August
Packers Jordy Nelson is Already Underpaid
The Jordy Nelson stiff-arm.
This post is putting the cart waaaaay ahead of the horse, but I think the topic merits discussion.
Jordy Nelson had an amazing season in 2011. I mean, really amazing.
So far, he’s showing no signs of slowing down in training camp. Most observers say he’s only getting better.
Before Nelson truly exploded last season, he signed a 4-year, $14 million contract extension with the Packers. He might have already outplayed that contract.
Here are three random WRs making more than Nelson: Stevie Johnson ($5 years, $36.25 million); Earl Bennett (5 years, $18.55 million) and Marques Colston (5 years, $40 million).
I would take Nelson over all of those guys, and it’s not even close. Nelson was the 27th highest paid receiver in the NFL after signing his new deal, and he’s surely dropped in the rankings since.
I like to make snarky comments on Twitter about Nelson’s agent soon being unemployed after Nelson realizes the bargain-basement extension he signed. But in all seriousness, it’s ultimately Nelson who made the call when he chose to re-sign with the Packers and for how much.
When Nelson re-signed, he wasn’t quite where he’s at now. I’m sure he took a look at the contract, thought that $14 million was plenty of cash, and decided to sign so he could move on with his life and keep working at becoming a better player.
Well, he’s become a better player. And he might be getting even better.
