One of the major splash moves that the Oakland Raiders put forth this offseason was the addition of Jordy Nelson on a two-year, $15 million deal. It has brought aboard another proven talent in the passing game that could make a huge impact in the offensive game plan.
Nelson is coming off a highly successful decade-long tenure with the Green Bay Packers where he established himself as one of the game’s more productive wideouts. With that in mind, Nelson is not looking at his move to the Raiders this offseason as being one where he needs to prove himself in any manner, according to Fox 11 News:
“I don’t have anything to prove,” he said. “I’m enjoying the game, as long as I’m healthy and enjoying it, it will be good.”
The 32-year-old is coming off one of the least productive campaigns of his career where he experienced a significant drop in production in the 2017 NFL season where he posted 53 catches for 482 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It saw his streak of three straight seasons posting at least 85 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, and eight touchdown catches come to an end.
However, this new opportunity to latch onto a large role in the passing game with the Raiders could put him back on track to produce at a high level. He has the chance in front of him to work with one of the game’s top young quarterbacks in Derek Carr while play alongside a rising star wideout in Amari Cooper and a proven veteran in Martavis Bryant.
Nelson may not be voicing any additional motivation to prove that he is still a highly productive and dependable receiving option. However, the chance to do just that could be there in 2018 while helping the franchise not only get back into the playoff picture but also compete for a Super Bowl.
