3 WRs the Packers need to trade for before the deadline

Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills

Kenny Stills is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL, and he is just itching to be a key player in a high-powered offense. Don’t take his numbers in Houston too seriously, Bill O’Brien had no idea what he was doing, and Romeo Crennel is a defensive genius who hasn’t had time to see what Stills brings to the table.

It’s a better idea to look at what Stills did with the New Orleans Saints as Drew Brees’ teammate. After leading the league with an even 20 yards per reception as a rookie in 2013, Stills was one of the quiet breakout stars of the 2014 NFL season. He turned 83 targets into 63 receptions for 932 yards, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most efficient receivers. In both of his seasons in New Orleans, Stills averaged more than 11 yards per target. Not bad for a fifth-round pick.

Stills’ career in Miami stagnated, but he still had a few decent seasons. He caught nine touchdowns in 2016 and never averaged below eight yards per target from 2016 to 2018. Basically, he had much better numbers than the current Packers wide receivers despite playing with way, way worse quarterbacks than Aaron Rodgers.

Even in Houston, Stills has quietly shown some of the same qualities he did in New Orleans to start his career, and it’s hard to believe he’s getting worse since he should be in the prime of his career at 28. For example, Stills averaged 10.2 yards per target with a catch rate over 70 percent last season, but he was only targeted 55 times.

Stills could be acquired for a much lower rate than any other wide receiver, and the Packers probably aren’t looking for a superstar. They already have Adams. What Rodgers need is a smart, speedy, and efficient receiver who will do what he’s asked and bring something dynamic to the table. That’s not easy to find at a cut rate, but Stills could be the perfect match for what Green Bay needs this year.