Former Packers and Raiders WR Jordy Nelson retires; Patriots showed interest in the free agent
![OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 02: Jordy Nelson of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2019/03/Jordy-Nelson-Raiders-3-copy.jpg)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Jordy Nelson of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Jordy Nelson is retiring after a productive 10-year NFL career, and squashing the possibility of the veteran receiver joining the Patriots as a free agent. Nelson’s former teammate James Jones revealed his decision to retire via Twitter on Wednesday.
Nelson finishes his career with 613 career catches for 8,587 yards and 72 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Packers and one with the Raiders. He’ll best be remembered as the primary weapon and end-zone threat for Aaron Rodgers during his prime years in Green Bay, which included a win in Super Bowl XLV over the Steelers.
The Patriots reportedly showed interest at the start of NFL free agency in Nelson, who visited the Seahawks at one point. Instead, the 34-year-old is deciding to call it a career.
![Nov 1, 2018; Santa Clara, CA: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2019/03/Jordy-Nelson-Raiders-2-copy.jpg)
Nov 1, 2018; Santa Clara, CA: Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Nelson certainly seemed like a worthwhile gamble for Bill Belichick to see what he had left. Apparently, Nelson doesn’t have enough left in him to consider the rigors of the NFL worthwhile.
It’s unlikely that the veteran wideout would have been the big answer to the Patriots’ need for another viable weapon at receiver. Either way, Belichick needs to look elsewhere for that now.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].