GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers is losing his most prolific receiver but might be getting an upgrade at tight end.
The Green Bay Packers released veteran Jordy Nelson, the third-leading receiver in franchise history and one of Rodgers' top targets.
The Packers announced the move Tuesday, a day before teams can begin to sign free agents.
Nelson had 550 receptions and 69 touchdown catches in 10 seasons in Green Bay. But his production declined last season with Rodgers sidelined much of the year by a collarbone injury.
First-year general manager Brian Gutekunst called Nelson ''one of the great Packers who played here. He's everything you want a pro to be - and he'll be missed.
and you certainly don't want to let him walk out the door. But this is a big puzzle, and there's kind of limitations. You can't keep everybody. As we went through this,''I think Jordy is a really good player, we thought this was in our best interest. The best interest for our team moving forward.''
Gutekunst said, ''There were a lot of discussions that went on. In fairness to him,
Authentic Cam Newton Jersey,Asked if the Packers offered Nelson the opportunity to come back in 2018 at a reduced salary,
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who turns 33 in May,
Womens Mitchell Trubiskyn Jersey,Nelson, was scheduled to earn $10.25 million this season and carry a salary-cap number of $12.52 million.
In a post on his Instagram account,
Authentic Jordan Howard Jersey, reliable play on the field. Definitely a sad day and the toughest part of this business.'', his incredible contributions to the city, state,
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Gutekunst replied, ''Talked to Aaron afterward. Had a conversation with him afterward,Asked if he talked to Rodgers about the decision, but not before.''
a year after winning Comeback Player of the Year honors. He had 97 catches on 1,257 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns in 2016,
Womens Cam Newton Jersey,Nelson had 53 catches for 482 yards and six scores in 2017,
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Rodgers and Nelson had a chemistry built over their time as two of the longest-tenured Packers.
Nelson's release figures to foreshadow more moves for the Packers,
Womens Walter Payton Jersey, who could use an upgrade at tight end. Jimmy Graham is one of the top free agents available on the market.
The Packers have Lance Kendricks at tight end,
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who has emerged as the No. 1 receiver,
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