After signing Jimmy Graham to a lucrative three-year deal, something had to give for the Packers. The other shoe has dropped as the Packers are set to release wide receiver Jordy Nelson, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). 
Nelson has been regarded as a potential cap casualty all offseason, along with fellow wide receiver Randall Cobb. Ultimately, it’s Nelson being shown the door.
The Packers will save $10.2MM by cutting their longtime pass-catcher. This will end Green Bay’s brief stint carrying three eight-figure-per-year wideouts on its roster. Davante Adams signed a four-year extension worth $58MM and will now be the No. 1 wideout going forward in Wisconsin.
It’s the end of an era for the Packers. Nelson has been with Green Bay since being selected as a second-round pick in 2008 and has helped the team reach tremendous heights. Nelson was a huge part of the Packers’ 31-25 victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV as he caught nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. That TD was the first score of the game and helped set the tone for Green Bay.
Unfortunately, Nelson did not look like his usual self in 2017. The 32-year-old (33 in May) had just 53 catches on the year for 482 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a significant dropoff from his 97 catches, 1,257 yards, and league-leading 14 touchdowns in 2016. He finishes his Packers run with four 1,000-yard seasons, adding five touchdowns in the playoffs.
Some of that, naturally, probably came because of Aaron Rodgers‘ absence. He’s served as Rodgers’ favorite target for many years. But Nelson is on the downside. However, he said last offseason he wanted to play between two and four more seasons. And judging by the way receivers are being paid this week, Nelson could see a decent market despite his age and down season.
Damn! Not Jordy. Hate disloyalty.
no this is the wrong move
Nelson to Carolina? Or will he spite GB a la Josh Sitton and sign with da Bears?
Could you imagine that offense with Robinson, Nelson, Burton, and Gabriel to go with the run game? Would be downright scary if Trubisky developed into a franchise QB. Doubt Bears have money to make that happen, though. Gotta imagine SF will eventually get a big target for Jimmy G after missing on ARob and Graham.
Vikes
Do they money left?
This sucks
Nelson a Bear wb awesome
Nelson to San Fran
Denver. They’ve been looking to replace welker in the slot rather unsuccessfully over the years.
Nelson doesn’t play the slot…
Yes he did. He was actually more productive out of the slot than he was outside the past couple years. He lost a step or 2.
Read my mind. I hope JE can strike a deal.
This screams Kyle Shanahan offense.
Would like to see him in Seattle. Would be nice to have next to Baldwin.
Not sure if you have been following your team but they are in serious cap trouble. Thats why you are seeing a lot of key players being released or traded.
Seattle now has almost 50 million in cap now after moves. not in cap trouble. just not gonna overpay with the first wave.
Seattle has almost 50 mil after moves. They aren’t going to overpay in the first wave. The moves to come might be their own FAs.
Noooooo, should have cut Cobb.. Montgomery is the same player. Nelson had a down year because Rodgers was out.. GB will regret this.. and Nelson to the Pats..
I️ agree, Jordy and Rodgers have chemistry. Cobb should have been packing his bags.
I don’t get it. Should’ve released Cobb if they were goin to release anyone. Nelson will do fine. He will end up in NE or Bal.
Bring Jordy to Baltimore
Perfect possession receiver.
Hoping he resigns with GB at a lesser cap hit.
Agreed
I have a feeling that’s what this is. I’m not going to jump off the cliff until he signs somewhere else. There’s no way they cut Nelson without pissing off Rodgers (who’s currently negotiating an extension). Any thoughts of Rodgers giving a hometown discount will fly out the window if they don’t bring Jordy back.
I don’t think re-signing him is in the cards, they would’ve just restructured a deal is my thought. No way they don’t ask A-Rodg what his thoughts are before making a move of this magnitude. I’ll always be grateful for what Nelson did, but I am also realistic and know he might be able to have one, maybe two more good seasons. He could also never have a good season again, probably the reason to save 10 mil.
I totally agree with everything you said except that resigning is not in the cards. Getting that 10 mil off the book was absolutely the right move, but I still see them bringing him back at a discount. I’m not positive but I’d bet there was a roster bonus due and if they didn’t restructure or release him before today then they wouldn’t have saved the full 10 mil from the books.
Not sure I see the improvement. Graham is a great RZ target. But so was Nelson. What am I missing?
I think they will try to resign Nelson to a cheaper deal
Nope. New GM basically read his obituary.
Cardinals?
2007 draft. Same as Brohm and Calvin Johnson knucklehead. Not 2008 draft
link to pro-football-reference.com
Do your DD before posting next time.
2nd round 2008, 36th overall pick. Same draft as CHRIS Johnson not Calvin (2007 draft) Johnson
Packerscards87 is gonna be devastated
Rams
Can easily see him in Baltimore. With the money that they are opening up they could swing it. I would love seeing him here. Ive been a fan of his for awhile
He’ll retire.
Why not… Jordy to the Browns
I hate to say this, but I see the Patriots picking up the phone.
Jordy to New England?