The Packers start the 2024 preseason with big moves, releasing Alex Hale. Trade rumors swirl as contract years for Romeo Doubs & Christian Watson loom.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The calm before the storm is officially over in Green Bay. Just as players began reporting for training camp, the Packers front office sent a clear signal that the roster is anything but settled. Intensifying trade rumors are the talk of the town, and the team made its first tough decision, releasing kicker Alex Hale after a freak, non-football injury, underscoring the volatility of an NFL preseason.
With Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson both entering contract years, and Jayden Reed's own extension looming in 2026, every single route run this season carries million-dollar implications.
The surprise release of kicker Alex Hale on Monday was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. While Hale, a practice squad player last season, was a long shot, his pre-camp injury forced the Packers' hand and re-opened the kicker competition. More significantly, this move coincides with a surge in trade chatter. Reports indicate the team is actively exploring deals to bolster depth at key positions. While no names have been confirmed, it's clear the front office is not content to stand pat, aiming to fortify the roster before the first padded practice.
Perhaps the biggest long-term storyline heading into camp is the future of the wide receiver room. Both Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are entering the final year of their rookie contracts, setting the stage for a high-stakes season. Their performance will directly impact their value and the Packers' ability to retain them. Meanwhile, Jayden Reed, who is extension-eligible after this season, watches from the wings. The front office faces a complex puzzle: who to pay, when to pay them, and how to fit it all under the salary cap. This season is an audition for the future of Green Bay's passing attack.
While the offense has its contract drama, the defense has its own set of questions, particularly in the cornerback room. With competition for starting spots and depth being a perennial concern, training camp will be a proving ground for young talent and veterans alike. All eyes will be on who emerges and how the nickel position shakes out. Similarly, the offensive line is a unit in transition, with new opportunities for players to carve out significant roles. The battles in the trenches during camp will be fierce and foundational to the team's success.
Amidst the forward-looking buzz of training camp, there was a moment to honor the past. Former Packers wide receiver Bill Schroeder, a fan favorite from 1997-2001, was a welcome sight at the annual Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Golf Outing. His return was a pleasant reminder of the franchise's rich history as the current generation prepares to write its own chapter.
As the players settle in and the first practice approaches, the storylines are already set. From potential trades and tough contract decisions to critical position battles at corner and on the line, this is far from a quiet start to the season. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only the 2025 roster, but the very core of this team for years to come. Buckle up, Packers fans, training camp is here, and the action has already begun.
