Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst defended his decision not to bring in a veteran wide receiver before training camp during Tuesday’s press conference.
The Packers will start practice Wednesday, and they’ll do so with a bunch of rookies and second-year players catching balls from Jordan Love on the first team. The stakes for Love couldn’t be higher heading into his first season starting for the Packers.
Packers president Mark Murphy said Monday that Love must show he can be the team’s long-term starter by midseason. If Love can’t by then, the Packers will have to explore alternative options at quarterback for the future.
Love will need to lead an offense comprised of rookie tight ends and at least one rookie starting wide receiver. The Packers are desperately hoping second-year receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs can stay healthy this season, as they’ll be the most experienced pass catchers on the team.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said during the League Annual Meeting the Packers might look to add a veteran pass catcher this season. However, by OTAs, LaFleur seemed more sober to the fact that the Packers might not be able to add a veteran target for Love.
The Green Bay Packers aren’t giving Jordan Love, veteran WR help
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Gutekunst defended the decision not to add veteran support at pass-catching positions for Love. Gutekunst said he’s excited to see how the young receivers “grow” with Love.
Brian Gutekunst on not signing a veteran WR: “Obviously, we’re very excited about that group and how they’re gonna grow together with Jordan … players we have in that group right now need to play.” pic.twitter.com/3PClQ9aWrE
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 25, 2023
That seems like a fair deal if Love is given time to grow with them. However, Murphy’s comments Monday seem to indicate Love doesn’t have two years, if even a single season, to grow with his young tight ends and receivers.
In fact, Love is being asked to do something the Packers never expected Aaron Rodgers to do in his waning years–live peaceably among youthful receivers. We’ll see how that works out for the Packers this season.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.
