Packers by Position Offseason Preview: Wide Receivers
James Jones is the variable in the Packers' offseason equation. Will he leave Green Bay or will he be back?
Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones. Photo by Corey Behnke of CheeseheadTV.com.
Over the course of the next several days Cheesehead TV will have a brief position-by-position offseason preview, taking a look at what's in store for the Green Bay Packers in free agency and the NFL Draft..
Overview
Jordy Nelson was everything the Packers could have hoped for in 2013 with only an injury to Aaron Rodgers keeping him from being more effective.
Solidifiying his deep-threat status, Nelson the NFL in catches over 20 yards. But that's not to suggest he's strictly a deep-threat. Nelson is a well-rounded receiver with evidence pointing to his production from the slot this past season when Randall Cobb went down to injury.
Speaking of Cobb, an unfortunate broken leg prevented him from having more of an impact in 2013 but was effective both before and after the injury.
When healthy, Cobb is one of the most versatile players in the NFL as a receiver, running back, return specialist and even emergency quarterback.
Both Cobb and Nelson have contracts expiring after next season, and being two of the team's most important players, it makes sense that the Packers would want to extend both of them before the start of the 2014 season.
Nelson, in particular, has been seriously underpaid for the past three season relative to his production ($3.15 million per season on average). Expect the Packers to show their gratitude to Nelson by giving him a generous extension sooner rather than later, and Cobb may not be far behind.
James Jones was also limited by injury in 2013, suffering what was reported as a knee sprain that kept him from missing two full games and slowed him down even upon return.
It was a steep drop for Jones in touchdown department after leading the NFL with 14 receiving scores in 2012, down to three this past season. Still, he's probably in the running for the best No. 3 receiver in the NFL. He'll be a free agent and it's a tough call whether to say he'll be back in Green Bay or not.
Jarrett Boykin emerged as a young player on the rise after making 49 receptions this past season despite not making any in the first four games. There's reason to believe he could replace Jones if he departs in free agency.
Myles White, Chris Harper, Kevin Dorsey, Alex Gillett and Sederrick Cunningham will all receive an opportunity to prove themselves in the offseason. It's very possible that not all five of them will survive until training camp.
Long-Range Free Agency Outlook
James Jones––In 2011, Jones expected to find more traction on the free-agent market, got almost nil, and returned to Green Bay on a modest contract.
In those three intervening years, Jones has been a productive receiver, but being three years older (currently 29), there may once again be limited interest in his services.
Given the money the Packers are likely to invest into Nelson and Cobb, there's probably not going to be much left over to offer Jones. All things being equal, they'd probably welcome Jones back, but not if he finds a more generous offer in free agency.
As the saying goes, all it takes is one team to fall in love with Jones, and it's very possible he may go to where he feels he'll be more appreciated.
Long-Range NFL Draft Outlook
There's one school of thought that thinks the Packers must be well-stocked with receiving weapons at Aaron Rodgers' disposal lest they waste the quarterback's years in his prime.
Calls for another young, talented wide receiver might only get louder if Jones departs in free agency.
However, what happens at the tight end position may have an impact on what type of weapons the Packers look to add to Rodgers' disposal.
Depending on the fate of Jermichael Finley and Andrew Quarless (both free agents), the Packers may consider looking at a top-flight tight end prospects in the NFL draft in lieu of a top-flight wideout.
Even if that's the case, it won't necessarily preclude the Packers from adding a wide receiver in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].
Comments (57)
Evan
January 14, 2014 at 10:50 am
"Both Cobb and Nelson are two years away from free agency..."
I thought 2014 was both of their final year.
Brian Carriveau
January 14, 2014 at 10:54 am
Read into it as the new league year not starting until March 2015.
Evan
January 14, 2014 at 11:25 am
I see.
Technically true, but still confusing.
Makes it sound less urgent than it really is - both are entering their final years.
January 16, 2014 at 10:53 am
that is what he said
January 14, 2014 at 10:57 am
correct. Both are Free Agents after the 2014 season.
January 14, 2014 at 11:04 am
WR position for me is a position that I think they need to draft a WR maybe in the middle rounds. Luckily this is a very deep class of WR's.
One thing that could possible be interesting, If the Packers were to get a 3rd round compensation pick for Greg Jennings, and used that pick to draft a WR. Would be kind of interesting.
With Nelson, Cobb both set to be free agents after the 2014 season, and the possibility of losing Jones this year, the WR position will need to be restocked.
I am still intrigued with Harper and Dorsey though. I would have liked to have seen Charles Johnson stay and be developed. But that happens.
January 14, 2014 at 11:20 am
Packer Fans are going to be a little dismayed when the Packer's own UFAs fly the coup. The Packer's will be replacing a slew of experienced players with more & more late round draft picks & UDFAs. If you thought 2013 was a season of confusion, watch out --- 2014 is going to be brutal.
No way JJ spends another season in the G&G. Raji is gone. I'm not sure that a Florida native like Sammy will even re-up with the Pack.
January 14, 2014 at 12:04 pm
'Packer Fans are going to be a little dismayed when the Packer’s own UFAs fly the coup.'
So, are you or are you not a Packers fan? Just want to know if you truly are a Packers fan or not.
January 14, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Packer Fan, I've lived in the shadow of Lambeau Field my entire life. How about you? Ever been in Wisconsin or to a Packer game? -- Didn't think so.
BTW, I make my posts simple enough for everyone to comprehend, including you.
Agree? --- Of course you do, as usual.
January 14, 2014 at 12:16 pm
You didn't answer the question.
January 14, 2014 at 12:22 pm
I don't need to. It's implied.
January 14, 2014 at 12:33 pm
It's not implied based on any of your responses.
You are another Cowpycat troll. You're like his grammatically challenged sidekick.
January 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm
No, I don't agree with you because your making all the accusations about me that aren't even close to being true...
I live in Wisconsin. Never been to a Packer game. Which is ok. I go up every year and watch training camp practice.
I asked you a simple question, if you were a Packer fan. If your a Packers fan why do you like to come here and hate on other Packer fans?
I'm glad you 'dumbed yourself down' because I didn't think anyone could be that dumb...
January 14, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Extreme homers make all Packer fans look bad. Intelligence (even football intelligence) comes from analyzing anything objectively.
Believe me, you couldn't run with my crowd. They're hard-core & emotional Packer Fans who insist that reality rules. --- All the excuses & redoing history are verboten.
January 14, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Yah, me trying to be nice and talk to you....
So its pretty obvious your not a Packer fan, exactly what I thought.
Your crowd huh? Is that the stuffed animals and dolls you have in your mothers basement all sitting around a table 'having a tea party'? Is that the crowd you run with? If so yeah, I don't want any part of that...
And what the hell are you talking about? I mean seriously.
Your the guy out there pissing into the wind.
January 14, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Come on RC---
Now you're only embarrassing yourself. Sorry, but I'll have to ignore your posts in the future. Seems like a waste of my time.
January 14, 2014 at 01:41 pm
Go back & re-read the posts. I posted nothing except my opinion regarding free agency. You immediately questioned by fandom. (So, are you or are you not a Packers fan?)
Who's the troll here? --- You are.
January 14, 2014 at 02:08 pm
This is exactly what RC has done to me also. If he doesn't like what you say, he questions whether or not you're a fan. That's his MO.
January 14, 2014 at 02:49 pm
RC
You need to hyper down abit. Arlo posted about free agency. You questioned him about something completely different. Like it or not, what you did is what trolls do.
January 14, 2014 at 02:58 pm
Arlo, glad to see you have your brother/father/mother/aunt/uncle/grandfather? helping you out.
Buster, I have not beef with you. Other then the 1 time you pissed me off and I let you know it...
Seriously, get over it.
Arlo comes to ever post and posts crap about someone and usually never about the actual topic.
So I simple asked if he was a Packers fan or not. So I guess that makes me a troll because I asked a troll if he actually liked the Packers...
The reason why I asked the question was because his first line ‘Packer Fans are going to be a little dismayed when the Packer’s own UFAs fly the coup’ doesn't sound like a Packer fan's comment.
January 14, 2014 at 03:25 pm
I can read. No need to waste more bandwidth. You might want to consider a hiatus from posting anything.
Get over it. Not all are going to agree with what you think.
January 14, 2014 at 11:37 pm
I can see you all really like each other. But seriously this is getting awkward...
January 15, 2014 at 09:50 am
i once ate a whole piece of paper.
January 16, 2014 at 03:57 pm
I drank a lava lamp once; it wasn't cotton candy like the man told me.
January 16, 2014 at 03:54 pm
So you either have to have been to Lambeau Field or live in Wisconsin to be a true Packer fan? That makes sense.
January 14, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Wonder how much money the Packers effectively saved with Cobb shelved for so long. Perhaps his camp won't want an extension, waiting until after he proves he's worth more.
Since the Packers didn't draft a WR last year (until way too late for it to matter), I fully expect one to be taken somewhere around the 3rd round, if not much sooner for the right guy.
And as much as I like Finley, I don't know if he can come back, or if he does come back, if he can be healthy and effective.
I think I'd be fully behind picking Ebron or Amaro in the 1st round. Though, the way-too-early mocks have Ebron (to me, the much more interesting prospect) as a consensus top-15 guy.
January 14, 2014 at 12:10 pm
"Wonder how much money the Packers effectively saved with Cobb shelved for so long. Perhaps his camp won’t want an extension, waiting until after he proves he’s worth more."
Cobb proved his value long before the injury and immediately on his return.from it.If his camp feels he still needs to prove something,he needs to get a new camp counselor.
January 15, 2014 at 11:07 pm
"If his camp feels he still needs to prove something,he needs to get a new camp counselor."
Bravo, Taryn!
January 14, 2014 at 12:07 pm
A quick scan of the WRs on the roster shows that we have no one the size of Nelson 6'3' 217 lbs....give or take.The fact that he is a FA after 2014 and his age should have us looking for another of that caliber...Brandon Coleman,Donte Moncrief and a small school guy from Saginaw Valley Jeff Janis may be the steal in the mid-late rds.
January 14, 2014 at 12:15 pm
If you have to ask...
January 14, 2014 at 12:29 pm
The blog's well written about a pertinent topic with a pic of GB's soon to be ex-WR JJ.
Why post at all if this is all you've got?
January 14, 2014 at 01:13 pm
I am the biggest Packer fan in west Michigan was featured on wotv8 grand rapids mi just before packers won XLV...have a brick in front of Lambeau (4th section from the statues) west Michigan packer backer mike Kathan...just wanted all you bickering so called fans that living in Wisconsin or green bay has nothing to do with bleeding green and gold...Go Pack Go!!!
January 14, 2014 at 05:35 pm
Have a brick too and stock. Its my team, lol. Bought the brick in memory of my parents. Been to many Packers games starting in the 70's. Saw the 1st Lambeau leap, MNF Packers 48, skins 47. The blizzard bowl Pack shut out Tampa. Those are some of the most memorable. Seen some real duds in the 70's. Saw Walter, Eric Dickerson, John Brockington. Man am I old. Oops almost forgot Barry, besr RB ever.
January 14, 2014 at 01:18 pm
Cant wait for next year only one play from beating SF with backup linebackers no Heyward, Bulaga, Finley among others...see big things for 14! Go Pack Go!!!
January 14, 2014 at 01:45 pm
not just back up linebackers. Back up linebackers that were hurt also.
That last run by Kaepernick you could clearly see that Mulumba was injured. Limping after him on a sprained knee.
January 14, 2014 at 05:10 pm
Age tends to hit speed WRs harder than it hits stronger ones. James Jones would be the latter so I'm not as wary of his age as I might be with someone else.
Having said that, the makeup of the roster and the cap put his max deal at right around a repeat of his last one, IMO. They do have other WR weapons in Nelson, Cobb & Boykin. TE would seem like more bang for the cap/draft buck. And, above all else, they must fix the back middle of the D (S & ILB).
January 14, 2014 at 05:42 pm
JJ's gone.
Cobb will get extended.
Nelson will be gone after his contract's up... they won't be able to afford both him and Cobb (and Cobb's younger w/ more potential).
A WR will be drafted higher than expected.
January 15, 2014 at 11:25 am
i disagree - i think if jj goes, they make nelson a very high priority -- rodgers will not be happy if he loses both nelson and jj, and i think that matters.
aside from that, he just feels like the kind of player who will stick around. i know that sounds naive, but it's a gut feeling.
nelson is obviously a security blanket for any quarterback. could have something to do with the fact that he'll catch anything thrown within 5 yards of him.
January 17, 2014 at 12:11 pm
cLowNEY, This is a reply to you, but I'm sure many of the other experts on here will jump all over it. I don't want to see another Good GB receiver wind up on the Vikings. James Jones has plenty left in the tank,& we Do Not have that many good receivers, that we can let him go.
Last year, I said to cut Hawk & Finley, so we could keep Jennings. You all jumped all over that. What did it get you?? NOTHING!! I'm going to say the same again!! Cut Hawk & Finley, & resign James Jones. GB will be losing Absolutely Nothing, while keeping a Damn Good receiver who has a number of Good Years left. Go ahead now, Jump all over this. I was right last year. If GB lets JJ get away, it's a mistake, especially, when they have so many others, they'd never miss. Hope JJ's in GB next year.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 12:20 pm
How in the world did you come to the conclusion that you were "right last year"?
January 17, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Well, It's very simple. Finley & Hawk were both NON-FACTORS. We would have had another Great Receiver with Jennings. That's how I was right. Hawk & Finley contributed Nothing to GB this year. I don't want to argue with you. PLEASE!! Cut your losses on Hawk & Finley, & let's not let another Good Player get away. As far as being right last year, Hawk could have been gone this year, & you would have never known the difference.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 02:01 pm
The play of Finley and Hawk has nothing to do with the fact that the offense, and the WR production especially, was not an issue all season. "Another great WR" would hardly have had much of an impact last season.
To say nothing of the impact that a 5 year/$45 million contract would have on the Packers ability to re-sign Shields, Nelson, Cobb, etc...
(I would also argue that while Hawk is hardly a star, his absense would most definitely have been felt.)
January 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Why would they have to cut Hawk?
(Finley is a FA).
Whether they keep Hawk or not, that has absolutely nothing to do with James Jones.
If they want to resign Jones they can. They don't have to cut Hawk to keep Jones.
January 17, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Ok, You're right on that. Trade him, if anybody will take him. Free up whatever $$$$ you can & sign JJ.
January 17, 2014 at 01:01 pm
Actually, If 100% healthy, I'd like to resign Finley to a 1 or 2 year deal as well, but not anywhere near 8 million a year. I think he's worth keeping at the right price, if he's cleared to play. He's still young enough to turn into the Great tight end, he thinks he is.
January 17, 2014 at 05:45 pm
Sign James Jones? Why bother! Decent WR, but Boykin is just as good and cost ALOT less. Let Jones go unless he signs for vets minimum or 1M per. Draft a WR in 3rd or 4th and let him develop for a year. Jordy and Cobb are the guys we NEED back, not Jones!
January 15, 2014 at 04:36 am
Much as I love the guy, I think James Jones is 200% gone. Assuming that happens, I'd like to see the Packers handle it with either (or both) of the following two scenarios.
1) draft Jeremy Gallon with a mid-round pick and move Cobb outside. Dude catches everything https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjJ1Qp1lA6M ...and more than anything he GETS OPEN. Peyton has Welker, Brady has Amendola. Gallon could be that for Rodgers. The size of the target doesn't necessarily matter for an accurate QB like Rodgers. Just get him a guy who can get open. That's Gallon.
2) draft Jarvis Landry. Stud. What do I mean by stud? This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HtPL6XxEsw - and Mettenberger throws meatballs. Hard to imagine Landry with a guy like Rodgers throwing darts. My dream scenario is that the Packers snag Calvin Pryor at 21. But I won't complain if that pick is Jarvis Landry.
January 15, 2014 at 08:23 am
Cobb is already that for Rodgers, and he's among the best at it! Why waste a draft pick to take Cobb out of the role that suits him best?! Makes no sense. Give me a WR w/ some size and speed.
January 17, 2014 at 02:39 pm
EVAN, Come on now?? I agree with much of what you said $$$ wise, but we certainly could have used a healthy Greg Jennings, especially during ARods absence. With Cobb going down, you don't think we could have used another Great receiver. I disagree with your assessment on Hawk. IMO he falls way short of what we need. Nick Barnette was much better, so was Bishop. If I have to watch another season with Hawk in the middle, I'm going to throw a hammer through my TV.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 02:51 pm
They had the 6th best passing offense in the league without Jennings (and without Rodgers for 1/2 the season). Maybe with Jennings they move up to 3rd or 4th. But so what? I don't think Jennings would have impacted the W/L column one bit.
As for Hawk, I agree, he falls far short of what we need. But that's not the point you originally made. You said "Hawk could have been gone this year, & you would have never known the difference."
That's just silly.
As every other LB succombed to injuries, Hawk was there. Maybe in your hypothetical scenario Hawk gets replaced by a high draft pick or FA, but with the roster as constructed, Hawk's absence would most definitely have been felt.
January 17, 2014 at 04:07 pm
EVAN I'm beginning to think, that I may need a New Seeing Eye Dog. I've Played the game. I know what it is to be a Running Back, & I know what it is to be a Linebacker, apparently, I wasn't very good.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 04:43 pm
Haha. I don't think I know what that means but I feel like it might be you conceding the point. In which case, thanks for the nice chat.
January 17, 2014 at 05:38 pm
EVAN, It means that I don't agree with your opinion of A.J. Hawk. It means that I feel we need a much much tougher Linebacker in the middle, & A.J. Hawk is not the answer. I would hope it means that we are both Packer fans, & want what's best for GB. In all honesty, I believe A.J. Hawk has been over rated from the beginning, & remains so till this day. We can agree to disagree, but I feel until we become much tougher up the middle, we are going to waste the prime of ARods career. As much as you guys hate ClowNEY, HE IS RIGHT!! Just about the whole Defense needs changing, & IMO it starts with A.J. Hawk.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 05:48 pm
"It means that I don’t agree with your opinion of A.J. Hawk. It means that I feel we need a much much tougher Linebacker in the middle, & A.J. Hawk is not the answer."
I never once argued otherwise.
I agree, Hawk is not the answer and the Packers do need an upgrade at ILB.
January 17, 2014 at 06:03 pm
EVAN, I'm not your enemy. Like you, I want GB to win SB'S. We will never have a better QB to do it. Our time is now. As bad as this team was at the end of this season, I believe we would have been the team to beat, had we got by SF. We are too good an offense right now to waste it. IMO we lost to the Best team in the playoffs with our second string. Yeah, I had money on GB. I believe we could be a dynasty with a defense. You will never see another ARod, in your lifetime. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point. Don't let JJ get away. Put everything we can in our Defense. It starts up the middle.
Evan
January 17, 2014 at 06:04 pm
Totally agree.
January 17, 2014 at 06:39 pm
STROH, I disagree with you. We need JJ back. We need them all back. JJ is better than Boykin. Why break up the best receivers in the NFL. We've got players all over this league, that could still be with GB. If we're not going to change the Defense, let's at least keep what we have on Offense. Letting JJ go is a Mistake.