Dating back to the end of Aaron Rodgers’ time in the Green Bay Packers, they have had a core of young, potential-filled receivers who have helped lead the team to a 50-34-1 record over the last half-decade.
However, with so much young talent, teams are never able to pay everyone, leading to Romeo Doubs’ departure in free agency. Head coach Matt LaFleur recently spoke to the media about how Doubs’ absence will affect the team.
How Matt LaFleur Plans to Replace Romeo Doubs?
At the Annual League Meeting on Sunday, LaFleur told NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, “Obviously, we lost some people; losing a guy like Romeo Doubs is not the easiest to replace. But it’s an opportunity for other guys to step up and get more opportunities. We lost Rasheed Walker, as well. But I’m excited about the group we’ve got coming back.”
With Doubs in the New England Patriots, the Packers will need other playmakers to step up to replace his 2024 production of 4 touchdowns, 46 catches, and 601 yards. The latter two figures were career highs for the 25-year-old at the time, despite fighting wrist, chest, and back issues during that season.
Outside of the stats, his improvement from 2024 was noticeable. From running more precise intermediate routes to having more consistent hands and becoming a reliable third-down target, he became one of Jordan Love’s favorite receiving options.
This and more contributed to a 77.9 PFSN WR Impact Grade, eventually landing him a four-year, $80 million contract with the Patriots. Thankfully for the Packers, they still have widespread talent at the position, led by deep-ball threat Christian Watson, speedy playmaker Jayden Reed, 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, and third-round pick Savion Williams.
If either Golden or Williams can develop into even a consistent third option for Love, the offense won’t have too far of a drop-off from a receiver standpoint.
LaFleur went on to say, “It’ll be great to have Tucker Kraft coming off his ACL injury. He’s been around quite a bit. Watching him train and rehab and go through that process, he’s gonna be a big focal point of our offense.”
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Before his injury, Kraft was blossoming into one of the best tight ends in the NFL, averaging 61.1 yards per game and adding six touchdowns in just eight games during the 2025 season. If he had stayed healthy, Kraft was on pace for 1,039 yards, which would have challenged franchise records for tight ends.
Assuming Kraft can return to his 2025 form, Watson and Reed stay healthy, and the young receivers show signs of development, Love and the Packers offense could do just fine without Doubs in the picture.
