After Green Bay let Greg Jennings and James Jones walk in consecutiveoffseasons, Jordy Nelson sits as the elder statesman of the Packers' wide receivers group.
As Nelson enters the final year of his four-year, $12.6 million contract, the Packers prioritized extending him to a long-term deal, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported in February. On Tuesday, the receiver said that while no contract is imminent, he expects talks to heat up before the start of the season.
"Obviously you want to get it done as soon as possible," said Nelson, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "But there are a lot of other people that are involved in that. It's a process and we'll just have to wait and see how it goes.
"I guess I'm more focused on hoping it gets done before we get to that."
Nelson acknowledged that deals tend to get done closer to training camp. He also understands that the team must get his contract finished so it can extend other players -- like fellow receiver Randall Cobb.
Entering his seventh season, Nelson has become one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. The 29-year-old receiver has size, great hands and is one of the best difficult-pass-catchers in the NFL. It could come as a surprise -- considering what team he plays for -- but Nelson is probably the most underrated receiver in the NFL.
Coming off career highs in yards (1,314) and receptions (85), Nelson is near the same age as Jennings and Jones when the Packers let them walk. Nelson, however, believes his situation is different because the current backups aren't as established.
"I think it's a little bit different because we've gotten a lot younger," Nelson said, per ESPN.com. "If I were to walk and you've got Randall, who could possibly walk, now you're down to all rookies besides (Jarrett Boykin). I think it'll be different. I wouldn't be surprised if stuff starts picking up soon now that the draft and everything's done with. There's a time frame they work off of, so I've been informed of that, so we'll just wait and see when it hits."
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