The Green Bay Packers are hard at work in free agency. 10 years after getting drafted by the Packers, Jordy Nelson has officially been released from the team.
Now official: Packers have released Jordy Nelson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Jordy Nelson Released by Green Bay Packers, Could Re-Sign For Less
The move may come as a surprise to some fans, but less of a shock to most experts. Nelson’s numbers took a nosedive last season (six touchdowns in 2017, compared to 14 in 2016), but that was largely associated with the loss of Aaron Rodgers. This move, according to Tom Pelissero, was more of a way to clear up cap space for the team’s much-needed restructuring.
On the same day they agree on a 3-year contract with Jimmy Graham, the #Packers have released Jordy Nelson, source said. Not a surprise. They were looking for ways to clear cap space. (@AdamSchefter on it first)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2018
At a cap hit of over $12.5 million, Nelson was due the third-highest salary of any Packers player for 2018. Releasing Nelson may not be a permanent move, however. The release could be temporary due to Nelson’s willingness to take a pay cut. If anything, the Packers could re-sign Nelson as soon as tomorrow on a lower-paying deal if he really wants to stay in Green Bay.
If not, Davante Adams would be Green Bay’s leading wide receiver. Randall Cobb‘s fate is still undecided as he carries a $12.7 million cap hit for 2018. Jimmy Graham, who will sign a three-year contract with the Packers this week, will be the team’s top tight end.
Nelson has a proven track record of success. He’s finished with over 1,200 yards receiving in four the last six seasons. If Green Bay doesn’t re-sign Nelson on a team-friendly deal, it’s worth questioning if anyone else will. Retirement, however, does not seem to interest the 33-year-old receiver.
Former Packers’ WR Jordy Nelson, who turns 33 in May, wants to continue playing, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Green Bay’s movement on receivers today is just one component of league-wide action at the position this week. Nelson joins a growing list of wide receivers that have been moved around in the last few days, including Jarvis Landry, Danny Amendola, Sammy Watkins, and Allen Robinson.
