Ranking the current top landing spots for Jordy Nelson
Interest in Jordy Nelson is picking up, and here’s how the five teams currently in the mix stack up as fits for him.
During his final season with the Green Bay Packers and for most of last season, Jordy Nelson clearly missed Aaron Rodgers. But he finished strong for the Oakland Raiders in 2018, with 38 receptions on 48 targets over the final five games, and appeared to have something left at 33 years old.
The Raiders have reshaped their wide receiver depth chart, trading for Antonio Brown and signing Tyrell Williams in free agency. So Nelson was cut last Thursday, before his 2019 locked in, and he’s looking for a new home.
Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal immediately reported Nelson may go back to the Raiders at a reduced rate, but he’s got some other options. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported Nelson will take a visit to the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, while adding the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs and the aforementioned Raiders as other teams with interest.
Door has not been closed that WR Jordy Nelson could later re-sign with Raiders at lesser cost. But his $3 million salary for 2019 was scheduled to become fully guaranteed if on roster Friday. Cash cleared.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 14, 2019
Former Packers’ WR Jordy Nelson is scheduled to visit the Seahawks on Tuesday, per source. They were interested in Nelson last year; GM John Schneider loves Nelson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2019
Other interested teams at this point include: Patriots, Titans, Chiefs, Raiders.
Nelson’s peak was interrupted by a torn ACL in 2015, otherwise he may have had four straight 1,200-plus yard seasons. Those days are not coming back, but interest is clearly picking up and here’s how the five teams currently in the mix for Nelson stack up as a fit for the veteran pass catcher.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
One of the league’s best offenses could always use more weapons, and Nelson could step into the void left by the free agent departure of Chris Conley. That said, the role left by Conley (52 targets last year) could easily be filled by a draft pick at a lower cost. The Chiefs are in better shape cap-wise than they were at the start of free agency, but as they look to add pieces salary has to take on some level of consideration.
As more becomes known about Tyreek Hill’s off the field situation, the Chiefs could sign Nelson now as a preemptive move and some level of protection against a possible suspension. But in the moment right now, Nelson would be a face in a crowded set of options for Kansas City’s offense.