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Jason Wilde
Jason Wilde
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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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Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk about more Packers free agency news from Day 2 of the NFL's legal tampering period -- Is a big move coming, are the Packers just clearing cap space, and will this offseason end up as a net-negative for the Packers? They also discuss Brian Gutekunst's philosophy about retaining/extending players and which players might get an extension soon -- Christian Watson, Tucker Kraft, and Devontae Wyatt! Will the Packers just go shopping in the scraps of free agency again, and will Elgton Jenkins end up as one of those underrated additions after being signed by the Cleveland Browns today??
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to break down everything happening in Green Bay’s free agency period.
Wilde discussed the biggest surprise so far, including the release of cornerback Nate Hobbs and what it signals about the direction of the secondary. He also weighed in on the additions of return man Skyy Moore and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, explaining how each could fit into the roster and special teams plans.
The conversation touched on the re-signing of offensive lineman Darian Kinnard and what that means for depth up front, along with the loss of Kingsley Enagbare and how the Packers plan to account for that production.
Wilde also addressed whether the Packers made an effort to retain Quay Walker and why players like Emmanuel Wilson and Rasheed Walker remain unsigned.
From surprising departures to under-the-radar additions, Wilde provided insight into how the Packers are shaping their roster heading into the season.
Alec Pierce just reset the wide receiver market.
So what does that mean for Christian Watson?
In this segment of Jen, Gabe & Chewy, Jason Wilde dives into the uncomfortable contract math facing the Packers — and whether Green Bay should feel confident paying Watson near $29 million per year.
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🏈 The Christian Watson Question
Watson has:
Field-tilting speed
Locker room leadership
Proven big-play ability
But he also has:
An ACL tear
Multiple injury scares
A history of “hold your breath” landings
Jason makes it clear:
Watson deserves to be paid based on talent and market comps.
But if you’re the Packers front office, you’d be lying if you said there wasn’t anxiety about durability.
It’s not personal.
It’s math.
💰 The 1.5 Player Philosophy
Brian Gutekunst has openly said the Packers aim to extend roughly 1.5 players per draft class.
From the current group:
Tucker Kraft feels like a priority.
Jaden Reed could be next.
Watson complicates the equation.
You can’t pay everyone.
And if Watson bets on himself and hits the open market, Drew Rosenhaus isn’t likely to give a hometown discount.
🧱 Sean Ryan’s $13M Deal
Jason also reacts to Sean Ryan’s contract.
It’s cheaper than Tyler Linderbaum money — but still meaningful.
The question becomes:
Is the Packers’ offensive line truly stable?
Jordan Morgan at LT (unproven)
Aaron Banks now well-paid
Zach Tom coming off patellar tendon surgery
Elton Jenkins gone
Ryan gives them cost control — but not certainty.
⚖️ The Bigger Concern
The Packers want to be Super Bowl contenders.
But when you look at the offensive line and the receiver contract math, confidence becomes conditional.
Jason’s tone is balanced:
They’re not in trouble.
But they’re not without risk.
🎯 The Bottom Line
Christian Watson might be worth $29M.
But worth and comfortable aren’t the same thing.
And how the Packers handle this contract will tell you a lot about how aggressive — or cautious — they plan to be.
🎧 A smart, honest breakdown of Packers contract math and O-line stability — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk about getting HACKED -- like Rashan Gary's IG post announcing that his time in Green Bay is over. They discuss if it's more likely that Gary got hacked or that he just let the news slip before the Packers wanted him to, including how fans demonstrated to Jason how to create fake AI graphics for his retirement as a Twitter reporter! They also discuss if there's any chance that the Packers still keep Gary, how much would he get on the open market, and the tough spot for the Packers' pass-rushing unit heading into next season. Jason also shares some memories of former Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan after he passed away yesterday -- do people realize how close the Packers were to being moved outta Green Bay???
Former Packers President Bob Harlan passed away at age 89, and in this heartfelt segment, Jason Wilde reflects on why Harlan’s impact on the Green Bay Packers — and the city of Green Bay — cannot be overstated.
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Jason shares personal stories and historical perspective on the man who:
Hired Ron Wolf
Empowered football operations
Brought Brett Favre to Green Bay
Signed Reggie White
Set the foundation for Super Bowl XXXI
Led the Lambeau Field renovation referendum
Ensured the Packers’ long-term survival in the smallest market in major American sports
Without Bob Harlan, the Packers’ 35-year renaissance likely never happens.
🏈 The Turning Point
Jason explains that the franchise’s dysfunction in the 1980s was very real — and that Harlan’s decision to hire Ron Wolf (and give him true authority) changed everything.
From that domino fell:
Mike Holmgren
Brett Favre
Reggie White
Sustained contention
Organizational stability
This wasn’t luck. It was leadership.
🏟️ Saving the Packers in Green Bay
The Lambeau Field renovation vote in the early 2000s was far from guaranteed. The sales tax referendum passed 53–47 — essentially a coin flip.
Jason details how Harlan personally campaigned:
Visiting factories at 4am
Going door to door
Taking calls from angry taxpayers himself
If that vote fails, there is legitimate doubt the Packers remain in Green Bay long-term.
🧱 The Human Side
Jason also shares personal moments:
Mall-walking encounters with Harlan
His humility when the plaza was named after him
Writing the foreword to Jason’s book
The genuine kindness that defined him
The emotion in the segment reflects how much Harlan meant not just professionally — but personally.
⚖️ The Bigger Picture
Jason makes it clear:
The Packers’ modern success story doesn’t begin with Favre or Lombardi.
It begins with Bob Harlan.
And the ripple effects of his leadership extend beyond championships — into the survival of the franchise and the identity of an entire community.
🎧 A powerful, emotional reflection on the life and legacy of Bob Harlan — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to reflect on the passing of former Packers President & CEO Bob Harlan, remembering the lasting impact Harlan had on the franchise and the people around it.
Wilde shared what Harlan meant to him personally, including his favorite story that captured Harlan’s character and leadership style. He also talked about Harlan’s well-known habit of answering his own phone calls, a small but powerful example of how accessible and grounded he remained despite running one of the NFL’s most historic organizations.
The conversation also touched on what Wilde believes was the most difficult decision Harlan faced as team president, highlighting the weight of leadership and the pivotal choices that helped shape the modern era of Packers football.
Is Rashan Gary living in a different reality than the Packers?
In this revealing conversation on Jen, Gabe & Chewy, Jason Wilde breaks down one of the most uncomfortable storylines of the Packers’ offseason — whether Rashan Gary’s production, effort, and self-evaluation align with reality.
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Gary publicly referred to himself as “great.” But after finishing the season without a sack in his final 11 games and carrying a $28 million cap hit, the debate inside Green Bay is intensifying.
🏈 The Production Drop-Off
Jason lays out the numbers:
4.5 sacks in the first three games
2 against Aaron Rodgers
Then zero sacks and zero tackles for loss the rest of the year
While pressures were cited, Jason points out even the Packers’ own official stats don’t support some of the inflated narratives.
The question becomes simple:
Is Gary still elite — or is he coasting on reputation?
🧠 The Effort Question
Jason reveals something significant:
Multiple former NFL players told him there is “ample evidence” Gary does not give full effort on every snap.
That’s not coming from fans.
That’s coming from former players.
Chewy has hinted at loafing.
Jason confirms former players see it too.
And when Matt LaFleur was asked if injury was a factor, his response was a flat:
“No.”
No hedging. No protecting.
That speaks volumes.
💰 The Cap Reality
There are three possible paths:
Leave the contract untouched (unlikely)
Ask Gary to take a meaningful pay cut with incentives
Restructure, spread money out, and keep him
Jason makes it clear:
If the Packers guarantee more money without any haircut, serious questions should follow.
Sometimes GMs hold onto “their guy” too long.
🧱 The Leadership Comparison
Jason notes something subtle but important:
Players consistently referred to Kenny Clark as “unk” and a leader.
You don’t hear the same language around Gary.
That doesn’t mean he’s not respected — but perception inside a locker room matters.
🔄 Rashid Shaheed Angle
The segment closes with a free agency pivot:
Should the Packers target Rashid Shaheed to finally fix the return game?
Jason acknowledges:
The Packers’ failure to develop a true return threat borders on malpractice.
And if Shaheed is available, the Packers at least have to explore it.
⚖️ The Bottom Line
This isn’t panic.
But it’s real.
If effort concerns are legitimate and Gary refuses a pay cut, the Packers are facing one of their toughest offseason calls.
And Brian Gutekunst’s decision will reveal whether pride or production wins.
🎧 A sharp, honest breakdown of Rashan Gary’s future in Green Bay — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk about the latest questions (and lack of answers) circling the Green Bay Packers this offseason! How does Bears center Drew Dahlman's retirement impact the Packers in free agency, and is it safer to ask which NFC North is winning the most this offseason or which team is just losing the least? They also discuss what Rich Bisaccia's departure for Clemson says about his decision to apparently leave the Packers, what the NFLPA report card grades really mean for Matt LaFleur as a head coach, and could Justin Fields or Mitch Trubisky succeed Malik Willis as the Packers' next QB2?
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to break down the latest offseason developments from Titletown, including what Brian Gutekunst’s recent comments really mean. The guys discussed the Seahawks’ decision not to tag their Super Bowl MVP running back and what that says about roster-building philosophy — and whether the Packers would ever take a similar approach.
Wilde added context to Gutekunst’s “absolutely” comments about key players returning, noting that “under contract” doesn’t always mean guaranteed. The conversation also touched on Rashan Gary’s future, how the Packers balance loyalty with cap flexibility, and whether Green Bay’s offseason plan is aggressive enough to keep pace in the NFC.
The segment closed with a broader debate: over the next five years, which franchise is better positioned — the Packers or the Seahawks?
Rich Bisaccia is headed to Clemson.
The Packers say they were blindsided.
So what actually happened?
In this Jason Wilde segment on Jen, Gabe & Chewy, the longtime Packers insider breaks down Bisaccia’s departure, what it says about Green Bay’s special teams philosophy, and whether the veteran coordinator ultimately became the scapegoat.
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🏈 Were the Packers Caught Off Guard?
Jason says he believes the Packers when they claim they didn’t expect Bisaccia to leave.
But he also acknowledges something important:
Inside the building, there are people who feel it was “too little, too late” for the organization to publicly emphasize how valuable he was to the team’s culture.
That messaging shift matters.
🎯 The Return Game Problem
Jason doesn’t sugarcoat it:
The Packers’ inability to find a legitimate punt or kick return threat was malpractice.
After the excitement of the Keyshawn Nixon era, Green Bay never found a replacement who could flip field position or create anticipation.
And whether that’s:
Brian Gutekunst
Matt LaFleur
Bisaccia
Or all three
The failure was collective.
🧠 Was He the Scapegoat?
The question gets asked directly:
Did Bisaccia get tired of absorbing blame for issues beyond his control?
Jason admits that’s possible.
While coverage units improved and the punting situation stabilized, the narrative around special teams remained overwhelmingly negative.
He describes Bisaccia as a “genuine article” — a coach who authentically cares about players — and notes that coaches like that aren’t always protected publicly when results don’t follow.
⚖️ The Bigger Takeaway
This wasn’t just about special teams rankings.
It was about perception, messaging, and philosophy.
If the Packers valued him as much as they now say they did — why wasn’t that clearer earlier?
And if the return game was such a priority — why was the personnel approach so hesitant?
🏁 The Bottom Line
Rich Bisaccia leaving isn’t a crisis.
But it is revealing.
It shows:
Messaging matters.
Philosophy matters.
And when performance and perception diverge, someone usually pays the price.
🎧 A thoughtful, insider breakdown of Bisaccia’s departure and what it says about the Packers’ internal dynamics — with Jason Wilde on Jen, Gabe & Chewy.
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.
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🏈 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.
Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to react to the latest NFLPA Report Card for the Green Bay Packers. The conversation centered around how the organization graded overall and what stood out — both positively and negatively — for the Green & Gold.
Wilde weighed in on why head coach Matt LaFleur dropped a full letter grade, discussing possible factors behind the decline and whether it reflects internal frustrations or shifting player expectations. He also shared what surprised him most in the report card and what it says about the current state of the franchise heading into the offseason.
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.
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🏈 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.
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to share what’s currently at the top of his Packers offseason priority list, with much of the conversation centered on Rashan Gary’s future in Green Bay. Wilde discussed whether he believes Gary will be back next season, if GM Brian Gutekunst might present a low-ball offer, and what Gary’s true market value could be.
The segment also explored whether a potential return could come in the form of an incentive-laden deal as both sides weigh risk and production.
Jason Wilde joins Jim alongside his co-host Jesse Nelson, as they discuss the takeaways from Gutey's comments at the NFL Combine today and the latest wonderings about Aaron Rodgers possibly joining the Vikings over the Steelers this offseason! First, Jason shares his BAD ATTITUDE as he's stuck in the snow on the highway before finding out that Molly -- not Jason -- got to go Indianapolis for Combine week! He also shares which Rodgers landing spot would make for a more compelling story, and Jim asks why the Packers seem so okay just letting Rasheed Walker walk in free agency -- is Gutey's answer at LT a good one?
Packers reporter Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to react to Ben Johnson’s comments that the Packers and Bears should hate each other and what that means for the rivalry moving forward. He also broke down GM Brian Gutekunst’s latest remarks, including the possibility of Rashan Gary returning next season and Gutey’s firm belief that Josh Jacobs will be the No. 1 running back.
The conversation also covered why it’s taking so long for the Packers to hire a special teams coach, whether Rich Bisaccia assumed he was coming back, and why the team didn’t have a more reliable returner last season.
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.
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🏈 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.
Jason Wilde joins Jim, Matt & Molly to talk about the fallout from Rich Bisaccia stepping down as Packers' special-teams coordinator and more from this confusing offseason -- how frustrated should fans feel about Rich's departure 38 DAYS after the end of the season? Also, how will the loss of Bisaccia impact the locker room and the culture, and can the Packers find an unheralded coordinator to take over (aka "their Matt Hamilton")? First, Jason gets a look at Matt's closing ceremonies Olympic fit, and he shares his thoughts on Badgers athletics getting a tax bill passes to help UW keep up in the NIL era -- what if Wisconsin eventually decides to cut Olympic sports?
Jason Wilde drops by Jen, Gabe & Chewy and the conversation starts with why Green Bay’s current projection up front is the biggest red-flag position group on the roster, how the Bears loss exposed protection cracks when pressure finally showed up, and why the Packers don’t have their usual “next guy ready” safety net. From tough calls on veterans, to the center dilemma, to draft targets (including Iowa’s Logan Jones getting the Bulaga seal of approval), Wilde makes the case that the line needs real answers, not vibes.
And yes, special teams still get their spotlight: Wilde reacts to the post-Bisaccia hunt and even pitches a wild-card replacement candidate with an Army-to-Iraq-helicopter-pilot resume… because if you can fly missions over Iraq, you can probably figure out punt returns.
Jason Wilde joined The Homer Hour to break down the latest around the Green Bay Packers and their NFC North rivals. The conversation started with reaction to reports that the Chicago Bears are exploring building a stadium in Indiana and what that could mean for the rivalry.
From there, the focus shifted to Green Bay’s offseason priorities — specifically the offensive line. Which position group up front is the biggest key, and is the O-line the Packers’ biggest question mark heading into the season?
They wrapped with some quarterback talk, debating which signal-caller would pose the tougher challenge if they were with the Minnesota Vikings — Malik Willis or Aaron Rodgers.




