The Green Bay Packers were plenty busy this afternoon, with word that they are signing tight end Jimmy Graham to a three year contract, and releasing long-time wide receiver Jordy Nelson. The former is coming off solid red zone work in Seattle, while the latter is coming off a disappointing 2017 season.
Nelson had two straight seasons of at least 1,300 yards before tearing his ACL in 2015. He rebounded in 2016 with 97 receptions for 1,257 yards, but then regressed badly in 2017, finishing with 53 receptions for 482 yards. He averaged five receptions for 58 yards in the six weeks before Aaron Rodgers fractured his collarbone. Nelson averaged 3.1 receptions for 21.3 yards in remaining games.
While Nelson remains a big name, he is likely going to be a flyer type of candidate for 2018. The San Francisco 49ers could use some size in their wide receiver depth chart, with 6’1 Kendrick Bourne currently their tallest regular option at receiver. Nelson stands 6’3. He is likely slowing down at this point in his career, but for a cheap deal, that size is worth a flier.