Green Bay Packers 2018 roster review: Jordy Nelson
A review of Jordy Nelson’s 2017 season and a preview of what is to come for the aging veteran.
At 32 years old, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson is definitely closer to retirement than one would think. Nelson is entering the final year of a huge contract he signed after the 2013 season.
It has been stated that he wants to play for the green and gold in 2018. However, Nelson could be facing a pay cut or the pink slip from the organization during the offseason.
His decrease in performance in 2017 compared to his comeback season in 2016 definitely raised some eyebrows. With Davante Adams now the number one target in a deep receiving corps, Nelson may have to rethink his role with the Green Bay Packers.
Related Story: Packers roster review: Davante Adams
Season in review
Without a doubt, Jordy Nelson had a down year with Brett Hundley at quarterback. His 2016 season saw Nelson rack up 97 receptions for 1,257 receiving yards and14 touchdowns. Those numbers are very similar to his 2014 season, statistically, the best year of his career.
However, when Aaron Rodgers went down with his second collarbone break, Nelson’s numbers decreased dramatically. He had 55 receptions for 482 yards and six touchdowns. Those six touchdowns were all with Aaron Rodgers under center.
Was there a lack of chemistry between Hundley and Nelson, or is he on the back end of a very successful career?
When Rodgers returned for the Week 15 matchup versus Carolina, Nelson continued his poor play. He recorded just three receptions for 28 yards.
Obviously, the Rodgers-Nelson connection isn’t going to produce 100-receiving-yard games every week, but you have to wonder if Nelson just isn’t the same anymore.
Looking ahead to 2018
Davante Adams should be the number one receiving option for this offense now. He recovered from a bad 2015 season by producing greatly in 2016 and 2017.
Nelson can still produce as the number two option in the offense. He has been a very valuable asset to the Green Bay offense, and clearly, he is still the favorite target for Rodgers. However, the young talent like Adams need to be looked at and need to start producing more because Nelson’s time will be up soon.
It would also be smart to see if Nelson would be willing to take a pay cut. As of now, Nelson’s cap hit is just over $12 million for 2018, according to Spotrac. That’s way too much for a number two option in any offense.
Taking a pay cut would help the team in other aspects considerably. The increase in cap room would allow new Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to shop for more lucrative free agents.
If Nelson continues his downward trend in 2018, even with Rodgers back, letting him walk in free agency may not be a bad idea. If he just had a down year because he wasn’t clicking with Hundley then I see no reason why the Packers should let him go.
Next: Packers: 12 players that need to go this offseason
It will be interesting to see if Nelson will go back to his 1,000-yard and double-digit touchdown seasons we are so used to seeing out of him. For now, we have to sit back and wait to see what happens.