Matt LaFleur Addresses Latest News On Packers Star Wide Receiver
The Green Bay Packers do not currently have an established number-one wide receiver. However, it is undeniable that since Jordan Love became the starter in 2023, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs have emerged as his most reliable targets.
Green Bay's receiving corps took a noticeable step back last year, ranking third in the NFL for drops and struggling to consistently create separation against man coverage, particularly in the absence of Christian Watson. Recognizing the urgent need to enhance talent and competition, General Manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the issue in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Matthew Golden in the first round and adding Savion Williams in the third.
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Gutekunst met last week with Jayden Reed's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to clarify the wide receiver's status in Green Bay following the drafting of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. This development surprised many, as those additions were unlikely to affect Reed's productivity or role within the offense.
During an appearance on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the topic for the first time since Adam Schefter's report surfaced.
Packers WR Jayden Reed (11) gains yards after the catch against the Seattle Seahawks.© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
"The first time I saw that, it was a surprise to me, because he never once said a word to me. So that's all I can really speak on," LaFleur said. "But certainly, you have communication with all our guys, and I tell them all the time, it's about the collection of that whole room and what you're going to bring to the table. And he's a guy that, he's had two years of a lot of production for us. So just my encouragement to him is to continue to lead that room, because he's done a great job of that."
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LaFleur also emphasized the importance of clear communication within the organization and praised Brian Gutekunst for identifying players with the right mindset and strong character.
"I just think you gotta be open and honest with everybody on your team, I think you avoid a lot of that," LaFleur explained. "So certainly I think it's not always the easiest, you've got 53 men on your roster, you've got another 16 on your practice squad that all have their own hopes and aspirations. But how can they wrap that around the team success. Fortunately I think Gutey and his staff do such a great job of vetting these guys and bringing in high-character people, because at the end of the day these guys have a choice to buy into the team or to buy into individual success, and we've been really fortunate to get a lot of guys into our building that are all about the team, and I hope that continues."
Among wide receivers with at least 50 targets last year, Jayden Reed ranked first in passer rating when targeted (137.5) but also tied for second in drops (10). A Portuguese expression, '8 or 80,' describes someone who goes from one extreme to the other with no middle ground — a fitting way to sum up Reed's 2024 season. He'll need to bounce back in 2025, and if he does, he could become a prime candidate for an early contract extension in 2026.
Related: Packers Coach Shares Encouraging Update On Jaire Alexander's Status
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