NFL
The Green Bay Packers are known for their odd allotments with a recent reminder being their five tight ends on the 53-man roster last season. Moreover in 2010, the Green Bay Packers had three fullbacks. And that has been the Green Bay Packers to pile-up on talent irrespective of necessity within the team. However this time around, it is a completely different arrangement for the Green Bay Packers who are stocking-up on wide receivers.The Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are going strong as the Green Bay Packers’ starters. Second-year receiver Randall Cobb may be up for a breakout season. James Jones was more productive with respect to his opportunities prior to last season and only recorded 38 receptions last year. However, James Jones averaged almost 17 yards on those catches and produced seven touchdowns. Former “Dancing with the Stars” champ Donald Driver renegotiated his contract so that he is being offered a $1.2 million roster bonus, which brings up his base salary for next season to $2.3 million. Donald Driver also boast the all-time franchise record for receptions as well as yards.
“There’s a lot of depth there,” said Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Tom Clements. “There’s a lot of guys that have played well and demonstrated that over the years.”
The Green Bay Packers are also loaded with young talent in the depth with Shaky Smithson, Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel. Shaky Smithson was on the Green Bay Packers injured reserve squad last season, while Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel were on the team’s practice squad. However, the Green Bay Packers upgraded their salary from usual $5,700 for each week on the practice squad to $22,059 each week during the last three weeks of the regular season, which easily contests with the packages being offered to players on the 53-man roster.
“Then we have a lot of young guys who have shown some ability. It’s an interesting group and competition will make them all better.”
The boost in Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel hints that they were being pursued by other teams. It is not surprising that other teams would judge that with abundance at wide receivers, the Green Bay Packers may be putting up a few pieces on waivers. The situation became clearer when Tori Gurley passed on an offer from the Minnesota Vikings. Reportedly, there was also interest in Diondre Borel from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Green Bay Packers have been stocking on wide receivers due to the uncertainty surrounding Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. The latter’s contract expires after this seasons and if the Green Bay Packers don’t resolve a a long-term contract, Greg Jenning may be headed to free agency.
Donald Driver’s age has been a concern for many. The 37-yer old experienced a drop in production last year, with just 37 receptions for 45 yards.
"Age is just a number," said Donald Driver. "You still play the game at a high level, and I haven't declined. People talk about, well, I didn't have 1,000 yards. I didn't have 80 catches. I don't control who throws the ball.
