The Green Bay Packers have spent recent seasons accumulating pass-catching talent and may have already found a standout in wide receiver Jayden Reed.
Tyler Brooke of 33rd Team conducted an in-depth analysis on Wednesday, October 2, where he called Reed, a second-year player, the league’s “next star slot receiver.”
“Though it’s only his second NFL season, Jayden Reed already stands out as one of the top slot receivers in the league,” Brooke noted. “His influence is evident across the field, with both analytics and game tape confirming he’s already proving himself as a premier slot receiver.”
Reed ranks as the second-most productive receiver in the NFL when considering total scrimmage yards, accumulating 427 in total.
Through four games, Reed has caught 17 passes for 336 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing 6 times for 91 yards and another touchdown.
Justis Mosqueda of SB Nation’s Acme Packing Co. elaborated on Wednesday that Reed is statistically the best slot receiver in the league when considering adjusted yards and adjusted yards per route run.
“Only four other receivers in the NFL have matched Reed’s value from the slot this season, and just a few others are even close to being as impactful as Reed in 2024,” Mosqueda said. “No matter how you measure it, Reed is the most valuable slot receiver in the NFL right now.”
Adding to his worth, Reed’s contract provides a major boost to Green Bay.
As a second-round pick in 2023 (No. 50 overall from Michigan State), he’s just in the second season of his four-year rookie deal, which totals $7.2 million.
Now that quarterback Jordan Love is healthy, the Packers can capitalize on Reed’s skills even more. With fellow receiver Christian Watson potentially sidelined for several games due to an ankle injury, Reed could see an increased role.
However, Mosqueda pointed out that the Packers don’t frequently use Reed in two-receiver formations, meaning he may not significantly fill Watson’s void in those specific situations.
Some analysts have floated the idea of Green Bay trading for Las Vegas Raiders star receiver Davante Adams, who has requested a trade and could move ahead of the November 5 deadline.
This idea may gain traction if Watson, who has struggled with injuries, misses extended time.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell was skeptical of that possibility in a piece on Tuesday that explored 11 potential landing spots for Adams.
“It’s understandable why some would want to bring back a franchise icon given the youth and injury concerns around Green Bay’s receiver group, particularly with Christian Watson,” Barnwell said. “[But] it’s unlikely.
The Packers have intentionally committed to youth across the board, forming the youngest team in the league. Like the Kansas City Chiefs, I think they view their diverse array of weapons as a strength for Jordan Love, rather than needing a top-tier receiver.”
