The Green Bay Packers could've played this scenario out differently.
Knowing Romeo Doubs was set to be a free agent after the 2025 season, they could've opted not to draft two early-round receivers or extend Christian Watson. But given that they did all that, it's pretty clear.
Doubs is actually going to reach free agency.
"Doubs is therefore extremely likely to actually make it to free agency, which isn't always the case for young wideouts," ESPN's Bill Barnwell writes. "And there has been steady growth in his underlying metrics. Doubs' yards per route run has improved during his time in Green Bay, from 1.4 during his rookie and second seasons to 1.8 in Year 3 and 1.9 in Year 4. Drops can be an issue, but the 6-foot-2 wideout produced a top-30 catch score this season, per ESPN's receiver scores."
MORE: Bills have no choice but to trade Keon Coleman now
The Guardian Cap-donning Doubs likely won't be able to rely on the Packers to help raise his cost in an offseason bidding war. Maybe they'd bring him back on the cheap, but their depth chart doesn't have room for a guy who might cost as much as Doubs.
Instead, he'll have to rely on other teams in need of pass-catching help to raise his cost.
"I'll be fascinated to see where Doubs' deal comes in," Barnwell writes. "There's a chance teams see him as only a midtier No. 2 receiver, leaving him something in the range of $15 million per year. I suspect there will be at least one team that sees him as a player with untapped potential who could blossom in a more pass-happy scheme and with a steadier, more reliable usage pattern. That team might be willing to go north of $20 million per season."
MORE: Could the Raiders trade the No. 1 pick and Fernando Mendoza?
Lots of teams could use more receiving talent.
The Buffalo Bills stand out as a major one, with Josh Allen really needing the help on the perimeter.
But whoever ends up with Doubs is getting a player who seems to be on the rise, one who might just flourish in a new offense.
More NFL news:
- Browns can draft the brother of a Cavs' NBA star
- The 2027 Super Bowl is on Valentine's Day
- New perspective on Tua Tagovailoa and his head injuries
- The lastest on how Travis Kelce's wedding to Taylor Swift impacts retirement
- John Harbaugh should already have a $100 million regret
- Would the Texans consider trading C.J. Stroud?