Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) makes a catch San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) during the second half. Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers and GM Ted Thompson have an incredibly busy offseason ahead of them, and it goes beyond Thompson’s forte of the draft. With Jermichael Finley, Sam Shields, James Jones, and B.J. Raji set to hit free agency (keep Finley and Shields without overpaying, but let Jones and Raj leave), the Packers have plenty of tough decisions when it comes to choosing which players to keep around and let go. They could also be more aggressive than usual (read: they might sign a couple of players that the average fan has actually heard of before) in free agency, and they also have some contract extensions to mull over.
Jordy Nelson is clearly one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he was easily one of the top five wideouts in terms of performance last season. He is one of the most refined route-runners in the NFL, he can go deep or over the middle, he nails back-shoulder throws, his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers is ridiculous, he has fabulous hands, and he can line up in the slot or on the outside. Nelson simply does everything required at the WR position well, and he’s consistently listed as a prime candidate for a contract extension.
Now there’s a report stating that Nelson will likely get a contract extension, and I essentially read this message as stating that he is a “priority” for the Packers to extend. Maybe I’m reading into things too much, but it also makes too much sense.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that an “important” offseason task for the Packers is to extend Jordy Nelson, and Rapoport notes that he has just one year left on his deal at $2.5 million.
I’m willing to bet that both Nelson and Randall Cobb both snag well-deserved contract extensions this offseason.