Jordy

Nelson

Nelson was cut by the Packers on Tuesday and will immediately start making the rounds. GM Reggie McKenzie has a history with Nelson from their time together in Green Bay, and new Raiders WRs coach Edgar Bennett was Nelson’s position coach in Green Bay from 2011-2017. If Nelson signs with the Raiders, it would likely mean the end for Michael Crabtree in Oakland.

Nelson is still in Oakland after visiting with the Raiders on Wednesday, and a source told Schefter, “This is going to get done.” Nelson is clearly on the back nine of his career, but he would be a solid red-zone option for Derek Carr. If Nelson does end up in Oakland, the Raiders are expected to move on from Michael Crabtree.

It was reported earlier that Nelson was close to signing with Oakland after visiting the Raiders on Wednesday but Rapoport confirms it’s “not a done deal.” In addition to the Saints, the Seahawks are also making a run at Nelson. The 33-year-old finished last season on a 10-game touchdown drought but obviously teams still feel he has something to offer.

Nelson’s fate was sealed after the Raiders lavished $44 million on Tyrell Williams. It also comes after the Raiders already paid Nelson’s 2019 roster bonus. De facto GM Jon Gruden had previously insisted Nelson would be back for 2019. What Gruden says has had little correlation with what he does in Oakland. Although three steps slower than he was during his prime, Nelson played decent high-volume football for the Raiders down the stretch last year. He should have a market if he opts to continue playing.

According to Schefter, Nelson is also drawing interest from the Patriots (of course), Titans, Chiefs, and Raiders, who just released Nelson last week. Nelson looked a step slow last season, but he came on strong late, catching 38 passes for 386 yards in the final five games. He would be an upgrade at the No. 3 receiver spot for Seattle.

Nelson turns 34 in May. The former 36th overall pick out of Kansas State in 2008, Nelson spent the first 10 years of his career by Aaron Rodgers’ side in Green Bay before ending it with a forgettable one season with Derek Carr last year. A premier touchdown scorer, Nelson had three double-digit touchdown seasons, scoring 57 of his 72 career touchdowns in a five-season span between 2011-2016, which includes a missed 2015 campaign. Nelson won Comeback Player of the Year in 2016 and made it to one Pro Bowl. He could be destined for the Packers’ Ring of Honor.

Nelson caught a 23-yard pass on the second offensive play of the game then all but disappeared afterwards. He has now posted 35 receiving yards or less in 11 consecutive games dating back to last season. Nelson is not a starting option Week 3 versus the Dolphins.

Nelson played the first series with the Raiders’ starters but failed to record a single target. Assuming he’s done with all preseason action prior to Week 1, he finishes with two targets and one catch for four yards in his first two series with Oakland. Nelson has reportedly been “moving like he’s 28" since joining the team, so time will tell whether that turns out to be coach speak or actual production. Still just 24, Amari Cooper makes for a terrific buy-low candidate if Nelson does actually create stand-alone value and become an offensive complement.

Nelson finished third on the team in targets behind Jared Cook (12) and Jalen Richard (11). Compared to Amari Cooper’s pedestrian 1-9 receiving line, Nelson’s performance was outstanding. Until further notice, Nelson (and all of Oakland’s wideouts for that matter) can’t be trusted.

Nelson more than tripled his season yardage total. He went 2/73/1 on the Raiders’ opening drive, capping it off by getting completely free in the end zone for a 12-yard score. 139 of Nelson’s yards came in the first six minutes. He was obviously much quieter thereafter, but it was more than enough to keep Nelson on the fantasy radar. With the Raiders rotating big receiver days, Nelson will be a WR3/4 for Week 4 against the Browns.