Earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers made the decision to part ways with longtime wide receiver Jordy Nelson after 10 seasons with the team. It had put him on the free agent market for the first time in his career.
The move had caught many off guard and drew the public dismay over social media from star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw much shade at the organization. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, this had even surprised Nelson that the Packers would choose to move on from him.
Jordy Nelson said he was "shocked" to be cut, knows Edgar Bennett well and he was "on early-morning flight next day."
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 15, 2018
Leading up to the free agency period, there had been much talk surrounding the Packers possibly deciding to part ways with either Nelson or fellow wide receiver Randall Cobb to open up more salary cap space. The 32-year-old was in the final year of his four-year, $39 million deal and was scheduled to make $10.25 million in salary and bonuses. It made it similar decision to part ways given that he only had a $2.3 million dead money hit to the cap that opened more space to bring aboard Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham on a three-year deal.
What also didn't help his case is that he experienced a significant drop in production recording just 53 catches for 482 receiving yards and six touchdowns. This marked the lowest amount of receptions and receiving yards since the 2010 season. However, what should be noted is that Rodgers had been out for most of the year due to a broken collarbone, and Jordy Nelson was unable to get a strong connection on the field with backup Brett Hundley.
Nelson likely felt that he was going to be able to spend the rest of his career with the Packers playing alongside Rodgers, who is one of his closest friends in the league. Instead, he now finds himself with another franchise after signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the Oakland Raiders. It is a situation that Nelson has no choice but to move on.
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