A quick look at the depth chart shows that the Green Bay Packers have less talent and less depth at this key skill position heading into the 2026 season than they had a year ago. Despite losing two key players during this offseason, the Packers could get more production in the coming season at this position if the remaining players stay healthy. The Packers hope less is more at this critical position in 2026.

The Packers Hope Less is More at This Critical Position in 2026: The Departures

The Packers parted ways with two critical players at the wide receiver position this offseason. First, they opted not to retain Romeo Doubs. Doubs signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots. Last season, he led the Packers with 55 catches and 724 yards. He also caught six touchdown passes which tied him for the team lead.

Doubs became the player quarterback Jordan Love looked for on key third down situations and in the red zone. He had excellent chemistry with Love and came up with clutch catches that kept drives alive.

Later in the offseason, the Packers traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Wicks played 14 games for the Packers and started seven in 2025. He finished fifth on the team with 30 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns.

Wicks had a lot of potential but never consistently established himself as a starter for the Packers. Advanced analytics showed that Wicks did a good job of getting open on his routes, but his production was never elite due to inconsistency in his hands and route running. He dropped nine passes in 2024 although he cut that number down to two last year.

The Hope

One thing that was discussed during this offseason was that some players were unhappy with their roles on the team in 2025. Part of the problem at wide receiver was a lack of defined roles for different players. Simply put, the Packers had nine different wide receivers catch at least one pass last season. That was partially due to injuries, but also due to a lack of clear-cut roles for these players.

The Packers had too many mouths to feed on offense last season. There is only one football and only so many opportunities to target receivers. While the team may not have as much depth at wide receiver as they did a year ago, the hope is that involving their best receivers in the game more often will yield better results.

Last season, Doubs led the Packers in targets with 85. Five other players had 40 or more targets, but only one had more than 50 and that was Christian Watson with 55.

The goal of getting your best players the ball most often can benefit the offense. The Packers didn’t do that enough last season. By streamlining the receiver room, maybe they can make that happen this year.

The Packers Hope Less is More at This Critical Position in 2026: Looking Ahead

The Packers wide receivers should have clear roles this season. Watson should be one starter and the team’s top target among wide receivers. He provides the team with a downfield threat and has also improved his route running and consistency. Watson’s unique combination of size and speed can create opportunities for teammates because opposing defenses need to respect the threat he represents.

Matthew Golden will start opposite Watson. The 2025 first-round pick showed flashes of ability but never became a consistent starter. The Packers are counting on Golden to take a second-year leap and to become a major contributor to the offense. He has good speed and hands but now needs to start playing up to his potential.

In the slot, the Packers hope Jayden Reed can stay healthy this year. Reed led the Packers in catches in both 2023 and 2024 playing that same role. The Packers utilized him in various ways including lining him up in the backfield at times and running gadget plays like bubble screens, end arounds and jet sweeps.

Second-year man Savion Williams and Skyy Moore are among the players competing for depth positions on the roster.

With more defined roles, the Packers hope they have more production in 2026 at wide receiver. Will less be more? The Packers will find out once the season gets underway.

 

 

 

 

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