Jason Wilde

Jason Wilde, host of ESPN Wisconsin's Wilde & Tausch, is in his 25th season covering the Green Bay Packers, having written for ESPN.com, ESPN Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Journal, and now The Athletic. Any time Jason joins any ESPN Wisconsin program, yo

  1. Jason Wilde: Packers Drop to 21st — What Changed Inside the Locker Room?

    15 HR AGO

    Jason Wilde: Packers Drop to 21st — What Changed Inside the Locker Room?

    The NFLPA report cards leaked — and the Green Bay Packers didn’t come out looking great. In this Jason Wilde segment on Jen, Gabe & Chewy, the ESPN Wisconsin reporter breaks down what the Packers’ drop from 7th to 21st overall really means — and whether fans should actually be concerned. 022726 JGC Hour 1 🏈 Matt LaFleur’s Grade Falls Matt LaFleur dropped from an A- to a B-, with one of the lowest “respect for players” scores in the league. Jason’s first reaction? Context matters. The survey took place during a losing stretch. Emotion plays into responses. A small number of unhappy players can drag down a grade. Jason also pushes back on the idea that this automatically signals dysfunction — noting that nationally, many observers are stunned that Packers fans even debate LaFleur’s standing. 🎯 Stenovich’s “C” — What Does It Mean? Offensive coordinator Adam Stenovich receiving a C raised eyebrows. Jason points out the methodology problem: What exactly are players grading? Play-calling? Position development? Communication? Playing time? He cautions against leaning too hard into a letter without understanding the weight behind it. 🧠 NIL Era & Coaching Accountability Chewy raises the “soft players” concern. Jason acknowledges there may be truth in the idea that NIL-era athletes are more sensitive to criticism — but he also reminds listeners that grades reflect feelings in the moment, not necessarily long-term effectiveness. Being liked and being effective are not always the same thing. 💰 Rashan Gary & Subtle Messaging The conversation pivots to roster decisions, where Jason highlights a key phrase from Brian Gutekunst: “For the first time in recorded history, he said ‘if he’s still on the team.’” That subtle language shift matters. With: A $28M cap hit No forced roster bonus deadline Flexibility to restructure Jason admits he doesn’t have a strong read on the plan — and that uncertainty is notable. ⚖️ The Bottom Line The Packers aren’t unraveling. But something changed. Whether it’s: Survey timing Culture shifts Losing fatigue Or cap maneuvering behind the scenes Jason’s takeaway is measured: Read it. Note it. But don’t panic. The real story will be told by roster moves — not survey letters. 🎧 A thoughtful breakdown of NFLPA grades, coaching perception, and Packers offseason signals — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.

    11 min
  2. Jason Wilde: Are the Packers Undervaluing Jayden Reed?

    1 DAY AGO

    Jason Wilde: Are the Packers Undervaluing Jayden Reed?

    Should the Packers pay Jayden Reed now — or let him hit the market? In this edition of Jen, Gabe & Chewy, ESPN Wisconsin reporter Jason Wilde dives deep into the Packers’ looming wide receiver contract decisions and what they reveal about Brian Gutekunst’s roster philosophy. 022662 Jason on JGC 🏈 The Jayden Reed Question Reed has played just over 50% of offensive snaps in his first two seasons — yet he’s been one of Green Bay’s most productive weapons. Jason explains the tension: When Reed is healthy, he’s dynamic. When he hits the ground, fans hold their breath. And the Packers historically extend about 1.5 players per draft class. If Tucker Kraft is the clear priority from the 2022 class, where does that leave Reed? 💰 What Does the Market Say? Jason outlines comparable contracts for mid-tier wide receivers: Khalil Shakir: 4 years, $53M Darnell Mooney: 3 years, $39M Rashod Bateman: 3 years, $36.75M Darius Slayton: 3 years, $36M The likely Reed range? $12–18M annually. But the Packers’ cap situation complicates everything. 🔄 Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs Ripple Effects Reed’s decision doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Christian Watson may choose to bet on himself. Romeo Doubs is heading to free agency. Devonte Wyatt’s future isn’t guaranteed. If multiple wideouts leave, Green Bay could go from “too many receivers” to thin quickly. 🧱 The Defensive Alignment Curveball The conversation also touches on Jonathan Gannon’s defensive system shift: 4-3 vs 3-4 Stand-up edges vs hand-in-the-dirt Collin Oliver deployment Whether the Packers’ personnel fits the new structure Jason admits the answers aren’t entirely clear — even from the front office. ⚖️ The Bigger Picture Jason’s main point is philosophical: The Packers preach “draft and develop.” But if developed players walk before second contracts, what exactly is the payoff? Jaden Reed represents that tension perfectly: Dynamic. Valuable. But expensive — and not without risk. The next year will show whether Green Bay prioritizes stability or flexibility. 🎧 A thoughtful, insider breakdown of Packers roster math, receiver contracts, and what the future holds for Jaden Reed — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.

    23 min
  3. Jason Wilde: Should Christian Watson Hold Out? Packers Extension Decisions Get Complicated

    3 DAYS AGO

    Jason Wilde: Should Christian Watson Hold Out? Packers Extension Decisions Get Complicated

    Christian Watson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Should he demand an extension? Or is this where the Packers’ draft-and-develop philosophy gets tested? In this candid conversation, ESPN Wisconsin reporter Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy to break down Green Bay’s looming second-contract decisions — and whether Watson should consider holding out the way Jordan Love once did. 021726 Jason on JGC 🏈 The Watson Question Wilde makes something clear: He loves everything about Christian Watson — except his durability. Watson has: Elite size-speed traits Proven field-tilting ability Maturity and leadership presence But every time he hits the ground, there’s a moment of doubt. And that makes committing $25–28 million per year complicated. 🧠 The Packers’ “1.6 Rule” Brian Gutekunst has famously said the Packers aim to extend roughly 1.6 players per draft class. From the 2022 class: Zach Tom already got paid Devonte Wyatt is on the fifth-year option Watson is eligible Tucker Kraft is the clear priority Jayden Reed remains in limbo Wilde is firm: Tucker Kraft is special. Watson is valuable. Wyatt? He’s not fully sold. And you simply cannot pay everyone. 🔄 Should Watson Hold Out? The hypothetical is raised: If Jordan Love held out before his extension, should Watson do the same? Wilde’s answer is nuanced. He shares the Nick Collins story — how Collins secured his extension before a career-ending injury, and how that contract likely changed his family’s long-term financial reality. Players have to protect themselves. But teams also have to weigh risk. It’s business. It’s leverage. It’s uncomfortable. 🧱 Musgrave vs Kraft: A Draft Lesson The segment also revisits the Luke Musgrave vs Tucker Kraft dynamic. Green Bay: Drafted Musgrave higher Got far more from Kraft Wilde calls Kraft one of Gutekunst’s biggest hits — and notes how often draft evaluations age unpredictably. That unpredictability makes long-term financial commitments even riskier. ⚖️ The Bottom Line Christian Watson is valuable. But paying him like a top-tier No. 1 receiver requires confidence in: Durability Consistency And health stability The Packers have philosophical limits. Watson has leverage. And the next 12 months will define how aggressive Green Bay really is. 🎧 A smart, layered breakdown of contract risk, injury reality, and whether the Packers are about to test their own philosophy — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.

    27 min

About

Jason Wilde, host of ESPN Wisconsin's Wilde & Tausch, is in his 25th season covering the Green Bay Packers, having written for ESPN.com, ESPN Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Journal, and now The Athletic. Any time Jason joins any ESPN Wisconsin program, yo

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