By now, it has become obvious that the Packers are in something of an odd position in their wide-receiver room. They have a deep pool of talent. But they don’t appear to have that true, shining, go-to WR1 who allows an offense to establish a sort of hierarchy of pass-catchers.
Two years ago, it looked like Christian Watson would be that guy. But he has been unable to stay healthy. Then, it looked like it would be Jayden Reed, but he took a step backward last season and was injured in Week 1 this year. Rookie speedster Matthew Golden gained national attention when he became the first Packers receiver drafted in the first round since Javon Walker, but his production–11 catches for 126 yards–is far off of a WR1 level.
Through all of that, the one player who has been pretty consistent in his production has been Romeo Doubs, who might be the team’s most underappreciated star.
Romeo Doubs Extension Rumors Persist
Doubs, it will be remembered, was disappointed with his role around this time last season and surprisingly skipped practice, accepting a team suspension. He later struggled with a concussion and wound up with 601 yards on 46 catches with four touchdowns in 13 games.
In his fourth season, Doubs is in an in-between position. He is leading receivers with 179 yards, and has seen 11 of his 13 catches go for first downs. He obviously has quarterback Jordan Love’s trust. But he also needs a new contract–Doubs is a free agent after this season.
Would the Packers, who sought to trade Doubs this summer, instead decide to lock him up for a longer term?
Packers Have Decisions to Make
That was the theory floated by ESPN’s insider Dan Graziano on Thursday when looking at potential extension candidates: “Doubs is interesting because the Packers are overloaded at wide receiver. They definitely had trade talks about Doubs this offseason, but he’s also a reliable favorite of quarterback Jordan Love. Green Bay is going to have to make some choices there in the coming year or two.”
The Packers made the surprise decision to extend Watson for what is, essentially, a one-year deal to see if he can get back to full health after his knee injury. Would they do the same with Doubs? Remember, too, that Tucker Kraft is also up for what should be a hefty extension, too.
GettyGreen Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love
Romeo Doubs Worth $15.8 Million per Year to Packers?
Another ESPN insider, Jeremy Fowler, reported earlier this month that the team has had at least some discussions with Doubs about an extension.
Of course, it’s all about what the Packers would be willing to pay and what Doubs would be willing to accept in a new deal. Watson was given one year and $13.25 million, and Doubs would no doubt demand more than that.
Spotrac posts his market value at $15.8 million per season, projecting a future deal worth $63 million over four years. That’s probably an acceptable commitment in terms of up-front money from the Packers’ point of view, though they’d likely give themselves plenty of escape hatches in a new deal in case Doubs plateaus.
Doubs, too, might be willing to bet on himself, but he would need to be warned: The market for receivers next season could be strong for teams, with the likes of Puka Nacua (very likely to be extended by the Rams), George Pickens, Jakobi Meyers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Drake London, Zay Flowers, Rashid Shaheed, Alec Pierce and Jajuan Jennings all potential free agents.
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