When the Aaron Rodgers trade talks with the New York Jets first started, many fans and analysts wanted the Green Bay Packers to get a veteran wide receiver as part of their return. Elijah Moore was the player most mentioned, but he was traded to the Cleveland Browns for the 42nd overall pick, which in turn was traded to the Packers as part of the Rodgers trade. After Moore was traded, there was some speculation that Corey Davis could be included in a trade to Green Bay. Of course, that did not happen.
Still, there was speculation that the Packers could add Davis due to the speculation around the NFL that he would be released by the Jets. Davis’ roster spot was considered all-but-lost after New York signed Rodgers’ best friend, Randall Cobb. However, when addressing the media today, Jets head coach Robert Saleh stated that Davis will not be going anywhere.
The New York Jets Are Hanging onto Corey Davis
According to Saleh,
The addition of Cobb has re-fueled the Corey Davis speculation about his roster spot being in jeopardy. To that, Saleh says, "He's going to be on the team." Notes the importance of having size at WR. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 5, 2023
Davis is six foot three and 209 pounds, which is certainly a good size for wide receivers. Last season, he caught 32 passes for 536 yards and two touchdowns as part of an inconsistent offense. The Jets have looked to fix their offensive woes with the additions of Rodgers, Allen Lazard, and Cobb. Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, also will be a more dynamic player with Rodgers throwing him the ball.
The Jets currently have 10 wide receivers on their 90-man roster, three of them being former Packers: Lazard, Cobb, and Malik Taylor. Per the team’s depth chart, Davis is listed as a fifth or sixth wide receiver.
The Green Bay Packers May Have to Roll with the Wide Receivers They Have
For the second year in a row, the Packers took three wide receivers in the NFL Draft. Last year’s crop, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure, are joined by newcomers Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Grant DuBose. They are joined on the 90-man roster by Bo Melton, Jeff Cotton, Deuce Watts, and Malik Heath.
While Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur has stated that he would like to add a veteran at the wide receiver position, it is probable that the team will not do so. For one, they simply do not have the salary cap space. For another, the current free agent class at the wide receiver position is not very good (unless fans would like to see Sammy Watkins again). Finally, it is important for the young wide receivers to get snaps.
Let’s face it: the Packers are a youthful football team now. They only have four players over the age of 28. It will be vital to the team’s development for their young pass catchers to grow with Jordan Love as their quarterback. While that may result in frustrating moments in 2023, it will lead to a prolonged period of success in the years to follow.
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