We’ve belabored this point to no end. The Green Bay Packers have some tough decisions to make at the receiver position.
They’ll either need to keep seven guys (possible, but unlikely) or they’ll have to release someone who belongs on an NFL roster.
Some people speculated that someone might be fan favorite Jeff Janis. The playoff almost-hero has done nothing to distinguish himself in training camp thus far. That was evident when the Packers released their first depth chart on Monday. Janis was on the third team.
Would the Packers cut Janis?
Anything is possible, but we still consider that a long shot.
Regardless of what he does at receiver, Jeff Janis is still the Packers’ best special teams player.
You could argue he was almost single-handedly responsible for punter Tim Masthay setting a Packers’ record in net punting average in 2015. Outside of that number, Masthay had a terrible 2015 campaign.
It was Janis’ ability as a gunner that somewhat masked Masthay’s many shortcomings.
Janis also brings value in the kick return game. He averaged 29 yards on 14 returns in 2015. Only Ty Montgomery was better, averaging 31.1 on seven returns.
It’s entirely possible Montgomery will resume the kick returns duties now that he’s healthy. However, the Packers still don’t have anyone ready-made to replace Janis’ ability on the coverage units.
The guy Janis is likely competing for a roster spot with — Davante Adams — doesn’t even play special teams.
It would be great if Janis would just outplay Adams at the receiver position and make this call easy. Even if he doesn’t, Janis should still have a roster spot.