Packers: What Devin Funchess opting out means for Green Bay

New Packers receiver Devin Funchess has opted out of the 2020 NFL season. What does this mean for Green Bay?

The Green Bay Packers signed free agent wide receiver Devin Funchess to a one-year, $2.5 million deal this offseason.

He was expected to compete for snaps and be a part of an offense that needed some help at the wide receiver position.

Packers fans will need to wait another year to see what Funchess will bring to Green Bay. He is the first Packer to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, citing family health concerns.

So what happens now?

Well, the downside is that the Packers will still pay his guaranteed money this season even though he is not playing. On the positive side, Funchess will still be under contract with the Packers for the 2021 season, but it will be on a non-guaranteed contract, which means the Packers would be able to cut him without an issue if they wanted to.

Now that Funchess has opted out, he can’t change his mind and come back; he is done for the year now. That also means Funchess’ space is open on the roster this season. GM Brian Gutekunst may look to sign a free agent to a one-year deal to take his place.

A player like Taylor Gabriel or maybe even Josh Gordon may sign a deal like that with Green Bay for a shot to win. If they chose not to sign a free agent, that would give players like Reggie Begelton an even better shot at making the 53-man roster.

With the Packers reporting soon, they will need to make a decision on what to do with that spot. It will also be interesting to see if any other Packers decide to opt-out as well. These are definitely some uncertain and strange times in the NFL.