packers pursuing a true WR1: head coach and play-caller Matt LaFleur would need to significantly adjust the offensive approach he has used over the past two seasons.

In the seasons where Chris Godwin surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, he recorded 86, 98, 104, and 83 targets respectively. By comparison, last season, Dontayvion Wicks led the Packers with just 76 targets, followed by Jayden Reed with 75, Romeo Doubs with 72, and Christian Watson with only 53.

It’s worth noting that LaFleur has run an offense featuring a top receiver before, as Davante Adams consistently saw over 100 targets during his time in Green Bay. However, despite Adams’ production, the team still fell short of winning a Super Bowl.

While adding a talent like Godwin (or Tee Higgins) could be a valuable move, fans should temper expectations. Neither player is a guaranteed solution to the Packers’ offensive challenges.