The Packers are moving on from “Touchdown Jesus.” NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that Green Bay is cutting wideout Jake Kumerow.
This is a bit of a surprising move, and not just because Kumerow has emerged as a fan favorite. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently referred to the 28-year-old as one of his most reliable options, and Kumerow was generally expected to be one of the top four wideouts on the depth chart.
The 2015 undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin-Whitewater spent the first two-plus seasons of his career with the Bengals and Patriots. He caught on with the Packers in 2017, and after playing in five games through his first two year with the team, he took on a larger role in 2019. Kumerow ultimately finished the campaign with 12 receptions for 219 yards and one score.
With Kumerow out of the picture, the Packers will presumably be keeping the likes of Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tyler Ervin, and Equanimeous St. Brown behind top receiver Davante Adams.
Kumerow, while a favorite of Rodgers, lacks the athleticism and upside of his competition. A team lacking outside receivers could take a shot, but otherwise he might be destined to spend the season on a practice squad
Kumerow’s known around here as “Whitewater Jesus”. I’m going to miss him.
Seems as if being a favorite of Rogers will be the kiss of death as the Packers get ready to transition away from Rogers this season. Just more things to make Rogers mad and either request a trade or retire. Releasing hi will put the Packers in cap he’ll with dead money.
Or it might simply be they didn’t feel hanging onto a 6th/7th wr on the depth chart made much sense.
With that said, it has to mean they’ve seen dramatic improvement from MVS and Equine Brown, along with the rumored plan of keeping 4 TE’s and using Ervin more as a wr than rb.
I just hope there is SOME plan in place and we don’t end up with a repeat of last years disaster of a receiving corps. I still cannot believe that they didn’t draft someone with speed or sign an established free agent during the off-season, but hopefully you’re right and MVS and/or EQ have made great strides and are ready to be significant contributors. Perhaps they have plans to use Aaron Jones a little more as a WR like the did at times last year. He made a few big plays working in that capacity and it would allow them to give AJ Dillon more playing time too, if they feel he’s ready. It’s going to be an interesting year…can’t wait for it to start!