Packers: Devin Funchess takes pay cut to return for 2021

All signs point to Devin Funchess being part of the Green Bay Packers‘ plans in 2021.

It was unclear whether Funchess would be back next season due to the Packers’ salary cap limitations. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Funchess has agreed to take a pay cut of around $750,000, which helps the team reduce his salary cap number.

While we don’t yet understand how this move will impact the cap, it likely creates some cap room while ensuring Funchess can return next season.

It means the Packers will get some veteran wide receiver help in 2021. Funchess signed a one-year deal last spring but opted out of the 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. His contract has rolled over to 2021 as a result.

If Funchess’ cap number is lowered, it wouldn’t make sense to not keep him on the roster through the summer. He’s a talented and experienced receiver and could find success in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Funchess has only played one game since 2018 (injury in ’19, opt-out in ’20). But in ’17 and ’18, he caught a total of 107 passes for 1,389 yards and 12 touchdowns. In this offense, there’s no reason why he can’t contribute.

It’s a no-risk move for the Packers. If Funchess can quickly get back to his best, there’s no doubt he can help this offense get better. He’d give the Packers much-needed depth at wide receiver. If not, they can move on without a big dead cap hit.

For Funchess, this is a prove-it deal. While he’s taken a pay cut this season, he gets the opportunity to prove himself and earn a big multi-year deal next offseason. And what better offense to be a part of than the group that ranked No. 1 in scoring in 2020 and has the reigning league MVP at quarterback?

Financially, this move helps the Packers get under the salary cap. For Funchess, it means he gets an opportunity to prove himself and earn a big contract down the line.