Packers admit offseason failure at WR with latest roster move

The Green Bay Packers needed to find a suitable replacement for Davante Adams this offseason. Signing Sammy Watkins wasn’t it.

Sammy Watkins was never meant to truly replace Davante Adams on his own. However, it was expected he’d at least be part of the committee that tried to make up for Adams missed production.

Instead, Watkins could never find his footing, and was waived on Monday.

Watkins’ Packers career ended with just 13 catches for 206 yards. He didn’t score a single touchdown.

Green Bay did not waste a significant amount of money on Watkins. However, when looking at the disparity between Adams’ numbers and the struggles of the Packers receiving corps at times this season, you can’t help but wonder if the front office fully understood what the loss of their top wide receiver would mean to their offense.

Packers waive Sammy Watkins: What it means

Removing Sammy Watkins from the roster doesn’t have much of an impact on this Packers team. At 5-8, they’re unlikely to make the postseason, even should they win on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams.

Without Watkins, expect Aaron Rodgers to give even more attention to rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Watson has really emerged in recent weeks. The second-round pick has scored a touchdown on 25 percent of his receptions.

Doubs, meanwhile, has shown flashes as well. He’s returning from injury this week, and should take Watkins spot on the roster.

All in all, Watkins was a disappointment in Green Bay. He failed to fill the role of veteran wide receiver alongside Randall Cobb, and missed more than a month with a hamstring injury. Brian Gutekunst found out the hard way that there is no replacing a player like Davante Adams, even by committee.