Michael Crabtree in Wisconsin? Think about it. The Green Bay Packers suffered their first loss of the season in Week 4. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 34-27. Davante Adams felt the pain in more ways than one.
Losing and falling to 3-1 wasn't the biggest “loss” of the night. The biggest loss was Davante Adams.
Adams is an absolute superstar and one of the best receivers in the NFL. He had 10 receptions for 180 yards in Week 4 and has 25 receptions for 378 yards on the year. Clearly the best weapon in the offense and someone that makes life a lot easier on quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Now the Packers might have to see what life is like without him for a few games.
Green Bay is extremely low on weapons. The Packers might need to look for outside help via trade or free agency.
A wide receiver with a very strong resume has become available recently: Michael Crabtree. The Packers should absolutely consider signing the new free agent.
Green Bay still has Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison. Both have proven to be solid enough targets. However, neither is the most reliable and after them things get extremely dicey.
The Packers also have Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard and Darrius Shepherd. Not exactly names that instill fear into opposing defenses.
If the Packers were smart, they'd sign someone that can come in and take over for Adams. Obviously, no one is going to give them the same type of production. However, getting someone to help fill the gap is a necessity at this point.
That's where Crabtree comes into play. He plays a similar style to Adams. I mean, they're literally listed as the same height (6'1″) and weight (215 lbs) even. That's got to count for something.
Based on the numbers, Crabtree is a little bit past his prime.
After recording 85 receptions for 922 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015, he followed it up with 89 receptions for 1,003 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. However, Crabtree hasn't even reached 60 receptions or 620 yards in a season since then.
In two games for the Arizona Cardinals this year, he had four receptions for 22 yards.
He's still a steady hand though. Crabtree is a big enough target that can go up and get a ball. He's a good route runner and a veteran who can make the big play and handle the pressure of being the number one receiver.
No one's trying to say this will be a career renaissance for Michael Crabtree or that he'll solve all of Green Bay's problems.
However, getting someone that can give you 50-plus receptions in a season doesn't hurt. By the way, the only two times in his entire career that Michael Crabtree hasn't reached 50 receptions were his rookie year (48 in 11 games) and 2013 when he had 19 receptions in five games.
No, Crabtree might not be at the absolute top of his game anymore, but there's no reason to believe he can't still put together solid production. Especially considering Aaron Rodgers would easily be the best quarterback to ever throw him the football. I mean, that definitely can't hurt his production right there.
Even if Davante Adams is only out for a little bit, the Packers can't afford to drop a few games because they're passing attack has suffered. Their running game has proven very little, so it wouldn't be smart to bank on that much, if at all.
With their next games coming against the undefeated Dallas Cowboys, divisional rivals (and also undefeated) Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and also undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, they have a tough schedule ahead.
Going out there with very limited weapons for Rodgers simply isn't a recipe for success. Yes, Jimmy Graham has looked solid in two games, but non-existent in the others (injuries did play a part in that however).
If a team needed a quarterback to make this situation work, Rodgers would definitely be near the top of everyone's list. There's no reason to ever have to find out though. Get some help now; provide an extended week to get him acclimated to the offense. Even when Adams comes back this could be a good addition to the team.
The Packers clearly need to bring in another receiver following the Adams injury. Crabtree might be the best answer at the moment. It's something they need to at least consider.
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