Free agent WR Keelan Cole is worth a look for Packers
The Green Bay Packers have yet to add a wide receiver after trading away Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. At some point, this will have to change as Aaron Rodgers is back for a limited time, and the offense needs an influx of weapons if they hope to compete for a Super Bowl. Green Bay is reportedly still in talks with free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has been their most recent deep threat. However, if a deal can’t be reached, the Packers will have to look at other options.
One free agent still available is wide receiver Keelan Cole.
Those with a sharp memory may remember the time Cole returned a punt for a 91-yard touchdown against Green Bay back in 2020 as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cole also added a 12-yard receiving touchdown, becoming the first player in NFL history to have a punt return touchdown and a receiving touchdown against the Packers in the same game. An undrafted free agent, Cole was not resigned by the Jaguars following the 2020 season after logging 159 receptions, 2,242 yards and 12 touchdowns in four seasons.
Most recently, Cole spent the 2021 season with the New York Jets, where he totaled 28 receptions, 449 yards, and one touchdown. Cole somehow remained productive despite struggling quarterback play in an offense that ranked 26th last season.
If Valdes-Scantling isn’t back, Cole could be an option worth exploring. The two had very similar numbers during their first four years, only Valdes-Scantling is much faster. Valdes-Scantling ran a 4.37 at the 2018 NFL combine, while Cole ran a 4.59 at his pro day.
However, one thing that separates Cole from Valdes-Scantling is his ability to contribute on special teams. Cole has returned 15 kicks during his career and has an average runback of 23.5 yards. He has also returned 10 punts for 143 yards, with the lone touchdown against Green Bay. On that play that nearly lifted the 1-7 Jaguars past the 6-2 Packers, Cole certainly looked faster than a 4.59. It may just be that his play speed is much faster than his timed speed.
Either way, Cole is still only 28 years old and has experience producing in poor offenses. Perhaps his game would be elevated by having an MVP quarterback at his disposal. It’s something to consider if you are Green Bay and looking for a consistent wide receiver with playmaking potential.
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Do any of the big-name free agents left make sense for Packers?
