.Packers need to explore potential trade options at wide receiver
Sammy Watkins’ hamstring injury has changed the dynamics of the Green Bay Packers’ offensive plans this season. Watkins was put on the Packers’ injured reserve just days after he had an explosive second game against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. Watkins was the Packers leading receiver before the injury. With his absence, the Packers will need to explore options for a potential trade at wide receiver.
The Packers have numerous bumps and bruises at wide receiver. Second-year wide receiver Amari Rodgers does not seem to have a good rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers or head coach Matt LaFleur. Rookie Romeo Doubs had a breakout game in Week 3, but the Packers will need to add another veteran to the rotation.
NFL insider suggests Giants WR Kenny Golladay could be traded
New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay has not been as productive as the team had hoped this season. Recently, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network suggested the Giants would be ready to potentially deal Golladay if his stat sheet did not improve against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Golladay was only targeted three times in the Giants’ loss Monday. He had no receptions in the Monday night contest. He has 22 receiving yards on the year.
The Pro Bowl wide receiver is tasked with catching footballs from one of the league’s worst quarterbacks, Daniel Jones. Golladay would likely be much better outside the Giants organization. Golladay could potentially return to his best form if he were paired with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers. In 2019 he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns.
The Packers would need to get the Pro Bowl WR at a bargain price
Golladay’s services aren’t cheap. That doesn’t sound good for the Packers, as the team has about $8.5 million left in cap space this year. Golladay would currently be a cap hit just north of $21 million. But the Giants appear to be desperate about the situation with Golladay. The Giants are watching money burn on the field every game that he’s not productive.
Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Giants might be willing to cut a sweet deal. The Giants would eat some of the cap hit to get him out of New York.
The Kenny Golladay situation in New York is far from over. When a receiver with a $21.15 million cap hit plays two snaps on Sunday, there’s no coming back from that. This is the classic case of a new regime–GM Joe Schoen, coach Brian Daboll–taking over a contract it wouldn’t have done itself. And when that’s the case, teams look for exit strategies.
The Giants didn’t do anything with Golladay’s contract in the preseason because the guarantees hamstrung them. His $13 million salary and $4.5 million roster bonus are locked in. Zero wiggle room. But a similar situation unfolded in the New York area a few years ago, with the Jets and Le’Veon Bell. GM Joe Douglas, who didn’t do the Bell deal, decided the Jets were better off paying Bell his $13 million in guarantees to go away, first trying to trade him before releasing him.
The difference is Golladay, as an accomplished wide receiver with red zone scoring potential, could have some trade value if the Giants agree to cover most of his salary. Something to watch, because Golladay can’t be satisfied with his role.
If the Giants are willing to eat enough money to allow the Packers to be within their cap this year, the team should try pulling the trigger on the deal. Golladay is a reliable target who scored 11 touchdowns on the Detroit Lions in 2019 in his Pro Bowl season.
The Packers would also need to work to restructure their 2023 cap space to make room for Golladay’s hefty contract in 2023. It’s possible for the Packers to do if they make a few roster adjustments. This sort of risky move could help the Packers get that elusive second Super Bowl for Rodgers. The Packers have only so long before the four-time MVP retires.
