Earlier this week, the Green Bay Packers made the decision to part ways with a longtime asset in their offense in veteran wide receiver Jordy Nelson after 10 seasons. This immediately put him on the open market in free agency as one of the top talents available at his position.
It didn’t take long for the Raiders to pursue the former Pro Bowl wideout and bring him in for a visit in Oakland. According to former NFL wide receiver James Jones, the team has signed Nelson to a two-year, $15 million deal with $13 million guaranteed.
Breaking News: Jordy Nelson to the @RAIDERS on a Two-Year Deal….15M, 13M Guaranteed
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) March 15, 2018
The signing of Nelson is a significant boost to the passing game, adding a dependable wide receiver to the mix that has a plethora of experience in the playoffs. During his tenure with the Packers, he was a highly productive player posting four seasons with more than 1,200 receiving yards. Nelson also had a streak of three consecutive seasons posting at least 85 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, and eight touchdown catches.
He did experience a drop in production in the 2017 campaign where he posted 53 catches for 482 receiving yards and six touchdowns. This also marked the lowest amount of receptions and receiving yards since the 2010 season. However, it should be noted that former league MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers had missed nine games due to a broken collarbone.
Nelson now has an opportunity to become a formidable tandem in the passing game alongside former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper over the next two seasons. Cooper struggled with his health and consistency last season. That said, Oakland’s addition of another proven player at the position could help him get back on the right track in 2018.
The decision to bring aboard Nelson also marked the end of veteran wideout Michael Crabtree’s time in Oakland after just two seasons as he was cut by the team. He was set to play in the third year of his four-year, $34 million that was scheduled to pay him $7.7 million, which will now go towards the Raiders’ salary cap space.
