Matt LaFleur wants more WR help in Green Bay
The Green Bay Packers came into the offseason with one of the NFL’s best young wide receiver groups. After the early period of free agency, the group became even more youthful, as veterans haven’t signed with Green Bay or have gone elsewhere. Head coach Matt LaFleur spoke with reporters Tuesday at the League Annual Meeting on the wide receiver corps. He knows things will have to change before the season.
Many changes are happening to the Packers right now, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaving for the New York Jets this offseason. Wide receiver Allen Lazard is with the Jets, and Robert Tonyan is a Chicago Bears tight end. The Packers’ three projected starters at wide receiver for 2023 were rookies in 2022. And Jordan Love, who LaFleur cautioned Packers fans to be excited about this season, needs more help in the passing game in his first season as a starter.
The Packers need a veteran wide receiver
According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, LaFleur said the Packers “have to add” a veteran wide receiver to the locker room.
Matt LaFleur would like a veteran WR to complement Watson, Doubs and Toure: “We’re gonna have to add to that room.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 28, 2023
That will be a tall order for cash-strapped Packers. In next month’s draft, the Packers have been linked to several high-profile pass catchers. However, bringing in a difference-making veteran will cost Packers money. The Packers can find ways to be creative enough to bring in a veteran wide receiver if that’s their priority. But it will come at a cost to other needed positions on the roster.
The Packers also need more pass rushing help on their defense. They were already paper thin on the defensive line before Rashan Gary was injured last season. Preston Smith stepped up, but the team needs more help in the trenches. However, helping Love progress as quickly as possible might be more valuable then a pass rusher in the long term.
