Packers Confident in Receiver Corps Despite Key Departures

With Tucker Kraft's pending return, tight end remains a draft priority

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Packers football game, with sharp planes of green, gold, and white overlapping to create a fragmented, multi-perspective view of the action on the field.The Packers' receiving corps has undergone changes, but the team remains confident in its ability to field a productive passing attack in 2026.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers have seen some key departures from their receiving corps, with Romeo Doubs leaving in free agency and Dontayvion Wicks being traded. However, the team remains confident in their returning receivers, including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden, who are poised for larger roles. The Packers may still look to add depth at receiver and tight end in the upcoming draft.

Why it matters

The Packers' receiving corps has undergone some significant changes, but the team believes they have the talent to maintain a productive passing attack. The development of younger players like Watson, Reed, and Golden will be crucial, while the return of tight end Tucker Kraft from injury is also a priority. How the Packers address these positions in the draft could shape the offense for the 2026 season.

The details

Despite the departures of Doubs and Wicks, the Packers have several receivers ready to step up. Watson, Reed, and Golden all showed promise last season, with Watson and Reed looking to build on their production when healthy. The team also has high hopes for 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, who had an up-and-down rookie year but finished strong in the playoffs. Savion Williams, a 2025 third-round selection, is another young receiver the Packers will look to utilize more. The tight end position is anchored by the pending return of Tucker Kraft, who was on a record-setting pace before his season-ending injury in 2025. Behind Kraft, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle provide depth, but the Packers may look to add more talent at the position in the draft.

  • In early November 2025, Tucker Kraft's season ended due to an ACL injury.
  • In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Packers have eight total picks to address their roster needs.

The players

Tucker Kraft

A tight end for the Packers who was on pace to break several single-season franchise records before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2025. He is expected to return in 2026.

Christian Watson

A wide receiver for the Packers who caught 35 passes for 611 yards and 6 touchdowns in 10 games last season after returning from a torn ACL.

Jayden Reed

A wide receiver for the Packers who led the team in receiving his first two seasons (2023-24) and is entering a contract year.

Matthew Golden

The Packers' first-round draft pick in 2025 who had an up-and-down rookie season but finished strong in the playoffs.

Savion Williams

A wide receiver and return specialist for the Packers who was a 2025 third-round draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Though he's officially listed as a cornerback, Bo Melton still deserves mention after catching four passes for 107 yards and a TD last season.”

— Mike Spofford, Packers Writer

What’s next

The Packers will look to address their receiver and tight end depth in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have eight total picks to work with.

The takeaway

The Packers have confidence in their returning receivers and tight ends, but will likely look to add more talent and depth at those positions in the upcoming draft to ensure they have a productive passing attack in 2026.