The Green Bay Packers made an enormous splash as soon as the free agent market opened up a couple weeks ago, but they may not be done after adding three of the top names this offseason. After adding Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith, and Adrian Amos, the Packers might be waiting for their final act.
Although he may not be the biggest name in free agency, there is still one player out there Packers fans would love to see back with the team. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson could put the Packers offense over the edge next season after losing wideout Randall Cobb to the Dallas Cowboys just earlier this week.
After being released by the Oakland Raiders last week, Nelson is awaiting a chance at redemption. The Packers have a young corps at the wide receiver position right now headlined by Davante Adams. While Equanimeous St. Brown and Marquez Valdes-Scantling offer a lot of potential, Jordy Nelson has an unmatched bond with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Nelson was Rodgers' favorite target back when he was with the team and often found himself racking up 1,000+ yard and double-digit touchdown seasons. The Packers often found themselves atop the league's best offenses when Nelson was with Green Bay. Now that the Packers have a new head coach in Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, the offense could be completely revamped and ready to terrorize defenses next season.
The Packers could benefit from having Nelson back, as his veteran presence and reliability are assets that the team does not currently have aside from Adams and tight end Jimmy Graham. Unfortunately, yet another tight end in Green Bay has been underutilized, as Graham was more or less a non factor for the Packers last season. Fortunately for Green Bay, you can't teach chemistry that between two players and the Rodgers-Nelson connection could be huge for the team next season.
Green Bay has a fantastic team on paper for next season; all they need now is a veteran presence on offense to complete the roster. Although Nelson may not have the speed he once had, his catching ability and route running are incredibly valuable.
Another valuable asset he brings to the team is the wisdom to help the team's younger receivers, so it could essentially be a win-win for the team. LaFleur will likely cater to Rodgers' needs and desires to make the most of the offense's capabilities, as Rodgers was absolutely crushed when the team cut Nelson prior to the 2019 season. A reunion with Nelson could spark Rodgers to have one of his elite seasons he is accustomed to having.
The past couple seasons have not gone the way Rodgers or Nelson had hoped for, that much is for sure. Back in 2o17, Rodgers was hurt for most of the season, leaving Nelson without his quarterback, and last season the two played on different teams. Nelson was a fan favorite for Green Bay and faces the possibility of rejoining the team he spent nearly a decade with.
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