The Green Bay Packers have undergone a major youth movement in the last few offseason. Plenty of key veterans have been traded, such as wide receiver Davante Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while countless others have moved on in free agency.
A majority of those changes have come on the offensive side of the ball. Green Bay could have the least experienced offensive unit in the NFL once the regular season rolls around. Not only has their new starting quarterback Jordan Love had minimal experience in the NFL, but his supporting cast is lacking as well.
Outside of running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, the Packers may not have a single-skill position starter with more than one season of NFL experience. Projected starting wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs were both selected in the 2022 NFL Draft and have the most experience.
2023 second-round picks, wide receiver Jayden Reed and tight end Luke Musgrave, could be the No. 3 wide receiver and starting tight end. Musgrave will likely be battling it out with third-round pick, Tucker Kraft, at tight end.
That is why it should come as no surprise that ESPN NFL insider Field Yates has said the one move the Packers need to still make this offseason is signing a veteran pass catcher. His suggestion for that spot? Slot receiver, Jarvis Landry.
“The Jordan Love and youth movements are on in Green Bay in the post-Rodgers era, with the team investing five draft picks on wide receivers and tight ends in April. I’m already getting excited about this offense’s potential. I understand that very few veteran pass-catchers available right now have a chance to be a major impact player on the field, but I do think there is a spot for a player who brings leadership qualities to make his mark. As an example, while the team might want as many snaps for the youngsters who can play in the slot as possible, I do think Jarvis Landry‘s presence would bring instant lessons in preparation that would pay off.”
Landry made the Pro Bowl five straight seasons in the late 2010s as the premier slot receiver in the NFL. He would be a great presence to add to the Packers’ locker room as a leader and mentor for the younger players.
Having a reliable veteran in the lineup will make things easier for everyone from Love to the other pass catchers. Landry has battled injuries the last few seasons, as he played in only nine games in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints and 12 with the Cleveland Browns the season before that.
The Packers need some kind of help at the wide receiver position as going into the season with the group they have now would be doing a disservice to Love. They are a talented bunch, but a veteran such as Landry would help bring it all together.
