NFL Spin Zone » greg jennings

2013 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Select Cordarrelle Patterson

David Miniel — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:33:41 +0000

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the bench against the Detroit Lions at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

With the #29 pick in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have traded their pick to the Minnesota Vikings who select Cordarrelle Patterson out of Tennessee.

With their 3rd pick in the 1st round, this team is showing that they want to win. Picking up another possible starter across Greg Jennings who signed with the Minnesota Vikings from the Green Bay Packers. A speedy wide receiver, good body control, has great field awareness, catches the ball using his body, needs to work on his hands. A player who you could possibly line up in the backfield like they did with Percy Harvin and run some plays with him as a half back.

Could also become a punt/kick returner, not exactly Percy Harvin, but could have some sort of impact for this team like Harvin did.

The St. Louis Rams are on the clock.

Brett Favre Gave Greg Jennings Advice About Minnesota Vikings Deal

Mike Dyce — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:55:12 +0000

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) shares a laugh with Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) after the Packers beat the Vikings 24-10 in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre famously did the unthinkable by joining their rivals the Minnesota Vikings. Now wide receiver Greg Jennings has done the same and headed to the twin cities. In present sports, loyalty is almost gone on both sides, players and the front office, but Jennings told KFAN in Minneapolis Brett Favre gave him some advice.

“Absolutely. We were literally — as I got off the plane and Coach Musgrave walked up to me — I’m on the phone with Brett,” Jennings said, via Sports Radio Interviews. “I spoke with Brett probably two or three times throughout this process — a lot via text and then on the phone as well. But he shot me straight. I knew if there was one person that would shoot straight and tell me exactly what I wanted to hear and the things that I possibly didn’t want to hear, it would be Brett. And so he did that for me.”

But according to Jennings it came down to the front offices, he says Minnesota just wanted him in purple and gold more than Green Bay wanted him.

“I’ll say this, Mr. Spielman and Coach Frazier and the Wilf family, they were more in-tuned to me playing in this color and with this organization than Green Bay was. So the decision was made and I’m excited about it.”

But nevertheless, Jennings is looking forward to returning to Lambeau Field.

“It’s gonna be exciting, business as usual. Obviously I have some history there. Appreciate the opportunities that they gave me. Great organization, but the song said it best.”

Minnesota Vikings Greg Jennings Talks Going Well

Mike Dyce — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:52:07 +0000

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) catches a pass for 8 yards against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings are trying to strengthen their wide receiver depth for quarterback Christian Ponder or Matt Cassel. They traded Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks, their best wide receiver but also one of their biggest locker room head aches at the same time.

So, they’ve been kicking the tires on Greg Jennings, who is approaching 30 and coming off an injury plagued season. The hold up is most likely money. Jennings reportedly wants $10 million annually, and so far everyone seems reluctant to give him that.

But as the Packers are negotiating with Jennings, he has been entertaining offers from divisional foe, the Minnesota Vikings. And according to ESPN’s John Clayton, things are going well.

“Things are going well for the Vikings and Greg Jennings, but the Packers are still in the mix to re-sign him,” Clayton tweeted.

It could be strictly as a ploy by the Jennings to force Green Bay to give into this demands, or he could seriously be considering it. He wouldn’t be the first Packer to make the journey to Minnesota.

But the Packers would be forced to make moves, like cutting Jermichael Finley to give Jennings what he wants. As long as the Packers offer is similar to the Vikings you’d think he’d stay in Green Bay.

Greg Jennings Controlling Jermichael Finley’s Situation With Green Bay Packers

Mike Dyce — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:38:19 +0000

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA;Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) reacts after catching a pass for a first down against the Minnesota Vikings during the 1st quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Jennings wants to get paid…. a lot. Apparently more than $10 million a year. The Minnesota Vikings were reportedlty interested in Greg Jennings, but after hearing how much he wanted they decided he wasn’t worth it.

“The Packers reportedly offered him $10 million annually for either 4 or 5 years. The Minnesota Vikings aren’t willing to match those numbers that the Packers are offering.”

That leaves Jermichael Finley and his group waiting for the dust settles to see what their future holds. If they pay Greg Jennings the money that he wants it could mean Jermichael Finley will no longer be with the Green Bay Packers.

He’d have to either take a pay cut or be released.

So this reportedly has Finley and his management on “pins and needles” as free agency ticks by. Big money is being spent very quickly and resource and funs are drying up quickly. If Finley were cut late in the game it could mean that he’d have to take a significantly smaller deal than he’d like or is worth to play in 2o13. We’ve already seen tight ends Delanie Walker sign with the Titans, Jared Cook with the Rams, and Martellus Bennett with the Bears, so attractive options for a tight end are also disappearing.

Be sure to stay tuned to NFLSpinZone.com throughout the entire free agency period for up to date news, rumors and signings.

Minnesota Vikings Kick Tires On Greg Jennings

Mike Dyce — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:17:11 +0000

The Minnesota Vikings traded away their best wide receiver, Percy Harvin, to the Seattle Seahawks. That creates a void, and if you thought the offense relied on Adrian Peterson last year. The could just snap the ball directly to him this year and just run every play. But the Minnesota Vikings were supposedly eyeing Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings.

They kicked the tires and looked at him but apparently their interest in him has “cooled.” Jennings supposedly is asking for too much money.

The Packers reportedly offered him $10 million annually for either 4 or 5 years. The Minnesota Vikings aren’t willing to match those numbers that the Packers are offering.

And why would they? Christian Ponder is still throwing the football right? And Jennings will turn 30 next September. Those last couple years of the contract could wind up being a bad investment.

Plus he battled injuries last year, and his future and ability to stay healthy as he ages could come into question. The numbers he was putting up 3 years ago aren’t guaranteed, and especially if he has a quarterback who doesn’t throw for more than 3,000 yards.

As @tompelissero reported last night, hearing that the #Vikings really cooled on Greg Jennings. WR asked for too much money.

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 13, 2013

NFL Free Agency: Greg Jennings Asking For Too Much

Mike Dyce — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:50:52 +0000

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Jennings is one of the many desirable wide receiver free agents on the market this year. And by desirable we mean serviceable not necessarily marquee. He could limit the market for himself though, according to a report from Pro Football Talk, by asking for too much money in a deal in free agency.

Pro Football Talk says league sources believe Jennings is seeking a deal for more than $12 million a year.

Jennings is currently 29, but will turn 30 in September and missed a lot of games last season. But certainly his career is on the downslope and he isn’t worth $12 million a year.

The Green Bay Packers are also considering using their franchise tag on Jennings and at $12 million a year it might be their only way to keep him with out putting themselves in a financially irresponsible marriage with an aging receiver.

He didn’t obviously have over 1,000 yards this season due to injury, but he also didn’t the season before. More notably he isn’t the home run threat he once was. His average yards per catch has dropped from 16.6 yards in 2010 to 10 yards last season.

Hurting Jennings is also other free agent wide receivers like Mike Wallace and a deep draft class at that particular position.

2013 NFL Free Agents: Wide Receivers

Mike Dyce — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:42:10 +0000

Oct 7, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Baltimore won the game 9-6. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The passing game has clearly become the norm in the NFL. And it’s not enough to have a great quarterback, he needs weapons. Running backs can be dual threats and great for check downs. Tight ends are go to targets in the red zone, but what about the rest of the field? You need players with hands to make the big catches and there are some quality players available if you have the pockets and cap space.

Free agency starts before the draft and begins March 12th.

Well here is a list of NFL wide receivers who are free agents, courtesy of Rotoworld:

You Heard It Here First: Ravens Should Cut Boldin To Sign Jennings

Chris Smith — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:30:30 +0000

Jan 6, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin (81) is defended by Indiapolis cornerback Cassius Vaughn (32) on a 45-yard reception in the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at M

This is the return of You Heard It Here First where bold predictions are the norm and crazy theories are allowed to run wild.

It may be Super Bowl Sunday but I’m already looking ahead to the offseason and in this addition of You Heard It Here First I thought I’d tackle one of the major pieces of Joe Flacco’s offense – his troublesome receiving corps.

Now I hear what you’re saying – you didn’t think there was much wrong with the receivers Baltimore has right? Well I’d disagree. There are three main points to consider here. First of all, Torrey Smith isn’t a truly legitimate deep threat – yet. He’s coming along nicely but to date he’s covered a little too easily and when isolated can disappear. So, in my opinion, the Ravens could use a second genuine deep ball receiver.

Second, there is the team’s cap situation. They have plenty of room – currently it is estimated the team is under the cap for 2013 by some $16M – but with Joe Flacco due to get the big payoff in the coming months and Ed Reed, Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger all being free agents there is some belt tightening needed. As such, Boldin will at least be required to reduce his contract and if he refuses there’s a decent chance the Ravens choose to cut him.

Lastly, there is the fact that Boldin’s role can be filled relatively easily. Jacoby Jones has played well this season and could be a cheap replacement as the team’s primary possession receiver. There’s also tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson to fill that role as well as the dynamic Ray Rice out of the backfield. All this makes Boldin expendable.

Ok, so Boldin could be gone. So, I hear you say, why the heck should Baltimore go and pay for Greg Jennings?

First off, let’s address the cap situation. The Ravens do have some depth at linebacker despite Ray Lewis’ retirement. Courtney Upshaw was a genius pick in the 2012 draft and is the future at the outside and is worthy of some trust. This makes either Kruger or Ellerbe easier to let go.

As for Ed Reed, the team should send strong hints to his agent that they don’t intend to re-sign him so he can retire gracefully as a Raven. To put it frankly he is going to be too much of a cap problem and not worth the price tag. This team needs to transition to the future anyway and now is the perfect time to say goodbye to the veteran safety – which, for the record, really hurts me to say as I consider Ed Reed one of my five favorite players in the NFL.

These moves plus the removal of Boldin would give the team the ability to pursue Jennings. While he’s had his issues over the past year or two, all the talent is still there for the Packers WR as evidenced by some terrific performances in 2012. He would provide an esperienced threat both downfield and in the shorter passing game and instantly forces opposing defenses to make sure he’s covered which would help open up space for Ray Rice and the tight ends up the middle or Torrey Smith further downfield.

All year there’s been this suggestion that Baltimore’s offense is missing something. I believe we’re going to see this in today’s Super Bowl and that something has to be done about it in the offseason. Should the Baltimore Ravens cut Anquan Boldin to sign Greg Jennings? If it happens, I certainly won’t be surprised and now neither will you because You Heard It Here First.

Green Bay Packers Clay Matthews out against Giants

Joe Soriano — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 18:43:48 +0000

The Milwaukee Jouranl-Sentinel’s Bob McGinn has tweeted that Green Bay Packers star pass rusher Clay Matthews will be out for the second straight game and has not been seen so far at practice today. This is indeed terrible news for the Packers, because they will be losing a player who has averaged more than a sack per game.

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Matthews has had 17 quarterback hits in total, and the Packers lost production will greatly benefit Eli Manning, who has been dealing with “tired arm” this season. The Packers could still be able to get some pressure on him with the combination of Frank Zombo and Dezman Moses on the outside, largely because Moses had a big game last week with two QB hits against the Detroit Lions. Zombo has far less potential than Moses, so it will be interesting to see if the Pack can still generate pressure even without Matthews. They will to a certain degree, but the downgrade is obvious.

He is out for the second straight week with hamstring issues and has not practiced thus far, and it’s no surprise that Matthews will be missing another game. He has been dealing with hamstring injuries throughout his career, and the Packers can’t afford to rush the 26-year-old star back. He was extremely doubtful for last week’s game, and that same classification should be used in Week 12 against the New York Giants.

Greg Jennings is practicing today, however, but he will still most likely miss the game against New York.

In other news regarding star receivers in the division, there is still a small chance that the Minnesota Vikings will have Percy Harvin against the rival Chicago Bears this weekend. That chance, however, is as slim as it gets and is mainly the last stretches of hope from the organization. It could get rough for the Minnesota passing offense.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Greg Jennings fully practiced, listed questionable

Joe Soriano — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:56:14 +0000

Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Greg Jennings looks ready to go for the team’s Monday Night Football showdown against the Seattle Seahawks after taking every snap during the team’s practice today. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, “Greg looked good today. I’ll tell you, he made a big jump from earlier in the week. Practiced well. His examination (Sunday) morning will be the key on whether he goes or not, but I thought he looked like himself today.”

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Jennings was unable to play in the Packers Thursday Night Football game in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears with a groin injury and is officially listed as questionable on the Packers injury report. He sustained the groin injury late in the Packers Week 1 loss against the San Francisco 49ers after catching five passes.

The fact that he “looked like himself” means that we should expect Jennings to play on Monday night against Seattle, but he won’t be 100% after having a setback early in the week. However, he did say yesterday that he would play on Monday and things are looking up for the top WR to help Green Bay out against a tough Seahawks defense.

McCarthy also told the official site that he feels “good” about right end C.J. Wilson, who is also suffering from a groin injury. The starting DE is also listed as questionable for Week 3′s game and has been limited in practice during the entire week. Wilson can play on Monday, but I would expect solid second-round rookie Jerel Worthy to receive plenty of snaps regardless.

Follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe