Packers Make Jennings Second Highest Paid Wide Receiver Ever

The Green Bay Packers and playmaking receiver Greg Jennings have agreed in principle on a 4 year contract keeping Jennings a Packer through 2012.  Reportedly, the deal includes over $26.35 million in new money for an average of about $9 million per year. As part of the new deal, Jennings will be given an $11.25 million signing bonus and his $5 million salary for 2009 is guaranteed. It all adds up to an incredible increase from the $535,000 he was set to make in 2009, the final year of his rookie deal.

The resolution of Jennings contract situation saves the Packers from a potentially huge distraction heading into training camp.  Jennings is a team leader with a good work ethic and a major asset to the Packers offense.

As Jennings said to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "I don't want to be a distraction to the team. When you're looked upon as a leader on the team - not that I'm a main leader, but I'm looked upon as one of the leaders - your leader can't be a main distraction."

In addition to being the second highest paid receiver in the NFL, Jennings is currently the second highest paid Packer behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers ($10.83 million per season).

Jennings led the Packers in 2008 with 80 receptions for 1292 yards and 9 touchdowns.  He led the NFL with eight receptions of >40yards.  That statistic along with the fact that he was tied for second with 12 catches of >20yards is a good indication of what he means to the Packers.  He is their only offensive player who is a threat to break away for the endzone any time he touches the ball.

The author has mixed feelings on this one.  In addition to being the Packers’ only playmaker, Jennings is the little guy who has worked hard and done the right things to be successful.  He deserves to be rewarded.  At the same time, it is a lot of money to pay for a player who has never made a pro-bowl.

Sources:  J-S Online, Pro-football-reference

JuTMSY4Legend

159 days ago

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So the Packers appear to be convinced a CBA deal will be struck and the NFL will most likely avoid the uncapped year...

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CheezerAll-Star

159 days ago

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...or they just want to avoid an issue with a team leader and fan favorite.

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The BeastAAA-er

159 days ago

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I like the fact that they resigned Jennings, as he was severely underpaid, but for $9 million a year! Really? I love Jennings and think he has a solid future with the Pack, but it's a lot for a guy, who hasn't yet maid a Pro-Bowl or shown that he can become a dominant number one receiver that can demand a double team. As of right now, I view him as the no. 2 behind Driver, and no. 2s aren't worth 9 million a year.

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Sj-hypocycloidAll-American

159 days ago

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That depends. If you have the number 2 wrapped up like this, it makes it easier to let the number 1 walk when he asks for more than $9 mil or when age catches up to him. The dough will be spent - if the Pack feels that this is the guy, then more power to him. You're right - $9 mil is a lot of scratch. But if Jennings gives GB 80 receptions, 1292 yards and 9/9+ touchdowns each year, then maybe its worth it.

A lot of money was paid to a lot of guys for less production.

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CheezerAll-Star

158 days ago

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True, it is a lot of money, but he is the only playmaker they have. I think Thompson is sending a message. A lot like he did with Rodgers last season. He is building his team of the future.

If Jones comes on and Nelson continues to develop, they'll have quite the receiving corps. Even if Driver fades.

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RomiezzoLegend

157 days ago

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Cheezer called me ignorant, so I decided to read his article to attempt to prove him wrong. ;)

So, Greg Jennings signs a huge deal with the Packers. After doing a little bit of research on him, I have come to the conclusion that he being paid what he's worth, having the second biggest contract for a receiver in the NFL. But you know what? Re-signing him after getting only $535,000 for three years, and collecting 27 touchdowns in total these past two seasons.

Also, I'm sure being in the top 10 in yards/reception and TD's these past two years definitely proves that he's going to do well for Green Bay... so the management did everything they could to make him happy; I'm sure he is now.

Now, Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings can get to work.

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CheezerAll-Star

156 days ago

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See Romi! Now you're knowledgeable.  :D

I had the same conclusion as well after I gave it more consideration. Part of the contract is payment for services rendered. He's been stellar for two years now and working for essentially the league minimum. His contract is large now, but in two years, he'll be middle of the pack to lower half for NFL receivers. In four years, he'll be scheduled for a new contract and he'll still be under 30.

Looks like a win-win to me.

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RomiezzoLegend

156 days ago

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Thanks, dude. I guess I needed a little encouragement. ;)

Seems like a win-win from this side of the table too. I'd also like to say that most signings who most would believe are a little bit undeserving for the player are actually fine. You're trying to keep your players. Heck... I'd pay a little extra. And like you said, he'll probably be considered underpaid compared to all the other receivers...

I sure hope he and Rodgers do well together for many years to come. Seems like a pretty good combo.

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CheezerAll-Star

156 days ago

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Yeah. They seem to work well together. James Jones came along last season after recovering from injury. Jordy Nelson flashed a lot of potential. Driver is always a threat, but he is aging. They should have a potent passing game.

If they could only develop a running game, they'll really have something offensively.

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Anonymous Fanatic #1

156 days ago

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Nice work, but... Go Lions! =)

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