Packers need gadget weapon to grow into bigger role as expectations rise and offense demands more in 2026
Savion Williams showed flashes of his ability as a rookie, but now the Packers need him to take a leap as a regular wide receiver to secure a bigger offensive role.
When the Green Bay Packers selected Savion Williams in the third round of the draft last year, it was clear that they saw potential for a real offensive player. Sure, the tricky stuff is cool — he can play in the boundary or slot, as a running back, or even as a wildcat quarterback. But the real receiver package is there too — or at least, that’s what the Packers hope to see in 2026.
“Everything that my team needs me to do, that’s what I’m doing because that’s what I did my last year at TCU,” Williams said last year. “They needed me. Our running game wasn’t the best so they put me back there in wildcat and ran me and, shoot, that’s what I did to help my team.”
Effectiveness as a receiver
As a rookie, Savion Williams got more snaps as a special teamer, especially as a returner. On offense, he had 91 snaps and was targeted 10 times. Interestingly enough, Williams was efficient when the opportunities were there — 1.81 yards per route run, which is fourth on the Packers, ahead of players like Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and fellow rookie Matthew Golden. He generated a team-high 132.5 passer rating when targeted, mostly because of the touchdown he received against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, he caught the ball every time he was targeted.
However, Savion’s game was still limited to gimmicky offense. His 1.2 yards on average depth of target was the fourth lowest among wide receivers in the entire NFL, and he had more touches running the football (11) than receiving (10).
This offseason, the Packers allowed Romeo Doubs to walk in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. While the roster still has Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed, Williams is probably the fourth option on the depth chart. That means he will have to be much more than just a situational weapon. Last year, the Packers used nine players as wide receivers in the regular season, and the fourth option always has to play real snaps.
Williams is a valuable and enticing offensive piece. The next step of Savion’s development as an offensive player is proving he can be a regular wide receiver and keep the same efficiency.