Jordy Nelson To Visit Raiders
Jordy Nelson already has one potential suitor. The veteran wideout is set to visit with the Raiders on Wednesday, reports Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal (via Twitter). Nelson was released by the Packers early today.
Nelson has one natural connection to Oakland, as Gehlken tweets that former Packers receivers coach Edgar Bennett is currently in the same role with Oakland. Furthermore, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie was in Green Bay when Nelson was drafted. Of course, Nelson would also be an easy fit in the Raiders high-powered offense. With Jon Gruden at the helm, Derek Carr under center, and Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree requiring coverage, Nelson should have plenty of opportunities to put up numbers in Oakland.
Nelson’s release wasn’t a huge surprise, especially after the Packers inked tight end Jimmy Graham to a pricey three-year deal earlier today. The 32-year-old had been considered a cap casualty for some time, as the organization will save a hefty $10.2MM by moving on from the wideout. Considering his track record, Nelson should be able to secure a modest deal in free agency. Last offseason, the receiver had said he intended to play another two-to-four seasons.
The 2008 second-round pick had spent his entire career with the Packers, winning a Super Bowl and earning a second-team All-Pro nod along the way. Nelson missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL, but he had compiled at least 1,200 receiving yards in four of his five healthy seasons between 2011 and 2016. With Aaron Rodgers out of the lineup, Nelson’s numbers took a dip in 2017. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has already said he doesn’t expect the veteran wideout to rejoin the organization for less money
Packers To Sign Muhammad Wilkerson
The Packers have agreed to terms with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link). It’s a one-year deal, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter link), and Wilkerson will collect $5MM with the chance to earn $3MM via incentives, tweets Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.
Green Bay was the first free agent stop for Wilkerson following his release from the Jets, but the Packers were hardly the only club interested in the former All-Pro. The Chiefs, Saints, and Redskins all took visits with Wilkerson, while the Raiders were reportedly also eyeing Wilkerson.
With the Packers, Wilkerson will reunite with former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who now holds the same title in Green Bay. He’ll also be sticking in a 3-4 scheme, and will play his familiar defensive end position alongside Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, and the rest of the Packers’ defensive line.
Wilkerson, of course, was once one of the premier defensive players in the NFL, but he hasn’t been the same since inking a massive extension with the Jets in 2016. Not only has Wilkerson reportedly had problems with effort, tardiness, and coaches, put his play has slipped, as well. Last year, the 28-year-old appeared in 13 games but graded as just the 50th-best interior defender in the league, per Pro Football Focus. While that was an improvement from his dismal 2016 campaign, Wilkerson was still a far cry from his 2011-15 heyday.
The Packers have now signed two free agents — Wilkerson and tight end Jimmy Graham — before the market even officially opens. That’s a new approach from Green Bay’s front office, which is now headed by Brian Gutekunst, who is apparently more willing than former GM Ted Thompson to engage in the first wave of free agent activity.
Heading into the free agent period, Wilkerson ranked as PFR’s No. 3 interior defensive lineman and No. 16 overall free agent.
Jordy Nelson Unlikely To Rejoin Packers On Reduced Salary
After being released by the Packers earlier, some fans may have been wondering if Jordy Nelson could return to the organization on a reduced salary. However, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports (via Twitter) that the wideout will likely be playing elsewhere in 2018.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he doesn’t expect the veteran wideout to rejoin the organization for less money. Of course, the executive also noted to “never say never.” Green Bay did give Nelson the opportunity to stick on a reduced salary, but the club’s offer wasn’t believed to be much above the league minimum, tweets Jason Wilde of ESPN.com.
The move wasn’t a huge surprise, especially after the Packers inked tight end Jimmy Graham to a pricey three-year deal earlier today. The 32-year-old had been considered a cap casualty for some time, as the organization will save a hefty $10.2MM by moving on from the wideout. Considering his track record, Nelson should be able to secure a modest deal in free agency. Last offseason, the receiver had said he intended to play another two-to-four seasons.
The 2008 second-round pick had spent his entire career with the Packers, winning a Super Bowl and earning a second-team All-Pro nod along the way. Nelson missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL, but he had compiled at least 1,200 receiving yards in four of his five healthy seasons between 2011 and 2016. With Aaron Rodgers out of the lineup, Nelson’s numbers took a dip in 2017.
Packers To Release Jordy Nelson
After signing Jimmy Graham to a lucrative three-year deal, something had to give for the Packers. The other shoe has dropped as the Packers are set to release wide receiver Jordy Nelson, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
Nelson has been regarded as a potential cap casualty all offseason, along with fellow wide receiver Randall Cobb. Ultimately, it’s Nelson being shown the door.
The Packers will save $10.2MM by cutting their longtime pass-catcher. This will end Green Bay’s brief stint carrying three eight-figure-per-year wideouts on its roster. Davante Adams signed a four-year extension worth $58MM and will now be the No. 1 wideout going forward in Wisconsin.
It’s the end of an era for the Packers. Nelson has been with Green Bay since being selected as a second-round pick in 2008 and has helped the team reach tremendous heights. Nelson was a huge part of the Packers’ 31-25 victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV as he caught nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. That TD was the first score of the game and helped set the tone for Green Bay.
Unfortunately, Nelson did not look like his usual self in 2017. The 32-year-old (33 in May) had just 53 catches on the year for 482 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a significant dropoff from his 97 catches, 1,257 yards, and league-leading 14 touchdowns in 2016. He finishes his Packers run with four 1,000-yard seasons, adding five touchdowns in the playoffs.
Some of that, naturally, probably came because of Aaron Rodgers‘ absence. He’s served as Rodgers’ favorite target for many years. But Nelson is on the downside. However, he said last offseason he wanted to play between two and four more seasons. And judging by the way receivers are being paid this week, Nelson could see a decent market despite his age and down season.
Packers To Sign TE Jimmy Graham
The Packers intend to sign tight end Jimmy Graham to a three-year deal, sources tell ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The deal provides Aaron Rodgers with a quality red zone target at TE, something they have been seeking for years. 
Last year, the Packers believed they had their answer at tight end in Martellus Bennett. That contract quickly proved to be a mistake, but the revamped Packers’ front office believes that they have a much better solution in Graham.
Heading into free agency, we had Graham ranked as the second-best tight end available. After Trey Burton agreed to terms with the Bears, Graham quickly ascended the ranks to become the No. 1 undisputed top tight end on the market.
Graham isn’t quite as dynamic as he was in his prime with the Saints, but he’s still trouble for opposing defenses, as evidenced by his ten touchdowns in 2017. The Saints were eager to facilitate a reunion, but the bidding got out of hand thanks to Green Bay.
Rodgers is now slated to have Graham, Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb as his top targets. However, that lineup could change in the coming days with either Nelson or Cobb being pushed out as cap casualties.
Ravens In Mix For Jimmy Graham?
Jimmy Graham has drawn interest from both the Packers and Saints, but the Ravens are also believed to be pursuing the former All-Pro tight end.
Graham is on the Ravens’ radar, but Jeff Zreibec of the Baltimore Sun tweets they are likely not the favorites and could be fighting an uphill battle. This is presumably due to the Ravens’ cap situation compared to the Packers’ and Saints’.
The 31-year-old tight end has drawn interest from the Drew Brees– and Aaron Rodgers-centered teams and would make for an interesting component for two franchises with stacked offenses. Baltimore’s setup is less certain, and the Ravens do not have nearly as much cap space as their reported Graham competitors do.
Despite Graham having not quite been as good for the Seahawks as he was for the Saints, he was still a top-tier red zone option last season. He caught 10 touchdowns — his fourth season with double-digit scores — but averaged a career-low 9.1 yards per catch. But it appears the ninth-year pass-catcher still has a competitive market as a first-time UFA.
Baltimore has cycled through tight ends over the past few years, with injuries playing a key role in that rotation. Graham would represent a clear upgrade from the incumbents.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/13/18
Here are today’s restricted free agent and exclusive-rights free agent tender decisions, with the list being updated throughout the day. All links go to Twitter unless otherwise noted:
RFAs
Tendered at original round level ($1.907MM):
- Cardinals: DL Xavier Williams
- Jets: S Rontez Miles (via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY)
- Saints: WR Willie Snead (story)
- Steelers: LB Anthony Chickillo (via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Non-tendered:
- Saints: CB Delvin Breaux (story)
ERFAs
Tendered:
- Bills: TE Nick O’Leary, DE Eddie Yarbrough, TE Logan Thomas, CB Lafayette Pitts (via Mike Rodak of ESPN.com)
- Browns: FB: Dan Vitale, C Austin Reiter (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal)
- Buccaneers: RB Peyton Barber (story)
- Jaguars: WR Shane Wynn (story)
- Packers: QB Joe Callahan, T Adam Pankey (reports via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com),
- Ravens: RB Alex Collins, TE Vince Mayle, CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste (via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, on Twitter)
Non-tendered:
- Bears: TE Daniel Brown, LB John Timu
Falcons, Packers Interested In TE Ed Dickson
Both the Falcons and Packers have interest in free agent tight end Ed Dickson, according to Vaughn McClure and Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
Dickson, 30, didn’t play a large receiving role during his first three years with the Panthers, but an injury to starting tight end Greg Olsen allowed Dickson to play on 80% of Carolina’s offensive plays last season. While he wasn’t a world-beater, Dickson did manage 437 yards and a touchdown, solid numbers considering he’d managed just 370 receiving yards from 2014-16.
Atlanta needs another tight end after cutting Levine Toilolo, while Green Bay also has interest in another free agent tight end in Jimmy Graham. Richard Rodgers is due to become an unrestricted free agent, which will leave Lance Kendricks and Emanuel Byrd as the only two tight ends on the Packers’ roster when the new league year begins Wednesday.
Dickson worked intermittently as a starter in his first four years of the league with the Ravens, seizing opportunities behind the often-injured Dennis Pitta. Dickson started all 16 games his sophomore season in 2011 and had five touchdowns to with 54 receptions and 528 yards receiving — all career highs.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/12/18
Here are today’s restricted free agent and exclusive-rights free agent tender decisions, with the list being updated throughout the day.
RFAs
Tendered at second-round level:
- Falcons: G Ben Garland (via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution)
- Jaguars: RB Corey Grant (via John Oehser of Jaguars.com, on Twitter)
- Redskins: T Ty Nsekhe (via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, on Twitter)
- Titans: G Quinton Spain (Twitter link via Paul Kuharsky)
- Vikings: G/C Nick Easton (per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, on Twitter)
Tendered at original-round level:
- Bears: CB Bryce Callahan, WR Cameron Meredith, WR Josh Bellamy (via Rich Campbell and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, all Twitter links)
Non-Tendered:
- Broncos: WR Bennie Fowler (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, on Twitter)
- Packers: P Jake Schum (per Rob Demovsky of ESPN)
ERFAs
Tendered:
- 49ers: RB Raheem Mostert (per Mostert’s agent, Brett Tessler, on Twitter)
- Broncos: LS Casey Kreiter, WR Jordan Taylor, LB Zaire Anderson, T Elijah Wilkinson, LB Jerrol Garcia-Williams, LB Joseph Jones (Jhabvala reports, Twitter links)
- Giants: G Jon Halapio (via ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan, on Twitter)
- Jaguars: TE Ben Koyack, OL William Poehls (Twitter links, via Oehser)
- Packers: WR Michael Clark, OL Justin McCray, CB Donatello Brown (all Twitter links via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com and Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Raiders: K Giorgio Tavecchio, LB Shilique Calhoun (Twitter links via Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Josina Anderson of ESPN.com)
- Rams: RB Malcolm Brown, CB Troy Hill (per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com, on Twitter)
Non-Tendered:
- Bears: LS Patrick Scales (via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, on Twitter)
- Cardinals: TE Ifeanyi Momah (Twitter link via Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic)
Packers Interested In Jimmy Graham
The Packers have reached out to the representatives for tight end Jimmy Graham, according to Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). Graham is one of the best tight ends available in this year’s free agent crop and is PFR’s No. 2 ranked player at the position.
The Packers tried to upgrade at tight end last offseason by signing Martellus Bennett to a free agent contract. That deal quickly went sideways, but the Packers remain determined to find a quality red zone threat for Aaron Rodgers at tight end.
Graham was the league’s highest-paid tight end over the last four years with average annual salary of $10MM. He’s not quite the same player that he was in New Orleans, but he’ll also cost a lot less for any team that signs him.
The Saints are said to have interest in a reunion with Graham, but the Packers also profile as a contender and should be of interest to the veteran.