The Green Bay Packers shocked many people when they cut Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson after nine years with the team. He formed a formidable tandem with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their time with the team but recent injury issues, his age, a dramatic decline in play last season and some new additions to the team seemingly forced the Packers hand. But Green Bay’s loss appears to be the Oakland Raiders gain.
The Raiders released wide receiver Michael Crabtree and decided to grab Nelson to pair with Amari Cooper and Derek Carr.
Following comes from an ex-teammate of Nelson’s in James Jones of the NFL Network.
Breaking News: Jordy Nelson to the @RAIDERS on a Two-Year Deal….15M, 13M Guaranteed
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) March 15, 2018
Nelson had a down year in 2017 playing 15 games but only hauling in 53 catches good for 482 yards and six touchdowns. A major part of his decline could definitely be an injury that sidelined Rodgers for a good portion of the season. Since 2010, Nelson recorded four seasons with at least 1,200 receiving yards and three double digit touchdown seasons.
The Raiders are looking to make a big bounce back to the playoffs after missing out last season due in part to some injury issues of their own and inconsistent play from some big names. With Carr, Cooper and Nelson leading the passing attack, the Raiders could easily bring success back to the franchise before they head to Las Vegas.
