The new year has brought numerous big changes to the Green Bay Packers’ roster. With a shuffle of personnel in the front office, new leadership at the general manager position has led to the departure of several big name players, as well as the arrival of new pieces.
Perhaps the biggest and most shocking offseason transaction is the release of fan favorite and 3rd on the all time Packers receiving list, wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Nelson, who turns 33 in May, was let go due to the team’s desire to go younger at the wideout spot. While the move was very unexpected to fans of the team, as well as players on the roster, it was a business decision at the end of the day. Nelson, who was nearing the end of his four-year contract he signed in 2014, was owed over $10 million by the team. In order to free up cap space to retain other free agent players, the Packers ultimately decided to move on from the aging Nelson. Aside from an outpouring of emotion from Green Bay Packers fans, franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers was notably upset with the release of his favorite teammate. Rodgers expressed that he was “shocked” and “saddened” by the team’s sudden decision to release Nelson.
On the same day the Packers released Nelson, they signed standout tight end Jimmy Graham. Graham, a free agent after a two year tenure in Seattle, will look to form quick chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, especially after the departure of Jordy Nelson. Graham and the Packers agreed to a three-year, $30 million dollar contract. It is expected Graham will have a big impact on the team.
On the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay lost veteran safety and defensive captain Morgan Burnett. Burnett, whose numbers declined last season, became a free agent at the end of 2017. The Packers opted not to resign him, and he was ultimately offered a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Packers also traded away safety Demarious Randall to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for quarterback DeShone Kizer.
The 2018 season is shaping up to be an interesting one for the Green Bay Packers, as they look to rebound from their completely disappointing outing in 2017.