Green Bay Packers

Devin Funchess was the Packers’ big free agency signing this year. He was also the team’s only COVID opt out. 

The Packers were already light on receiver depth aside from Davante Adams. If they’re in the market for a receiver with a similar skillset to Funchess, Taylor Gabriel isn’t their guy.

Funchess has nine inches of height on Gabriel. Funchess’ 6-foot-4 frame made him a dangerous red-zone threat in Carolina. He had issues with drops and isn’t the quickest receiver, but he did a solid job as Cam Newton’s number one guy for several years.

Gabriel would replace Funchess’s catch radius with speed. Adams is one of the better route runners in the game, so pairing Gabriel in the slot with Adams out wide could create some mismatches in coverage. Linebackers wouldn’t be able to keep up with Taylor Gabriel, and putting a nickel on him would take away a pass-rusher. 

The Packers already passed on promising receiving talent when they took Jordan Love in the first round of this year’s draft. With Funchess opting out, they can’t afford to pass on another.