Latest news with #Doubs
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Will the Packers pay Doubs or Watson? What a potential contract extension could look like
In Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, the Green Bay Packers have two wide receivers set to hit free agency next spring who have been a major part of their offense in the last three years. After selecting two wideouts in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Green Bay is in a strong position in terms of numbers at the receiver position and is under no pressure to retain either Doubs or Watson in 2026 and beyond. They could enter next season with Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams as the top four and depending on how 2025 goes, feel confident in that group. But after a strong training camp by Doubs, and with Watson appearing to be ahead of schedule in his return from an ACL injury, could the Packers still decide they want to keep one of the fourth-year receivers after the end of their rookie deal? At this point, Doubs obviously has the easier path to earning a new contract in Green Bay with Watson set to miss part of the regular season. Of all the Packers' receivers, Doubs is probably the least exciting. His highs have not been as high as Watson or Wicks, but he has been an extremely reliable target for Jordan Love over the last two seasons. Partly due to Wicks picking up an injury in camp, Doubs has been running as an unquestioned starter in two-receiver sets all summer and keeps making plays. There have not been many signs previously that he could truly break out and become more than a solid receiver, but his chemistry with Love could boost his production to a new level in 2025. Watson's injury clearly complicates things, but when he is on the field, he has a combination of size and speed which is hard to find and is something opposing defenses have to gameplan for. He has real value to Green Bay's offense and would be difficult to truly replace. Matt LaFleur spoke glowingly about Watson on Thursday for not only the player, but the person he is. LaFleur said: 'He's a great teammate, a great leader on our football team. I can't say enough great things about him." Another argument for extending one of the two is that if they do both walk next year, they will probably be the most sought after receivers available in what is not expected to be a strong free agent class. So, what would an extension for either Doubs or Watson look like? And should the Packers do it? There is credence to the argument that teams should not pay the "middle class" of their roster, instead saving contract extensions for truly great players and looking to replace anyone below that level through the draft. However, there are other teams who have extended receivers below the top tier in recent years, so a decent framework of those kinds of contracts has been established. There are nine NFL receivers currently being paid between $10 million and $15 million in average annual value (AAV): A three-year deal would seem to be the ideal structure, likely set up in a way where the Packers can get out after year two. In terms of salary, Slayton at $12 million AAV is likely the floor for what Doubs or Watson should command. Kupp's $15 million is probably be paying respect to what he has done previously, not the player he is now, so Doubs or Watson may not get quite that much. Somewhere in the $12 million to $14 million range is probably the sweet spot. Ultimately, the play of rookie first-round pick Golden, who looks the part in camp, fellow rookie Williams, as well as Reed and Wicks, will go a long way to helping the Packers make up their mind on whether they want Doubs or Watson around beyond this season. Entering the season though, it is certainly not off the table that one of them could be part of Green Bay's long-term plans at receiver.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers WR Romeo Doubs is in a great place entering Year 4
Made 55 yards in the air look easy@emplifybellin Another standout summer for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs reached a new level this week with impressive practices on back-to-back days. On Tuesday, Doubs beat safeties Javon Bullard and Evans Williams for a long touchdown during 11-on-11. Doubs, whose longest career catch is 39 yards, showed off his speed to get behind the defense and make an impressive grab without breaking his stride. Since being drafted by Green Bay in 2022, Doubs has shown improvement each year, but Matt LaFleur said before Wednesday's practice that the area where Doubs has made his biggest strides has been in his route running. "I think patience as a route runner, he's doing a great job," LaFleur said. "He's always been able to get off the line, but just in terms of the patience of a route runner, and it was on display (Tuesday) when that ball's in the air. He's going to attack that football." After LaFleur's remarks, Doubs went out and had another productive practice on Wednesday, boosted by a touchdown against Carrington Valentine during a red zone period. Doubs has become known for his strong training camps and consistency during the regular season. However, last season took an unexpected turn when he was suspended one game for skipping multiple practices. Doubs was reportedly unhappy with his role on offense, but he would eventually return to the team and finish the year with career-high marks in yards per reception and yards per game. 2024 likely would have been a career year for Doubs if not for the suspension and injuries. He also missed Weeks 13 and 14 due to a concussion and the regular season finale against the Bears because of an illness. Doubs finished the year wearing a Guardian Cap only to suffer another concussion after slamming his head against the ground in the Wild Card Round loss to the Eagles. Perhaps due to previous discontent and the fact that he was entering the last year of his rookie deal, Doubs' name was mentioned as a potential trade candidate during the offseason, but nothing ever materialized. Perhaps no one is happier that Doubs is still around than Jordan Love. The two have made it a habit to work out together in California during the offseason, and that chemistry has once again carried over into camp, with Love gushing over Doubs' approach going into Year 4. "I just love where he's at mentally right now," said Love. "He's playing pretty lights out right now and making a lot of good plays when the ball's in the air, which is one of those things that's expected from Rome, and he's done that so many times. But the headspace he's at, attacking every day trying to find ways to get better, even when we're not on the same page sometimes, and a play might be incomplete, we're talking after and trying to figure out how we might do things differently, so I love where he's at right now." It would not be surprising to anyone in the building if Doubs takes another step in his development this season. He may have the strongest connection with Love among all of Green Bay's receivers and continues to improve in all facets of his game. "The way he's running routes and understanding what the coverage is and how he needs to beat it, and just do the little things with twitchiness of his body when he gets to the top of routes and just understanding how to run routes is what's really separating him," Love said. The Packers will be counting on Doubs this season. If the 25-year-old former fourth-round pick takes another step in his development this year, the team will have to decide whether to pay Doubs a sizable contract or risk losing one of their most trusted receivers.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers Predicted To Trade 1,700-Yard Playmaker During 2025 Season
Packers Predicted To Trade 1,700-Yard Playmaker During 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Green Bay Packers receiving corps had a promising season in 2023, but they failed to carry that momentum into 2024. Last year, the group ranked third in the NFL in dropped passes and consistently struggled to create separation against man coverage—especially when Christian Watson was out. Advertisement Still, Green Bay's receiving corps is a young group, and while last year's regression was far from what the team had planned, they should have every opportunity to bounce back. For a player like Romeo Doubs, having a strong season will be crucial as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The same applies to Christian Watson, though he should return in the second half of the season as he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in the 2024 regular season finale against the Chicago Bears. Doubs is one of Jordan Love's most trusted targets and should be a fundamental piece of the offense to start the season. However, Heavy's Jordan Wilson believes Doubs might not finish the year in Green Bay, predicting the team will move the young receiver at the trade deadline. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. (2).© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 'As mentioned, the Packers are loaded at wide receiver in 2025. Not only do they return top contributors Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks from last year's roster, but they also add Mecole Hardman Jr., Golden and Williams into the mix, providing Love with his most competitive group of receivers to date,' Wilson wrote. Advertisement "At the same time, the Packers won't be able to get everyone consistent reps within the offense. The problem will not impact them as much early on, with Watson likely to start the year on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but things will become crowded once Watson returns to the roster — and that could prompt the Packers to move Doubs," he added. Wilson also noted that Green Bay could be motivated to move Doubs if the rest of the receiving corps steps up and proves they can carry the load. "Doubs has been a quality receiver for the Packers over the past three seasons, catching 147 passes for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns in 43 career games, but he is in the final year of his rookie contract and unlikely to re-sign with the Packers, given their depth," Wilson wrote. "The Packers won't want to part with him if he is a leading part of their offense to start the season. But if Golden, Reed and others make him more redundant, they should take their chance to get what they can for him and trade him to a receiver-needy team before the NFL trade deadline on November 5." The most likely scenario is Doubs playing out the final year of his rookie deal in Green Bay. The Packers have a sense of urgency to compete for a title in 2025, and moving on from one of their most consistent offensive contributors does not make sense. However, as Wilson pointed out, if Reed, Golden, Wicks, and Williams step up, it would at least be worth considering trade offers for Doubs—if any teams come calling. Related: Packers Trade Proposal Sends 265-Pound Tight End To Green Bay This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
The Most Important Packers: No. 22 — Romeo Doubs
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is trying to bounce back after an up and down 2024 ... More season. The Green Bay Packers went 11-6 last season, sweeping the NFC West and the AFC South along the way. Overall, though, no one in the building was happy. The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia. Afterwards, general manager Brian Gutekunst turned up the heat on everybody in the building. 'We need to continue to ramp up our sense of urgency,' Gutekunst said. 'I think it's time we started competing for championships.' Those are fair expectations. The Packers return 20 of 22 starters, and appear to have upgraded the roster via free agency and the draft. With several third and fourth year players trending upward, Green Bay should be poised to make a move. 'I think they're ready,' Gutekunst said. Now, it's time for the Packers to prove their G.M. right. Green Bay's first training camp practice is July 23. Between now and then I will count down the '30 Most Important Packers' heading into the 2025 campaign. At No. 22 is wide receiver Romeo 22 Romeo Doubs, WR Last season Many expected Doubs to have a breakout 2024 campaign after he had a terrific finish to his 2023 season. That didn't happen, though. Doubs played in 13 games (12 starts) and finished third on the Packers in both catches (46) and receiving yards (601). His four receiving touchdowns ranked fourth on the team. All of those numbers were down from 2023, when Doubs caught 59 passes for 676 yards and eight TDs. Doubs was inactive in Weeks 13-14 due to a concussion. He then suffered another concussion and left the Packers' Wild Card playoff loss to Philadelphia — despite wearing a guardian cap. Doubs was also placed on the reserve/suspended list and missed Green Bay's Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams after going AWOL earlier that week. 'I'm going to be completely honest with you, man, is there some regret behind that?' Doubs said of skipping practices and meetings. 'There is, but obviously what's in the past stays in the past.'Career to date Doubs, a fourth round draft pick in 2022, had an up and down rookie season, with the highs coming early. Eight weeks into his rookie year, Doubs had 30 receptions, 296 yards and three touchdowns. Doubs suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 9, though, and didn't return for six weeks. By then, Christian Watson had emerged as Green Bay's top option and Doubs managed just 11 catches for 111 yards and no TDs in the final four games. Doubs finished his rookie season with 42 receptions, which was fourth on the team. Doubs then took a big jump in 2023 and finished second on the team in catches (59) and yards (674), and tied for the team lead with eight receiving touchdowns. Doubs also ranked No. 4 in the NFL with seven receiving TDs in the red zone Doubs then he had a sensational postseason with 10 receptions, 234 yards and two TDs in two games. His 234 receiving yards were the seventh most in franchise history in a single postseason and the second most by a player with only one or two playoff games, behind Davante Adams (298 yards in two games in 2019).Outlook It's a 'prove it' year for Doubs for several reasons. First, Doubs must show there are no long-term implications from the two concussions he suffered last season. 'I think anytime a guy gets two concussions, I can't help but be concerned about that,' Packers coach Matt LaFleur said at the end of last season. Second, Doubs will try rebounding from a year where he took a step back on the field. And third, Doubs will become a free agent after the season, and try proving to the rest of the NFL he deserves a hefty second contract. Doubs will attempt to do that in a crowded wide receiver room where Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks return, and rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams could be immediate contributors. 'My goal going into this year is to be a winner, obviously to be a player within this offense and ultimately to help out the two receivers that are coming in (Golden and Williams),' Doubs Said It … 'It was a long process. Obviously it's very unfortunate to go out of a game with a concussion. I made sure I took care of myself this offseason. I just look forward to my process and progress throughout the course of this year.' — Doubs on battling back from his concussions'I don't know if you guys can tell a difference in his physique, he does look like a specimen out there. He's come in, and he's just worked, and obviously he's played a lot of snaps for us and has had a lot of production. So I'm excited about where he's at.' — Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Doubs'Anytime a guy has a couple concussions back to back, there's some concern there. Not necessarily his long term liability or anything, just for him. No, I would expect him to bounce back and be at his best..' — Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on DoubsTHE TOP 30 • No. 30 — RB MarShawn Lloyd • No. 29 — WR Dontayvion Wicks • No. 28 — S Javon Bullard • No. 27 — WR Savion Williams • No. 26 — LB Isaiah McDuffie • No. 25 — OL Jordan Morgan • No. 24 — WR Matthew Golden • No. 23 — CB Carrington Valentine
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers' 3,840-Yard Duo Named Potential Release Targets For Browns
Packers' 3,840-Yard Duo Named Potential Release Targets For Browns originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Green Bay Packers receiver room is one of the most crowded and competitive spots on the team as the offseason winds down. With 12 players vying for spots, it is likely only six or fewer will make the final roster, especially since the Packers have not kept more than six receivers on their final roster since 2022. Advertisement Christian Watson should open the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams should all make the 53-man roster. That leaves just one spot up for grabs among McCole Hardman, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Samuel Brown, Cornelius Johnson, and Julian Hicks. Doubs and Watson are both entering the final year of their rookie contracts in 2025. Watson has racked up 2,140 career receiving yards so far, while Doubs has 1,700 — numbers that show both have contributed consistently to the team over the past few seasons. It might be tough for the Packers to extend both. That's why 247Sports' Brad Ward mentioned them as possible release targets for the Cleveland Browns. Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs (87) celebrates with WR Christian Watson (9) after catching a TD pass against the Arizona Cardinals© Wm. Glasheen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "The Green Bay Packers are likely to part ways with one of their young veteran wide receivers after selecting two players, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, within their first three draft picks. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who are both in the final year of their contracts, are the most probable candidates for release," Ward wrote. Advertisement "While Doubs has been the more reliable receiver of the two, he will also incur a larger cap hit in 2025. Meanwhile, Watson is recovering from a torn ACL and may end up on injured reserve for the season," he added. "If the Packers release Doubs, they could save $3.4 million against the cap." There is a 0% chance Green Bay would release Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs. The more likely scenario is the team lets them play out their rookie contracts, then works to negotiate a new deal with one of them before the 2026 league year begins. Could the Packers make one of them available in a trade? Sure, but it is unlikely. Doubs has become a reliable target for Jordan Love, and if you've listened to any interview with head coach Matt LaFleur, it's clear how much the team values Watson — both as a player and as a person. Doubs should be heavily involved in Green Bay's offense this season, while Watson will likely return in the second half of the year as he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in the 2024 regular-season finale against the Bears. The NFL can be a tough and unpredictable business, but it would be surprising to see Green Bay release either of them at any point before or during the season. Related: Packers' $77 Million Free Agent Predicted To Be A Bust This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
