The Green Bay Packers struggled to stay consistent during the 2015 regular season, but still managed to make the playoffs for the seventh straight season with a 10-6 record. Packers general manager Ted Thompson will look to fill multiple holes this offseason, and despite reports of a discord between the front office and the coaching staff, Thompson has said that he isn't averse to acquiring players in free agency, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Green Bay is reportedly expected to be "in the mix" for a complementary wide receiver, and will look to bolster their receiving core with wide receiver Jordy Nelson ahead of schedule in rehabilitation from his torn ACL. Three receivers to keep an eye on in free agency are Saints' Marques Colston, Giants' Rueben Randle, and Seahawks' Jermaine Kearse.
The Saints are reportedly expected to release their veteran wide receiver this offseason, and there is no doubt that he would make a strong addition to Green Bay's receiving core in 2016. While Colston saw a dip in his numbers this past season he still recorded 45 receptions for 520 yards and scored four touchdowns. It was the first time in six seasons that the Saints star receiver was held under 900 yards receiving, and at 6-foot-4, 225-pounds he could make a strong redzone target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
While Colston could make a strong fit in Green Bay's offense in 2016, their front office may look to add youth to the position, as the Saints receiver turns 33 years old prior to the start of next season. Both Kearse and Randle could bring youth and a solid second receiver to Green Bay's offense next season.
The Seahawks are reportedly making a strong push to keep Kearse in Seattle, but the 26 year old wide out has said that he is not willing to take a hometown discount to stay. Kearse started all 16 games for the Seahawks last season, and recorded 49 receptions for 685 yards and scored five touchdowns. It's unknown if Thompson would be willing to spend extra to land a player of Kearse's caliber this offseason, but he could be a potential target the Packers look to bring to Green Bay.
The Giants have been noncommittal about wide receiver Rueben Randle so far this offseason, and after questions about his on field performance last season he is likely to hit the free agent market. Randle also just completed his fourth season in the league, and turns 25 years old this offseason. The Giants receiver has not missed a game since being drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and caught 57 passes for 797 yards and scored a career-high eight touchdowns last season.
The Packers already have arguably the best quarterback in the game in Aaron Rodgers, and the addition of either Randle, Kearse, or Colston this offseason could take Green Bay's aerial attack to the next level.
