The Packers boast good depth at wide receiver, but they’re still waiting for a true No. 1 option to step up.
First-round rookie Matthew Golden has shown flashes of big-play ability and is steadily earning Jordan Love’s trust, while Christian Watson’s expected return in the next few weeks should help. Still, it’s telling that nearly 20 percent of Green Bay’s passing game runs through tight end Tucker Kraft.
Kraft has proven to be the team’s most dependable and productive pass catcher, as the wide receiver group has yet to deliver the star-level impact the Packers are hoping for.
With the trade deadline approaching — and after already making a splash by acquiring Micah Parsons in exchange for two first-round picks and Kenny Clark — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst could look to make another bold move, this time to boost the offense.
Despite putting up points, Green Bay’s offensive line has been inconsistent through four games, partly due to injuries along the interior. According to Sports Illustrated, that could push Gutekunst to target a dynamic wide receiver. Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated believes Saints star Chris Olave would be an ideal addition for the Packers.
“Yes, the Packers scored 40 points against the Cowboys,” Manzano wrote. “But that same defense gave up 37 points to the Giants in Week 2 and 31 points to the Bears in Week 4. Green Bay’s offensive issues didn’t disappear just because it tied Dallas’s shaky defense.
“Jordan Love needs another consistent playmaker, especially with Jayden Reed sidelined and rookie Matthew Golden still adjusting to the NFL. Trading for Olave would stretch the field for Love and open up Matt LaFleur’s playbook.” Olave has recorded 26 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown so far this season.
Olave would give the Packers a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, though he might be more of a luxury addition for an offense already rich with young talent at the position.
Over his first four NFL seasons, Olave has totaled 217 receptions for 2,750 yards and 11 touchdowns. While adding a player of his caliber is certainly appealing, it’s reasonable to question how much more he would elevate an offense that’s already trying to develop rookie Matthew Golden and heavily features Romeo Doubs as a key weapon.
If Green Bay were to make the proposed deal — sending a second-round pick to acquire Olave — the team wouldn’t be back on the clock until Round 3 of next year’s draft. That’s a considerable investment in draft capital for two stars, even ones as impactful as Micah Parsons and Chris Olave.