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Packers | Matthew Golden winning over QB Thu Jun 26, 09:45 AM
Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden was immediately impressive during minicamp, according to QB Jordan Love. 'I think from the get-go, from day one when he got here, he's showcased kind of just the versatility he has running routes, the speed he has and his ability to catch,' Love said
Footballguys view: Golden has a ton of speed, and he can be a blur on the field. That's one of the many reasons why the Packers broke a 23-year streak of not taking a wide receiver in the first round and picked Golden with the no.23 overall pick. Earning Love's trust early is great for his career start. We like the rookie speedster as a deep flex or 'what the heck' flex for Fantasy GMs in 2025. |
Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden is likely to 'get plenty of playing time right away,' in the opinion of ESPN's Rob Demovsky, who notes that WR Christian Watson (knee) is set to miss the start of the season while recovering from a torn ACL. Demovsky also writes that Golden 'seemed to immediately jell' with QB Jordan Love during offseason activities.
Footballguys view: Beyond all that, Demovsky suggested when you're the first receiver your team has drafted in Round 1 since 2002, you'd better show it was worth it. The fact that Golden has an opportunity to do just that makes him of interest to fantasy investors. Golden's ninth-round average draft position -- he's being drafted as WR47, behind teammate Jayden Reed (WR44) is plenty reasonable given the circumstances. |
Green Bay Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd played only one game last season due to multiple injuries but told reporters on Thursday, June 12, that he has been 100% for 'some time now.'
Footballguys view: Lloyd's health and performance in camp and the preseason will be a big part of sorting out who we need to target as the player who would benefit the most in fantasy leagues if Josh Jacobs misses times. Lloyd is the most talented, and the Packers liked him enough to take him in the third round last year. Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks both went undrafted when they entered the league, but they performed well for the team down the stretch last year and complement each other well, with Brooks playing on passing downs. The Packers might be forced to keep four backs, and if they don't expect whomever they release to be claimed on waivers before Week 1. |
Green Bay Packers C Elgton Jenkins reported to mandatory minicamp Monday, June 9, after skipping voluntary minicamp. He's unlikely to practice, though.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander was released Monday, June 9.
Footballguys view: The Packers have tried to trade Alexander this offseason, and they've also tried to work out a revised contract, but those efforts have been unsuccessful. Talent isn't the concern with the 28-year-old corner. When healthy, the 2018 first-round pick is one of the best cover men in the NFL. Instead, Alexander is on his way out after missing 34 games over the last four seasons. The timing of the release coincides with the Packers' opening of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. The Bills were among the teams discussing a possible trade, and they could pursue Alexander as a free agent. |
Jaire Alexander player page
Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs said he has recovered from the concussion he suffered during the 2024 playoffs but said that the recovery was a long process.
Footballguys view: Doubs left Green Bay's Wild Card round game against the Eagles and did not return. Earlier in the 2024 season, Doubs had to miss a couple of weeks due to a concussion as well. It's good that he's recovered, but Fantasy GMs are hoping this is not a recurring problem. Doubs is a deep flex play for Fantasy GMs this season. |
Green Bay Packers DL Kenny Clark underwent surgery on his foot shortly after the season to fix an injury he sustained during the team's Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles that took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Clark indicated he dealt with a bunion and bone spurs, which led to the surgery.
Footballguys view: Clark posted his lowest tackle total since his rookie season of 2006 and had only one sack all season after totaling 15.5 over the previous three seasons combined. Clark just began doing individual drills during OTA practices this week, so those interested in investing in him as a depth piece in IDP leagues will want to monitor his progress. |
Kenny Clark player page
Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs looks like a 'specimen,' per head coach Matt LaFleur, who says there is 'a difference in his physique.' Doubs, who has been the subject of some trade speculation, 'remains an essential part of the Packers offense,' in the opinion of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Ryan Wood.
Footballguys view: Doubs exited the team's Jan. 12 playoff loss to the Eagles with his second concussion in less than two months. According to Wood, Doubs declined to answer a question about what doctors have told him regarding the potential for more concussions in the future. He also declined to answer when doctors cleared him to begin working out again, though he has had seemingly no limitations during the offseason program. At this point, Doubs, at WR69, is third among the Green Bay wideouts on the Footbalguys Projections, behind Matthew Golden (WR43) and Jayden Reed (WR46). |
Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love rested for several weeks following the team's elimination from the playoffs to heal from knee, groin, and elbow injuries suffered during the 2024 season, pausing both working out and throwing the ball. He's feeling 'good' now and has been a full participant in the team's organized team activities.
Footballguys view: For what it's worth, Love looked sharp in this week's OTA sessions. He completed six of seven pass attempts for 75 yards and a touchdown during Tuesday's two-minute drill. He threw a 30-yard touchdown to Jayden Reed before completing a two-point conversion to Romeo Doubs for the "win." Because defenses tend to dominate in early practices as the offense works on timing and execution, Tuesday's effort was viewed as a positive sign for the offense. Still, Green Bay is a run-heavy offense, and Love doesn't have much rushing equity. He opens up as QB18 on the Footballguys Projections. |
Jordan Love player page
Green Bay Packers WR Jadon Janke (undisclosed) was waived/injured Monday, June 2.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed said he has been working with the JUGS machine every day this offseason in hopes of reducing his dropped passes this upcoming season, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.
Footballguys view: Reed is a talented and versatile weapon, but he dropped 10 of his 79 targets and had at least one drop in nine games during the 2024 season, according to Pro Football Focus. His 10 drops ranked second among wide receivers, while his drop percentage of 15.4 percent ranked as the third highest among receivers with at least 40 targets. Not all the catching numbers were poor -- Reed did complete 8-of-12 contested catches in 2024. Whatever the case, more consistent production would benefit the Packers and fantasy investors alike. |
Jayden Reed player page
Green Bay Packers team president/CEO Mark Murphy will officially retire July 25, the day of the Packers' annual shareholders' meeting at Lambeau Field, since he will have reached the organization's mandatory retirement age of 70 by then. Team leadership will then transfer to chief operating officer Ed Policy, who was chosen as Murphy's replacement in June 2024.
Footballguys view: The mandatory retirement age of 70 for Murphy is on his birthday of July 13th. He has served as CEO and president of the Packers since Jan. 28, 2008. In that time, the Packers have consistently been one of the best teams in the NFL. They are a well-run organization, and that starts at the top with guys like Murphy. "I look forward to Ed taking over leadership of the Packers. He's been a tremendous asset to the organization and I'm confident he will be an excellent steward in the role," Murphy said in a press release. |
Green Bay Packers DE Jeremiah Martin (undisclosed) was moved to the Reserve/Injured list Friday, May 30, after clearing waivers.
Link to storyJeremiah Martin player page
Undrafted free-agent WR Sam Brown Jr. (Miami (Fla)) signed with the Green Bay Packers Thursday, May 29. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived/injured DE Jeremiah Martin (undisclosed).
Link to storyJeremiah Martin player page
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) is doing 'outstanding' and 'ahead of schedule' in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Week 18 last season, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.
Footballguys view: Everything is on track for Watson in his recovery. However, based on the timing of the injury last year we are unlikely to see Watson on the field until the midway point of the regular season. Watson should begin training camp and the regular season on the PUP list as he furthers his recovery. |
Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed indicated that his agent's meeting with the Packers following the NFL Draft was 'misinterpreted,' and that it was simply to get his new representation on the 'same page' with the Packers' front office. He also noted that the meeting was planned prior to the draft, and it was not in response to the selections of WRs Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.
Footballguys view: The Packers don't have a no.1 receiver, but Reed did play more snaps than anyone on their team at the position in 2024. From a fantasy perspective, Packers receivers are going to spread the production around. We'll see how the rookie receivers work into the mix, but Reed is likely to produce like a WR3/flex option in 2025. |
Jayden Reed player page
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.
Footballguys view: Since Watson suffered his season-ending injury in the 2024 regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears, being ahead of schedule doesn't ensure the wideout will make it back on the field in 2025. As previously noted, the Packers added Matthew Golden in the first round of April's NFL Draft and Savion Williams in the third round, bolstering their depth at the position. Given the first-round capital invested in Golden, Watson's future in Green Bay beyond 2025 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- might also become uncertain. |
Green Bay Packers WR Savion Williams (undisclosed) wore a non-contact jersey during practice Wednesday, May 28.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden worked as a punt returner during practice Wednesday, May 28.
Footballguys view: As Profootballtalk.com noted, the Packers snapped a streak of more than two decades when they selected Golden in the first round of the NFL Draft. While the team needs a deep threat on offense with Chrisitan Watson recovering from a torn ACL, it's worth remembering Golden ran the fastest 40 at this year's Scouting Combine. The Packers have downplayed the need for a No. 1 receiver while stockpiling wideouts over the last few years, but given the draft capital expended, exploring all the possible ways to maximize Golden's speed and play-making ability seems wise. |
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander was offered an undisclosed contract revision by the team.
Link to storyJaire Alexander player page
Green Bay Packers S Javon Bullard could be the odd man out in the secondary, in the opinion of The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, who writes that newly signed CB Nate Hobbs is likely to play in the slot in nickel situations with CBs Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine (or CB Jaire Alexander, if he remains with the club) working on the outside. Bullard is currently behind S Evan Williams on the safety depth chart as well, per Schneidman.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd offers 'intriguing speed' and a 'pass-catching element' that 'could do wonders for the Packers' offense,' in the opinion of The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, who notes that Lloyd is working without restrictions this offseason after missing all but one game as a rookie due to injury.
Footballguys view: Lloyd's rookie season was cut short by a hamstring injury and appendicitis in 2024. He's got speed, and he wastes little motion as a runner. If healthy, Lloyd is a player we like (especially in deep dynasty formats) and can win the no.2 job behind Josh Jacobs in 2025. |
Free-agent CB Gregory Junior (Texans) signed with the Green Bay Packers Wednesday, May 21. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also released CB Kaleb Hayes.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers first-round draft choice WR Matthew Golden signed a four-year contract with the Packers Monday, May 19. The deal includes a fifth-year option, but financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Golden was the No. 23 overall selection by Green Bay in last month's draft. It marked the first time the Packers had selected a receiver in the first round since 2002 (Javon Walker). Golden had 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns during his only year with Texas this past season. He went on to post the fastest 40-yard-dash time at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February. He'll look to contend for Green Bay's WR1 role as a rookie. With Christian Watson coming off a torn ACL suffered the first week of January, Golden will have every opportunity to earn that alpha role. |
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) probably will start the 2025 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, in the opinion of PackersWire's Mark Oldacres.
Footballguys view: Watson suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the 2024 regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears. The timing of the injury means that Watson isn't a lock to play in 2025. The Packers added Matthew Golden in the first round of April's NFL Draft and Savion Williams in the third round, bolstering their depth at the position. Given the first-round capital invested in Golden, Watson's future in Green Bay beyond 2025 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- might also become uncertain. |
Green Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks has 'matured so much' over the last few months, according to passing game coordinator Jason Vrable.'I think early in (2024), he wanted the results so bad. He wanted to catch the ball and score. He was getting open, and then he would have a bad drop and everybody would be so upset over him and he'd be down on himself. I think he really learned to just handle one play at a time. It just happens to some guys. ... I think he's matured so much. And you saw at the end of the year when the ball was coming his way there was a real confidence toward the end to get open and make the play. And just do one play at a time. If you watched our practices, the speed that he's playing at, (offensive coordinator Luke) Getsy just came back here and was like, 'Man, this guy is so fast. And he's practicing so hard.' And you can see it. He's in Year 3, and he knows the system, he's playing with confidence and the energy's been awesome right now,' Vrable told the team's website earlier this week.
Footballguys view: We'll see what Wicks can do this season. The physical talent is there, but the Packers added another receiver in first-round pick Matthew Golden. When Christian Watson is healthy, the targets for Wicks will be even more limited. If you believe in the 2023 fifth-round pick, Wicks is cheap to pick up in dynasty formats. |
Dontayvion Wicks player page
Free-agent WR Jadon Janke (Dolphins) signed with the Green Bay Packers Wednesday, May 14. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs is looking better than he did at this time last year and will not have any limitations during offseason workouts, according to running backs coach Ben Sirmans.
Footballguys view: As CheeseheadTV.com suggested, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst took a gamble replacing longtime locker room leader and fan favorite Aaron Jones with Jacobs, but it paid off. In his first season with Green Bay, Jacobs finished sixth in the league with 1,329 YDs rushing on 301 attempts. He averaged 4.4 YDs per carry and totaled 15 rushing TDs, third among running backs. He was reliable, playing in all 17 games and caught 43 passes for 342 yards, scoring his first career receiving touchdown in week 7. His average of 9.5 yards per catch was second among the top 25 running backs in catches. But make no mistake, handing the ball to Jacobs is a winning formula, and we'll see it again this season. Jacobs is RB10 on the initial Footballguys 2025 Projections. That aligns directly with his current RB10 Average Draft Position in early Underdog best-ball drafts. Fantasy managers who invest in anticipated workload will find this price appealing. |
Josh Jacobs player page
Undrafted free-agent QB Will Rogers (Washington) worked out for the Green Bay Packers Wednesday, May 14, according to a source.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich says it will be a 'big thing' to 'find different ways' to get TE Tucker Kraft the ball more this season, adding they're looking for Kraft to take the 'next step' in becoming a 'dominant player' at the tight end position.
Footballguys view: With Luke Musgrave slowed by injuries, Kraft took command of the Packers' tight end room in 2024. He led the team in receiving touchdowns with seven, and, as Journal Sentinal staffer Dominique Yates noted, Tucker brought a physical presence to the offense with his blocking ability and yards after catch (team-high 456 yards). Kraft is reasonably priced in early best-ball drafts, going at the tail end of the TE1 range in the 11th round with the 124th pick overall. |
Tucker Kraft player page
Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed's agent met with general manager Brian Gutekunst after the team selected two receivers during the 2025 NFL Draft, and Gutekunst said Reed will continue to be a top receiver for the Packers, according to a source.
Footballguys view: Reed, 25, is entering his third season after the Packers made him a second-round pick in 2023. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, totaling 119 catches for 1,650 yards and 14 touchdowns in that time. But consistent weekly production wasn't a strong suit. It'll be interesting to see how the pecking order plays out for this receiving corps, with Christian Watson likely to miss the bulk of the season. Golden's first-round draft capital suggests a significant role, while Williams is more of a versatile weapon along the lines of Reed. |
Jayden Reed player page
Undrafted free-agent QB Taylor Elgersma (Canada) signed an undisclosed contract with the Green Bay Packers on Monday, May 12. OG Marquis Hayes was released to make room for him on the roster.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Savion Williams already seems to have created quite an impression on offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, who told reporters on Monday, May 12, that there is 'a zillion different ways to use him in your offense.'
Footballguys view: Stenavich is going to be able to do quite a bit of things with Williams. They'll have to design touches for him, and they may be limited as things are crammed at the position in Green Bay. The Packers have 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson (after he returns from a torn ACL). |
Free-agent TE Tyler Davis (Packers) will not return to the team for the 2025 season, according to SI.com's Bill Huber. He missed the 2023 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
Footballguys view: A sixth-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, Davis has spent the past few seasons with the Packers. At one point, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said of Davis "we might have something here" but injuries have likely ended his pro career. Davis started one game during his career, and he has just eight catches for 61 yards. |
Tyler Davis player page
Undrafted free-agent QB Taylor Elgersma (Wilfrid Laurier) is expected to receive a contract offer from the Green Bay Packers, according to a source. Elgersma participated in the Packers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Link to storyUpdating a previous report, undrafted free-agent WR Julian Fleming (Penn State) was not signed by the Green Bay Packers because he failed his physical.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) said he is doing 'really well' in his rehab after last season's torn anterior cruciate ligament, speaking with reporters Sunday, May 4. 'I'm in a really, really good spot,' Watson said. 'Just keeping the mentality there. Just working. I've got a couple more months ahead of me, but I'm attacking it every day. I'm in a really good spot.'
Footballguys view: The timing of the injury means that Watson has a cloudy outlook for a return in 2025. And even if the start of the offseason program has lifted Watson's spirits, the immediate future is uncertain. The Packers added Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round, so they moved to bolster the receiver group well ahead of any concrete news about when Watson might be able to play. As Profootballtalk.com suggests, if that duo makes a quick transition to NFL life, Watson's future in Green Bay beyond 2025 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- will also be cloudy. |
Green Bay Packers WR Lideatrick Griffin was released Monday, May 5.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers OT Anthony Belton could serve as the team's left tackle or right guard, in the opinion of the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, who says Belton could take over for OT Rasheed Walker, the team's starting left tackle in 2024, or OG Sean Rhyan, the team's starting right guard, both of whom are entering the final year of their contracts. Last year's first-round pick, OL Jordan Morgan, is also a possibility at both spots. C Elgton Jenkins, OG Aaron Banks, and OT Zach Tom appear locked in as the team's center, left guard, and right tackle, respectively.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Savion Williams is being viewed by the team as a 'real receiver' going forward, according to The Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, though he notes that will come as Williams gains experience as a route runner. Early on, Dougherty believes the team will use Williams on things like jet sweeps and bubble screens, making comparisons to how players like Pittsburgh Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson and Washington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel have been utilized.
Footballguys view: As noted in the 2025 Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide Version 3.0, with Williams and Jayden Reed, the Packers have two wide receivers who do their best work on designed touches. If any coach can find a way to work Williams into their offense, it's Matt LaFleur. But it's a crowded field. They also have 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and others (including Christian Watson after he returns from a torn ACL) to rotate in and frustrate fantasy managers. To make matters worse, Williams' best traits came to life in the return game, where Green Bay already has All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon under contract for two more seasons. How they plan to use Williams will be a key storyline throughout training camp and the preseason. |
Green Bay Packers WRs Mecole Hardman, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath are likely fighting for two spots on the 53-man roster, in the opinion of The Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, who lists WRs Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams as locks with WRs Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks as 'close to locks.' WR Christian Watson (knee) is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with a return to the field sometime in November.
Link to storyMecole Hardman player page
Malik Heath player page
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) has been impressive in rehab from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Matt LaFleur.
Footballguys view: Watson should be able to return around the midway point of the season. He seems to be ahead in his recovery, so long as there's no setback a mid-season debut could happen. Watson suffered the injury in Week 18, so he may not look like himself until later in the 2025 season. We'll see how rookie WR Matthew Golden fits in with guys like Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs. |
Green Bay Packers third-round draft choice WR Savion Williams (Texas Christian), fourth-round draft choice DL Barryn Sorrell (Texas), fifth-round draft choice DE Collin Oliver (Oklahoma State), sixth-round draft choice DT Warren Brinson (Georgia) and seventh-round draft choices CB Micah Robinson (Tulane) and OL John Williams (Cincinnati) signed their four-year rookie contracts on Thursday, May 1. Financial terms of the deals were not immediately disclosed.
Footballguys view: Savion Williams is the player we're most excited about here, and Fantasy GMs should follow suit. Super athletic and with size, Williams reminds some in the scouting community of Nico Collins (Texans). He can take the top off the defense, and Williams has strength after the catch too. With refined route-running and improved concentration, Williams could end up being a steal for the Packers - and for dynasty GMs out there. |
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander would prefer to be cut so he can choose his destination. In the opinion of SI.com's Albert Breer, the most likely scenario, though, is he returns to Green Bay on a revised contract.
Link to storyJaire Alexander player page
The Green Bay Packers were granted a roster exemption for an international player for PK Alex Hale.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers LB Quay Walker will not have his fifth-year option exercised by the team. However, the Packers intend to sign him to a contract extension - perhaps before the season begins - according to ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky.
Link to storyUpdating previous reports, Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander could remain with the team as all options are on the table. Those include a trade, a release or a reconciliation.
Link to storyJaire Alexander player page
Green Bay Packers WR Bo Melton, P Daniel Whelan and RB Emanuel Wilson signed their exclusive rights free-agent tenders on Tuesday, April 29.
Link to storyFree-agent LB Isaiah Simmons (Giants) officially signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, April 29. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyIsaiah Simmons player page
Free-agent LB Isaiah Simmons (Giants) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers Monday, April 28. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyIsaiah Simmons player page