Heading into his contract year, Greg Jennings admits that this could be his final year with the Packers, saying “Whether the contract comes with Green Bay in the near future or (with) one of the other 31 teams, that’s the reality of it.” Aaron Rodgers echoed that sentiment saying “I think you have to be realistic about it and think that it might be (our last year together).” Jennings did say he wouldn’t let it effect him this year, saying “I’ve never allowed my individual off the field dealings that I need to take care of become a distraction to myself, let alone the team. It’s one of those deals where I can’t control the situation. I have an agent. He’s working diligently on that. He knows my stance on that.”

Jennings has been an incredibly productive receiver over the past few years, catching 389 passes for 6171 yards and 49 touchdowns and probably could get Vincent Jackson money on the open market (5 years, 55 million), at least. The Packers don’t like to commit big money to guys and have plenty of receiving depth with Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb, so it makes sense that they could let him leave, heading into his age 30 season in 2013. There’s also his health issue with 3 concussions as a pro on his record.

I just don’t understand why Jennings would want to leave though. Sure, he’ll probably have to take less money to stay, but playing for a team like the Packers with Aaron Rodgers throwing you the football is a wide receiver’s dream and it’s a lot of money either way. He’s unlikely to be anywhere near this productive elsewhere, as he’s only ever had Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre throwing him the football, and any team that signs him to a giant contract would be making a bad deal. Jennings needs the Packers more than the Packers need him. One option that would make a lot of sense for both sides is the franchise tag, which the Packers should have available next offseason, with no other major free agents to lock up.

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