Jordy Nelson reportedly targeting Patriots after release by Packers
The Patriots lost a big piece of their receiving corps on Tuesday, but they may have someone to rebound with immediately in Jordy Nelson.
Jordy Nelson being cut by the Green Bay Packers was a big piece of news on Tuesday, but some larger news may be on the horizon for one of Aaron Rodgers’ former favorite targets at Lambeau Field. And, of course, it involves the beast of the AFC.
Shortly after being released, everyone began to speculate as to what’s next for Nelson, specifically after it came out that he would still be interested in playing in the league. Now, we may have an answer as to where Nelson is hoping to land in 2018.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Nelson saw the release coming from the green and yellow and already had the New England Patriots in mind. It would be the easiest transition for Nelson, as he’d go from Rodgers throwing him the ball to Tom Brady.
I’m told Jordy Nelson knew he was being released and that he was already targeting the #Patriots as a potential suitor. Makes a ton of sense https://t.co/qMfQU9OXsd
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2018
Between the talent level at quarterback and the cold winters up north, Nelson heading to New England would make perfect sense, and it’d provide a seamless move for the 32-year old.
According to Jason Wilde, Nelson reportedly was offered a deal around the 10-year veteran minimum by the Packers, and it obviously didn’t line up with what he’s looking for in the 2018 season. Meanwhile, the Patriots have some money to spend on their offense, and some spots to fill in their lineup as they look to return to the Super Bowl for the third year in a row.
According to an #NFL source, the #Packers did offer Jordy Nelson the opportunity to come back at a significantly lower salary than he was slated to make. Not sure what the number was, but was told it wasn't for a lot more than the 10-year veteran minimum.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) March 14, 2018
Add in the fact that the Patriots lost key pieces in their offense around the same time as Nelson’s release, including Dion Lewis heading to the Tennessee Titans and Danny Amendola going to the Miami Dolphins. Nelson could fill in the void Amendola’s departure leaves, and it all makes sense.
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Nelson hasn’t had much of a productive stretch over the last few seasons, with his torn ACL a few years ago acting as a real momentum shift for the former Packers star. However, if there’s any offense that can find a way to utilize Nelson in the best fashion, it would be Bill Belichick and the Patriots.