Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur
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Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur.
The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 season didn’t end the way they wanted, and by the time it was over, it was clear not everyone in the building was on the same page.
Not only did the Packers lose their Wild Card matchup to the Chicago Bears, but there were also underlying issues within the locker room. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed as much while speaking to reporters at the NFL’s Annual League Meetings on March 30.
Matt LaFleur Admits Player Frustration Impacted Packers
USA Today’s Ryan Wood asked LaFleur what it would take for the Packers to move beyond being the NFC’s No. 7 seed in 2026. LaFleur didn’t hesitate to point toward internal frustrations.
“I think, if I’m being honest about it, there was some guys who were upset about roles last year. I think that took a toll on our football team,” LaFleur said. “So, you need guys who bring great energy every day.
“I think from a coaching standpoint, role clarity is key. So, we obviously got to do a better job communicating with our players, hey, here’s your role. And if you’re unhappy about your role, it’s on you to do something about that, to carve out a bigger role on this football team. So, yeah, the buy-in is absolutely critical, getting guys who are juiced that are ready to work each and every day.”
When asked if those players were still on the roster, LaFleur declined to go into specifics.
Wood also brought up the Packers’ NFLPA report card, where LaFleur’s grade dropped to a B- and ranked near the bottom of the league in player respect.
“I’m sure that had something to do with it,” LaFleur said with a laugh.
Trade Buzz Builds Around Packers WR Room
Things began to unravel late in the season for Green Bay. The Packers dropped five straight games and barely held onto a playoff spot.
Injuries certainly played a role, but LaFleur’s comments suggest there was more going on behind the scenes.
While he didn’t name names, speculation quickly followed — particularly surrounding the wide receiver group.
LockedOnPackers’ Peter Bukowski offered a blunt reaction to LaFleur’s remarks.
“They’re trading a WR,” Bukowski wrote.
The Packers already lost Romeo Doubs in free agency to the New England Patriots, but the room remains crowded.
That’s led to growing speculation that players like Jayden Reed or Dontayvion Wicks could be on the move.
“With the current contract situation I expect Wicks or Reed to be traded. They have depth and can draft someone if they want,” one X user responded.
Reed dealt with injuries last season, appearing in just seven games, though he’s been productive when available. Wicks played in 14 games but has seen his numbers decline each year since entering the league in 2023, going from 581 yards as a rookie to 415 and then 332 last season.
Wicks, in particular, has been mentioned in trade discussions for weeks.
Whether LaFleur was referring to the receiver room specifically remains unclear. But what is clear is that something didn’t sit right inside that locker room — and changes could be coming because of it.