Over the last few years, the Packers have done well to find quality wide receivers in the NFL draft, guys who have obvious talent and have flashed it at various times with quarterback Jordan Love. They haven’t been able, though, to pick and develop a true star receiver, the kind of player they’ve seemed to have going back to Antonio Freeman, through Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, to Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams.
In fact, the Packers have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Adams departed in 2021.
The closest thing they might have to a star at the position, at least with Jayden Reed sidelined because of a broken collarbone, has been Romeo Doubs, who is Love’s most reliable option at the position. That’s not saying much–Doubs averages 3.9 receptions and 49.6 yards per game, and rates a Pro Football Focus grade of 68.9, which is 49th out of 127 graded receivers.
But the big thing about Doubs is that he is a looming free agent. The Packers had discussed a contract extension with him, according to reports last month, but nothing got done, and at this point, it would probably serve Doubs better to test the open market. He is only 25, after all, and good receivers are hard to find around the league.
Doubs, in fact, is listed as the No. 20 upcoming free agent on ESPN’s current rankings.
Site insider Jeremy Fowler writes that the Packers may have missed the window to lock up Doubs on an extension: “Green Bay could bring him back, but that might be a challenge this close to free agency. He has played his way out of a bargain deal, serving as Green Bay’s No. 1 receiver throughout the first 10 weeks. Though teams don’t consider Doubs the type of field stretcher who must be double-teamed consistently, he gets open, he’s tough and he’s sure-handed.”
It’s not hard to imagine the Packers, with Reed coming back, with Christian Watson having been re-signed for 2026, and with Matthew Golden coming on as the team’s 2025 first-round draft pick, moving on from Doubs. And it’s possible that Doubs will have his eye on greener pastures–remember, he took a week off to protest his role last season, and probably could thrive in a better-defined situation.
As always, price is what matters, in the end. At Spotrac, Doubs is projected to warrant a contract that runs $12.8 million per year, or four years and $51 million.
And that will be the question. A contract for Doubs that runs less than $13 million per year is a good value, especially as the NFL’s salary cap is on the rise. The Packers should be comfortable paying him something in that neighborhood.
But Doubs probably will be seeking more. If that’s the case, and if there is a team willing to give it to him, the Packers will probably let him walk.
Santa Clara, California – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Brock Purdy’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, a player not typically associated with the San Francisco 49ers, has become an unlikely champion for Purdy at a time when the young signal-caller’s future with the 49ers hangs in the balance.
Purdy, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of 49ers fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the 49ers back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Purdy’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Purdy’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Rob Gronkowski, the larger-than-life former tight end who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Purdy, Gronkowski expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Brock Purdy is an injustice to football,” Gronkowski declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this young man once carried his team when no one believed in him — that he rose from adversity and fought with his entire heart. You don’t judge a warrior just because he falls once.”
Gronkowski’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Purdy from 49ers fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Gronkowski for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Purdy’s resilience, his journey from undrafted rookie to one of the NFL’s most promising quarterbacks, and his unwavering commitment to the 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Gronkowski’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Purdy’s return, his injury, and the team’s Super Bowl hopes, Gronkowski’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with 49ers Nation rallying behind Purdy, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and dedication.
As Gronkowski aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Purdy’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Purdy’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The 49ers will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Gronkowski’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Gronkowski’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of 49ers Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Brock Purdy. The rest, as they say, will be history.