As we inch our way closer to free agency, speculation begins to grow about who the Packers will look to add to improve their roster in 2019.  It is believed that the Packers will use their roughly $30 million in cap space to target one or multiple edge rushers and a safety.  

The market at edge rusher is definitely one of uncertainty because there is the risk that all of the premium free agents are given the franchise tag and remain with their current organizations.  If the market for a premium pass rusher ends up being completely barren, the Packers could look to invest some of their cap space to bolster the wide receiver position.  

The wide receiver position outside of Davante Adams came under a lot of scrutiny last season for their lack of production.  Many blamed the lack of production of the Packers offense on Aaron Rodgers for his inconsistencies and bouts of wildness, while others blamed the inexperienced wide receiving core for not running crisp routes and for not being on the same page with their star quarterback.  

There is no doubt that Aaron Rodgers play was not at an elite level at crucial times in 2018.  However, despite his struggles with inconsistencies, Rodgers still managed to deliver the ball to Davante Adams with consistency, helping him achieve career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.  Adams's career-high output could serve as evidence to support the offseason buzz throughout the organization that Rodgers simply did not trust his young wide receiving core.

Restoring consistency and productivity to the Packers offense could be as simple as adding a proven wide receiver or two in free agency.  If the Packers do decide to bolster their wide receiving core, they will have to target free agents who have both a proven and productive track record as well as a tremendous upside to grow in Matt LaFleur's offensive scheme.  

The speculation to this point in the offseason regarding the wide receiver position has revolved on acquiring Antonio Brown from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster draft day trade.  The reality is that the prospects of Brown actually coming to the Packers are slim to none because of the resources and draft capital that the Packers would have to give up to get him.  

The free agent pool at wide receiver certainly has some interesting options but many of the players that fit the Packers needs are in their late 20's or early 30's.  In my opinion, this limits the Packers in their pursuit of signing an impact receiver who has a proven track record who is still in their mid 20's.  Despite having limited options, I have identified three players who the Packers could sign for a fraction of the price that it would take to acquire Antonio Brown.  

Free Agents Options that the Packers Should Target at the Wide Receiver Position:

1. Adam Humphries: Slot Receiver, Tampa Bay, Age: 26, 76 receptions 816 yards, 5 touchdowns.  Humphries could prove to be a suitable replacement for Randall Cobb as he has a proven NFL track record and will have just turned 26 heading into the 2019 season.  He has consistently put up productive numbers despite constant turmoil within the Buccaneers organization. Humphries could fill the role in the slot and duplicate the kind of production that Randall Cobb had in the prime of his career. Potential Contract Offer: 4 years $36 million, $18 million guaranteed 
2. Devin Funchess: Outside Wide Receiver, Carolina, Age: 25, 44 receptions 549 yards 4 touchdowns.  Devin Funchess has served as Cam Newton's primary target during the last couple of seasons.  He is a player that brings a track record, experience, and upside.  Funchess will be entering his age 25 season in 2019 and would benefit playing opposite Davante Adams and having a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers throwing to him.  Funchess would no longer be the primary receiver in Green Bay so he could see slightly softer coverage giving him more opportunities to make plays.  Potential Contract Offer: 5 years $35 million, $20 million guaranteed. 
3. Geronimo Allison: Outside Wide Receiver, Green Bay, Age 25, 20 receptions 303 yards 2 touchdowns.  It is not a secret that Aaron Rodgers trusts Geronimo Allison in big moments. This is shown by the way that Allison has received greater responsibility in the Packers offense as his targets and development have increased in each of the last three seasons.  Simply put, Geronimo Allison has a world of talent and the Packers are just waiting for him to have a breakout season.  The Packers will undoubtedly sign Allison to the restricted free agent tender of 1 year $2.04 million (fully guaranteed) and hope that he does not sign an offer sheet elsewhere.  If Allison does get an offer sheet, the Packers will then have the ability to match that contract to retain his services.  Projected Contract to Match: 5 years $25 million, $12.5 million guaranteed.  

These free agent options certainly will not create headlines nor will they be the players that you were hoping for, but, they will certainly fit the idea of the Packers acquiring young wide receivers that have a proven track record of production. This business model ensures that Aaron Rodgers will be able to put more faith in his wide receivers when he is delivering the ball.  

Sound Off: 

Let me know how you feel about the state of the Packers wide receiving core.  Do you think the Packers should stand pat and trust their young wide receivers to make "the jump" in year 2?  Do you think that they should acquire a big-time wide receiver of the ilk of Antonio Brown, or are there other options that the Packers should consider?