Green Bay Packers fans won’t be seeing quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing pinpoint passes to his wide receiver Jordy Nelson in the end zone anymore. The Packers have decided to release Nelson on Wednesday, but the 32-year-old didn’t spend a lot of time as a free agent since he agreed on a two-year, $15 million deal with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday. According to ESPN, Nelson’s contract includes $13 million guaranteed.
Coming soon to a stadium near you.@derekcarrqb → @JordyRNelson pic.twitter.com/yckgkKZVpG
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) March 16, 2018
Jordy Nelson spent 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and helped the team to reach eight postseason appearances and a Super Bowl win in 2010 NFL season. During his time with the Packers, Nelson formed a prolific partnership with Aaron Rodgers, and together they set a franchise record for a quarterback-receiver duo with most touchdowns with 65.
Although Nelson started the 2017 NFL season in a great fashion, catching six touchdowns in five games, his production dropped when Rodgers went down with a collarbone injury. He ended up failing to catch a touchdown pass in the next 10 games and ending the season with 482 receiving yards, fewest since 2009.
Aaron Rodgers issued an emotional statement on his Instagram profile following Nelson’s departure.
“Hard to find the right words today to express what 87 means to me.” – wrote Rodgers. “No teammate exemplified what it means to be a packer quite like him. From living in GB full time, his incredible contributions to the city, state, and region, to his consistent, reliable play on the field. Definitely a sad day and the toughest part of this business. There will never be another quite like white lightning.“
Getting Jordy Nelson didn’t mean Oakland Raiders were done doing business. The team also added running back Doug Martin, who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in February. There were also some departures since the Raiders parted ways with wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
