The Lass Word: Wherefore Art Thou?
The future is murky for Packers receiver.
By KenLass
The return of receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed to the Green Bay Packers active list has had a marked effect on the offense. It may have also had a marked effect on the future of fellow receiver Romeo Doubs. The fourth year veteran has caught a lot of passes for the green and gold. A lot of very important passes. When Watson was not available over the past four years, which has been often, Doubs was the go-to guy in the end zone for Jordan Love.
Since suiting up for the Pack, Doubs has caught 192 passes for 2,242 yards and 20 touchdowns. 126 of his receptions, well over half, have resulted in a first down. Every one of those stats is the highest of any current receiver on the roster. He is, in fact, the leading pass catcher to date on the team this season, with 45 catches, 13 more than any other receiver.
But in the past three games, all of them critical division match-ups, things have changed dramatically. Jordan Love is looking elsewhere for targets, to Watson in particular. Against the Vikings, Watson led Doubs in targets 7 to 3. Against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, Watson was thrown to 10 times versus 4 for Doubs. And this past Sunday in the battle for first place with the Bears, Doubs saw just two passes come his way, neither of which he caught, compared to four for Watson, all of which he reeled in, including a pair of touchdowns. Even Jayden Reed, in his first game back since week two, was targeted four times, twice as many as Doubs.
The Packers, of course, won all three of these pivotal games, and the offense has played noticeably better and more efficiently. Three games is a trend, and one has to wonder if Doubs is slowly becoming a forgotten man in these ever evolving game plans. A good measuring stick might be to take note of who Love targeted on the all important third down plays. Green Bay faced a total of twelve third downs against the Bears. Josh Jacobs got the ball on four of those plays. Watson twice. Doubs was the target only once, and that was a desperation throw on a third and 19.
The question becomes even more poignant considering Doubs is in the final year of his rookie contract. While Matt LaFleur and his staff focus on one game at a time, deep in the heart of 1265 Lombardi Avenue, in the office of general manager Brian Gutekunst, plans are already being calculated for the 2026 roster. And it is a very real possibility those plans don’t include the former University of Nevada product.
It is instructive to note that the Packers have already extended the contract of Watson through next year, but have not done the same for Doubs. Gutekunst loves to say that young players need to play. He didn’t draft Matthew Golden in the first round, and Savion Williams in the third round, just to have them stand on the sideline. Those two rookies are mere bit players so far this year, but that will likely change in 2026.
Another factor will be the Packers’ need to create cap space in the coming off season. According to overthecap.com, Green Bay currently has just over ten million in space for 2026. That ranks 21st in the league. It’s not nearly enough considering the team has other players it would like to retain and extend, such as Quay Walker, Rasheed Walker, Kingsley Enagbare, Malik Willis and Emanuel Wilson. The two Walker’s, Quay and Rasheed, are expected to demand especially high salaries. Chances are the franchise will not be able to afford both of them, much less the money it will take to keep Doubs.
Sunday the Packers play another in a series of critical games at Denver. The Broncos feature a top ten defense against the pass, and a brutal pass rush. Jordan Love will have to get the ball out quickly and accurately. It will be interesting to see whom Matt LaFleur schemes to throw these passes to. Despite his lack of targets, Doubs played 42 snaps against the Bears, just two fewer than Watson. Reed, meanwhile, was on an obvious pitch count with 25. It will be telling to see how these snap counts change in this game, and in the final three games of the regular season that follow.
If Romeo is finding it more and more difficult to get on the field, it may signal he will be packing his bags at season’s end. If so, he should have a considerable market in free agency. Might even end up staying in the NFC North.
There is life after Green Bay. Just ask Aaron Jones.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (58)
Spock
December 12, 2025 at 06:23 am
While I agree that Romeo is probably the odd man out he has been the most reliable receiver for Love since he's been here and, outside of the concussions (which were out of his control) he's been durable. There was that odd aberration where he decided to have a hissy fit but that's far in the past now. If Watson stays healthy the rest of this year (which I expect) the writing is probably on the wall for Doubs. Too bad, I like him.
Spock
December 12, 2025 at 07:13 am
By the way, Ken, you need to change that "Saturday night" to "Sunday afternoon" for this week's game in your article.
GregC
December 12, 2025 at 06:51 am
Some poeple thought Doubs was expendable coming into this season. I was not one of those people. I thought they needed him, with Watson out until mid-season, Wicks coming off a disappointing season, and Golden being a rookie. Doubs was their most reliable outside receiver. And he lived up to expectations. I thought he would take a back seat if and when Matthew Golden emerged, but that hasn't happened yet. Instead it's been Watson who is replacing Doubs. Watson's improvement in the short and intermediate passing game has left Doubs without an essential role. I still think Doubs will have his moments this season, if he gets some favorable matchups, but they may be few and far between. It never looked like he was going to get another contract in Green Bay, not even when he was their most productive receiver in the first half of the season.
By the way, I don't think Jayden Reed was on a pitch count in last week's game. He is mostly just a slot receiver, so he's only on the field in three-receiver sets, except for an occasional snap on the outside.
Cheezehead72
December 12, 2025 at 07:59 am
I was one of those people that thought they might trade Doubs due to his drops last year and the drops in preseason and his concussion history. Yes he proved me wrong by catching the ball when the season started. And yes I am glad to be proven wrong.
I doubt he will be a Packer nxt season. The Packers will let him test free agency and a team will sign him. The only thing that will keep him from getting a big contract is the concussion history.
dobber
December 12, 2025 at 08:14 am
I think they'll profile a similar player on day 3 of the draft: a traitsy, high volume guy who maybe comes from a non-power 4 program. There are guys like Doubs who slip into day 3 of just about every draft...you just have to find them.
Bearmeat
December 12, 2025 at 07:15 am
Doubs is gone and he should be. Give us that comp pick. Maybe a fourth rounder? Trade Gary for a 4-5th rounder too. We need all the draft help we can get.
dobber
December 12, 2025 at 07:42 am
The Packers are prepared for this turnover--it's part of why they took the second WR (Williams) in last year's draft. They have four more years of Golden, three of Williams, and one more each for Wicks and Reed. They added a year to their preferred WR playmaker (Watson) and will have a full stable coming back in 2026. 2027 looks a bit dicier, but I expect someone will get extended. I think they take a traitsy developmental WR on day 3 of the upcoming draft just to keep the pipeline full.
I think you're right: the only way they move on from Gary in 2026 is if they deal him. I don't see a cut. A lot has to do with what they see coming from LVN and Sorrell, IMO. They might restructure his deal and convert some of his $18M in cash value into bonus to reduce his cap hit.
stockholder
December 12, 2025 at 10:32 am
Nick Perry- CM3 - Gute loves to spend money.
jannesbjornson
December 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Ted wrote both extensions.
BuckyBadger
December 12, 2025 at 08:45 am
Need all the draft help we can get? We are a top contender now. You talk like the team has holes all over it.
Razer
December 12, 2025 at 07:18 am
Unfortunately, the cap will govern many of the resignings coming up. WRs are very susceptible to the budget of the cap and rightfully so. Just keep the stable full. I like Doubs but then again, I like all our receivers. There are more out there. What bites is the millions that we threw at Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs. Can't afford to waste cap on average.
GregC
December 12, 2025 at 07:31 am
Too early to give up on either of those guys. Banks is healthy and playing pretty well. He is the replacement for Elgton Jenkins, who was in decline and will be gone after this year. Hobbs has been banged up all year, but there's a chance he could improve if he gets healthy.
dobber
December 12, 2025 at 07:37 am
I think the Banks-Rhyan-Belton interior signals a change in philosophy inside from nimble, mobile IOL to more power. It's reflective of how the league is shifting, too, to try to take advantage of lighter defensive sets and force opponents to try to meet OL/TE size/power with defensive size/power while still being able to cover.
I think Jenkins at C was a wait-and-see thing: if he balled out, it would've been hard to let him go. Not giving in on a restructure/extension is now looking awfully smart. His injury and his play certainly don't argue for his return, but it puts the Packers in the position of either (1) resigning Rhyan, (2) finding a new C from within--Monk? I don't think so--, or (3) bringing in a new C in the off-season through FA or draft...and you can't put all your needs into a single draft.
The Packers ran into a similar problem a few years ago when the failed Jason Spriggs pick left them backed into a corner and having to pay Bakh his big contract. There's a reason why Rhyan has struggled to earn the trust of the coaching staff over his time in GB--do they want to give him another deal? I suspect they will, but unless he looks like a star down the stretch, it will be a cost-effective deal, nothing like the bonkers deal that Bakh got.
SicSemperTyrannis
December 13, 2025 at 07:20 pm
Hobbs has already improved.
pantz_bURp
December 12, 2025 at 07:49 am
Me like Doubs and I hope the best for him, whether still with the Pack or if he goes elsewhere.
Now, I know this is the season for giving. But, please Packer D, TAKE, TAKE and TAKE away like Rudolph that red-nosed (think Coach Coughlin at Lambeau in Dec/Jan) reindeer.
Since I am rather big-boned, I like this time of year:
Chubby (like Santa) is more accepted. Bigger boned lil' fellers and fellerettes suck up to you like your the best thing since two fist fulls of Pop Rocks. (Shout out to Fat Albert...hey, hey, HEY) And, here is the kicker. Almost everyone in church and at the local lil' IGA store think my dandruff are snowflakes not yet melted.
Now, I can live with that.
Tuttles,
Pantz
*Now really lean in all you Donner and Blitzen et Al fans. Rudolph and all the other reindeer accompanying "him" are FEMALE reindeer. Males shed their antlers in autumn (I believe) and female keep theirs year round right up till calving.
POOFFFFFF, yes, that just happened....
dobber
December 12, 2025 at 07:52 am
"Since I am rather big-boned,"
I prefer to say that I have a low center of gravity, well-suited for slippery conditions.
pantz_bURp
December 12, 2025 at 07:54 am
Dobberamma, I like your style brother. 👍
Spock
December 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm
I point at my stomach and tell people "I'm developing my chest; I'm just going to move it up later!"
Coldworld
December 12, 2025 at 07:57 am
You can’t keep everyone in the cap era. The reality is Doubs has to be replaceable. What we have to hope is that we can find a boundary WR who can win on the line, do the dirty work and run precise routes. That requires a certain amount of size and physicality and is pivotal to a LaFleur O. So far I don’t see one. So far none have shown that combination and that’s why Doubs plays so much.
Reed struggles physically, as does Golden. Perhaps Golden can add muscle mass, but I’m dubious, which is one reason I thought him an odd pick, define his talent. Wicks maybe, but he improvises separation rather than running predictable routes. Williams maybe, but he’s a mystery. So that’s the conundrum we will need to solve.
An under the radar option could already be on the PS, Isiah Neyor. I am quietly unusually excited by him, partly from the short audition we saw in the preseason practices. He is raw, but he is one heck of an athlete at 6’4” and 218. Runs an 4.4 with excellent splits (burst) and elite explosion. RAS on its own is a trap, but he showed he could repeatedly get open during his cameo before cut downs.
He has good hands and is physical at the catch point. He’s able to run through defenders. He will block and well. Unfortunately, circumstances stunted his college career, a torn ACL being the biggest culprit, with some lingering issues that diminished him for a while after he returned which is why he’s raw and was overlooked at draft time.
His standout college season was his sophomore one Wyoming in 2022, really it was his only full season as he tore his ACL before the 2023 season began. In 2022 and 2023 Neyor averaged 21.7 yards per reception over for 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 52 receptions.
His route details needed a lot of work, but if he can, and I stress that’s a big if, refine them he might be a dark horse, physical yet athletic candidate to replace Doubs. If he wants it enough, were he to master the route tree, he’d be a bigger and far more athletic workhorse for a LaFleur O.
pantz_bURp
December 12, 2025 at 08:02 am
"You can’t keep everyone in the cap"...
Cold, yes you can...if their small enough.
PB
Cheezehead72
December 12, 2025 at 08:02 am
Being as the Broncos use mainly man coverage I would hope MLF is planning on using a lot of misdirection and crossing routes. I see Watson, Wicks, and maybe Golden if healthy being used to clear up the middle and Doubs, Reed, and the TEs crossing in the middle.
Coldworld
December 12, 2025 at 08:54 am
If they stick to man coverage, I truly hope Wicks is close to full health.
Bitternotsour
December 12, 2025 at 10:36 am
size, speed, physicality. a better route runner than Watson. if he's well, the team is better.
Turophile
December 12, 2025 at 08:03 am
The next two years will see some well known names gone across the entire team. That is the brutal reality of running a successful team in the NFL, especially one that has huge contracts like Love's and Parsons.
This is what I'm expecting to happen to just some of the better known players (and some of it will not be popular).
Gone after 2025. WR Doubs, LT Walker, Edge Gary, LB McDuffie, LG/C Jenkins.
Gone after 2026. TE Musgrave, DT Brooks, CB Hobbs and RB Jacobs (with these last two, its a cut after June 2027, but before that season starts).
There are other players too, that are no sure thing to keep, like Quay Walker, Sean Rhyan (I hope they keep both), not to mention guys like Jordan Morgan, who just might not play well if he is starting at LT after 2025............ but it would make little sense to release him before his rookie contract is up (after the 2027 season) given what even average LTs are worth.
All in all, it's a tough pill to swallow, watching guys like Jacobs leave, but the cap requires some tough decisions. If it were up to me I'd love to see Jacobs retire as a Packer, but Father Time takes no prisoners.
To some degree you can see the writing on the wall ahead of time. Morgan looked like he was the eventual replacement for R.Walker at LT when Walker is due a second contract after 2025. Same applies with Doubs, where Golden and Williams were drafted, allowing Doubs to get his next contract elsewhere.
GregC
December 12, 2025 at 08:15 am
McDuffie is under contract through 2026, so he will be here. Gary I'm not sure about. I agree with the rest, though.
Coldworld
December 12, 2025 at 08:56 am
Intervening play of the individuals and others could change calculations on exactly who, but inevitably there has to be roster turnover on a team with a second contract QB and some key free agent acquisitions.
Bitternotsour
December 12, 2025 at 10:38 am
Churn is a league-wide condition. Every year you have guys with rookie contracts concluding, it's why front offices exist
Turophile
December 13, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Correct of course, but the trick is working out which guys stay and which go.
NFLfan
December 12, 2025 at 08:07 am
Doubs will be gone next year but I hope he capitalizes on his strengths in the next 4 games-to increase his FA value
He's a sentimental favorite of mine and I wish him the best.
lou
December 12, 2025 at 08:13 am
From his first days in camp he stood out for his separation and hands and has been a starter from the get go. He moves the chains and people forget how he stood out against the Cowboys on the playoff stage two years ago. I wish him well whether he stays or moves on for business reasons.
Cheezehead72
December 12, 2025 at 08:21 am
One too many good WRs is a good thing
Turophile
December 13, 2025 at 12:24 pm
....but not when it comes to a seciond contract, that is when the rubber hits the road.
Packer_Fan
December 12, 2025 at 08:41 am
Doubs at best is just a possession receiver. Not to say this is bad, but the upside and explosiveness is not there. Not so with Watson. And Watson has improved and raised his game up. Of the two, I would keep Watson for the second contract. I doubt if the Packers can keep both.
LeotisHarris
December 12, 2025 at 08:42 am
The future is murky for everyone, and like the all of us Romeo is day-to-day. They'll be a roster spot for him on an NFL team. Nothing but the best to the young man.
BuckyBadger
December 12, 2025 at 08:46 am
Isn't this an off season question? Why speculate about this now when you have a full off season to talk about it? At the moment he is a Packer preparing for a championship run. Between now and than a lot could change and most of which can't be predicted.
Cheezehead72
December 12, 2025 at 09:11 am
As a fan I look to the future while enjoying the present. A fan can do both. I really hope that Gute and Co. are looking to the future. That is how you build a dynasty.
BuckyBadger
December 12, 2025 at 09:38 am
I hope they aren't constantly talking about it with Doubs or other players in contract years. I have no doubt they are looking to the future but there is a time and place for it. I don't think in the mist of a playoff run is that time. If he isn't signed to a future by now he won't be by March, no reason to bring that noise up now and give the locker-room and player a distraction.
Leatherhead
December 12, 2025 at 08:58 am
Watson, Reed, Wicks, Golden and Williams are all under contract for next season. Add a Day 3 guy or a FA, bring back Melton.....I don't think it's that murky. Doubs will almost certainly be playing someplace else.
Starrbrite
December 12, 2025 at 04:41 pm
Yep-it’s not really complicated.
Lphill
December 12, 2025 at 09:36 am
Doubs, Gary, Q Walker will be gone .
NFLfan
December 12, 2025 at 09:39 am
Speaking of sentimentality-Gutekunst is attached to Q Walker.
Bitternotsour
December 12, 2025 at 10:46 am
it's not sentimental to be attached to a tackling machine. Quay Walker is everything you want in a modern linebacker.
NFLfan
December 12, 2025 at 10:57 am
Whatev...
13TimeChamps
December 12, 2025 at 11:10 am
My teenaged granddaughter and all her friends say "whatev" all the time when they disagree with someone. It's quite the rage I hear with today's kids.
Bitternotsour
December 12, 2025 at 03:16 pm
I think they call that a tell.
lou
December 12, 2025 at 12:55 pm
If that was the case they would have exercised his 5th year option. Interesting that that did that with Savage and he was just cut again.
GregC
December 12, 2025 at 01:34 pm
It was a different scenario with Quay Walker. The "linebacker" category for the 5th year option includes edge rushers in 3-4 defenses, who are among the highest paid defensive players in the league, while off-ball linebackers like Quay are among the lowest-paid defenders. So it only would've made sense to use the 5th year option on Quay if he was a super impactful player at his position. Which he is not. But he's pretty good, and he may be worth keeping at the right price.
BuckyBadger
December 12, 2025 at 09:40 am
Gary is under contract and $34M in dead cap if gone. I think he is around. Walker might not demand a huge deal and could be back as well.
stockholder
December 12, 2025 at 10:38 am
Quay Walker will be paid.
Even if it costs the packers Gary.
Bitternotsour
December 12, 2025 at 10:44 am
You might not be wrong. Walker is too good to let walk.
jannesbjornson
December 12, 2025 at 06:57 pm
This is a linebacker's draft. 3-4 better than Quay.
Bear
December 12, 2025 at 11:19 am
Gary is only a cap hit of 8.5 million if released after post June.
Leatherhead
December 13, 2025 at 01:18 pm
Lose two core defenders from one of the best defenses in the league AND add $20M in dead cap. You think that’s the plan?
13TimeChamps
December 12, 2025 at 11:36 am
I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't necessarily understand why it's a forgone conclusion Doubs is gone next year. While not flashy, he's been a very reliable receiver for Love, which can't be understated. Statistically, he reminds me of James Jones. He's actually produced more during his first 4 years than Jones did.
FWIW:
During Doubs 1st 4 years he has averaged: 14games/48rec/561yds/5TDs/31.5 first downs
During D.Wicks 1st 3 years he has averaged: 14games/35rec/434yds/3.5TDs/25 first downs
At the very least, I'd hope they would see if an affordable 2nd contract is a possibility. If not, good luck to Romeo and I'd wish him success. I just have a hard time throwing that kind of production away, especially considering he is still only 25 years old, while hoping for a possible compensatory pick in '27.
nagawicka
December 12, 2025 at 01:27 pm
Agreed! All this conventional wisdom. Doubs only strengthens a 6-WR room and stands out for reliability where *none* of the others have been consistent OR available due to injuries. Lotta 'we can't' and 'we wouldn't ever' from the peanut gallery. Yet MLF name-checked Romeo after the Bears as being astonished he didn't have catches.
PROBLEM w/all the naysayers: First 1/2 of season, Doubs had 4 and 5 catches for 4 games running or so. BUT DID all the smart people prematurely issuing Romeo's walking papers EVEN mention for the record that Doubs led in receptions, key receptions?? NO. It was radio silence, literally. Like Stalin had forbidden Packers Pundits from even mentioning Doubs name or existence, let alone his dominant games with multiple receptions. NOW, though, MLF/GB spreads the ball around, develops other WRs -- which is STANDARD SOP -- and suddenly all these geniuses are tripping over themselves writing Doubs' obituary.
Talking about the bloggers, pundits, video-'analysts' and columnists: 1) ZERO to report & nothing to say when Romeo Doubs dominates with multiple catches, total blackout on his name; contrasts sharply with 2) actively terminating Doubs' career in print, writing his obit mid-season--like some pundit is GM Gutekunst Himself.
So either there's substantial coordination with 1265 Lombardi, with the GB front office--an ugly and unethical arrangement--or the general consensus isn't really weighing performance here. All indications are it's both.
These are the same people who told you that Jordan Morgan would automatically replace Rasheed Walker at LT w/ exactly zero basis, that Gute would trade for Adams or Metcalf when why would he ever do that. Unreliablity parroting of received wisdom rarely pans out. Roster churn is standard. And the normal factors in-play means Romeo Doubs is more than likely to move on-- but NOT based on performance or culture fit. Lotta the criticism has been uncalled-for and has little to no basis in orginal reporting coming out of 1265.
GregC
December 12, 2025 at 07:04 pm
There are plenty of people here who respect Doubs. The reason most of us don't expect him back is because he is the only one of the top six WRs who is not under contract for next year. Also, he's been productive enough that he is bound to get an offer from another team that is more than the Packers can afford, considering how crowded their WR room is.
NFLfan
December 12, 2025 at 04:36 pm
Doubs may get paid more on the open market. I hope he goes to a good team
GBPfaninMO
December 13, 2025 at 11:37 am
I echo the sentiment about Romeo Doubs being a quality receiver and, concussions aside,durable but yeah probably a cap casualty and I agree with those that wonder about the durability of Matthew Golden maybe they saw him as a kind of Tyreek Hill,minus the tude hopefully,but to me he needs to bulk up a bit to stay on the field. I got several 👎 on a comment about the durability of Reed & Golden but if you're not on the field u can't contribute & this is coming from someone 5/6 155 Lbs I sure as hell wouldn't draft me.