The prevailing sentiment regarding the Green Bay Packers’ passing attack in 2026 is that with the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, it will be more of a streamlined operation, channeled through fewer players.
But is that really going to be the case?
It is no secret that in 2025, some of Green Bay’s players were unhappy with their roles, as head coach Matt LaFleur admitted after the season.
Speaking at the owner’s meetings this spring, he said: “There were some guys who were upset about roles last year, and I think that took a toll on our football team. Role clarity is key, so we’ve got to obviously do a better job communicating with our players.”
This statement was made after Doubs left in free agency, and before Wicks was traded to the Eagles. At the time LaFleur spoke, it was presumed by many that the players he was talking about being upset were the receivers, and the Wicks trade may have unofficially confirmed that.
With two receivers removed from the picture, a clearer picture of the depth chart seems to have been established. However, do not be surprised if the Packers’ approach to the passing game is still one centered around sharing the love.
While Doubs and Wicks are gone, it is important to remember that the latter was primarily a backup player last year. He garnered at least 45 yards or five receptions, or scored a touchdown in just three of the 11 games for which he was available. His absence is not going to be a game changer.
By this point, it is well established that Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft are three highly valued players within the offense. Between them, they missed 29 games last season. If the trio is healthier this year, they will gobble up a large portion of the available targets.
The real production which now needs to be replaced is that of Doubs, who was one of Green Bay’s most used pass catchers over the last three years. The logical leap is that Matthew Golden will take on most of that load in his second season.
His opportunities were more limited than he would have liked as a rookie, but his talent was clear. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich recently said he is expecting a “big year” from Golden.
Assuming he does step into that role, and the Packers are then trying to balance targets between Golden, Watson, Reed and Kraft at the very least, are they in any different of a situation than they were a year ago?
Injuries may naturally take care of some of the headaches regarding pass catcher usage, but entering the season it is still likely to be something that needs to be planned out and managed week to week.
Savion Williams is another X-factor as a top 100 draft pick from a year ago, whom LaFleur and his coaching staff seemed determined to get touches to each game, using creative means to do so at times.
He has dealt with one injury or another from essentially the pre-draft process at the start of last year. Who knows what kind of impact he could have with a full offseason program and training camp, and if he is able to play without pain.
If Green Bay does run their passing attack by committee once again, it will be another sign that it is simply how they want to operate.
Speaking before the draft this year, general manager Brian Gutekunst said: “I’d rather have a bunch of really, really good players and then have the issue of having the mouths to feed, more so than not having (good players).”
As the front office and coaching staff has spoken about though, giving players clarity will be important, after issues in recent seasons with players being disgruntled.
Clarity is not the same thing as committing to pleasing everyone though, and depending on performance and how the season progresses, it may be that the ‘clarity’ some players receive is not what they want to hear.
LaFleur explained that it is a case of: “Hey, here’s your role, and if you’re unhappy about your role, it’s on you to do something about that, to carve out a bigger role on this football team.”
In terms of putting points on the scoreboard, Green Bay’s approach of spreading the ball around has been successful, and although a couple of pieces have been removed this offseason, it seems like they will remain committed to diversification on offense.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Will Packers pass catcher usage really be more streamlined in 2026?
Reporting by Mark Oldacres, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
