Wide receiver Jordy Nelson signed with the Raiders earlier this month after being let go by the Packers. Did the Packers mishandle a situation that could have left them with another season of a still-productive receiver?
Nelson has clear chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. His overall numbers last season were career-lows, but he had six TD grabs in the first five games (among his 19 catches) before Rodgers was hurt.
Nelson had 35 touchdowns and 4,000-plus yards in his last three healthy seasons before 2017. Even if he had lost a step and wasn't the deep threat he used to be, he was a sure bet for Rodgers in key spots.
Rodgers wrote on Instagram after Nelson and the Packers parted ways: "Definitely a sad day and the toughest part of this business. There will never be another quite like white lightning."
We'll see just how much he misses him in 2018. My guess is it's quite a bit.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. mrand@startribune.com
