Jordy Nelson said Monday he was willing to take a pay cut to stick with the Green Bay Packers, but was disappointed about how the franchise viewed his role going forward.
"I think the number was part of it, but also the conversation I had in the meeting," Nelson told ESPN Wisconsin during a radio appearance, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "I met with (general manager) Brian (Gutekunst) and had a discussion because I had to get a feel for not just the pay cut but what their plans were going forward. After that meeting, there wasn't, I don't think, much desire there. I think with the combination of both, we decided what was best for myself and my family (just) as they decided what was best for them and the Packers."
Nelson, a fan favorite in Green Bay, was released after 10 seasons with the team. He quickly latched on with the Oakland Raiders, inking a two-year, $14.2-million deal.
The veteran wideout, who'll celebrate his 33rd birthday in May, had one year and $10.25 million left on his contract with the Packers. He called Green Bay's decision to move on "disappointing."
"I think the hurt part was, to be honest, was the unwillingness to try to make it work," he said. "But then again, it's a business, and they have to do what they think is best. What they need to do is to be able to move forward and prepare for the future of the Packers. But I think that was just part of it, but that's the way it is. I'm definitely not the only one that's been cut or released when you don't think it's going to happen, and it's not what you want to hear when you go into a meeting with them. But we've moved on."
Nelson ranks fifth on Green Bay's all-time list in receiving yards and second in touchdown catches. He managed 482 yards and six touchdowns across 15 games last year, though he was more productive early in the season before quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone.
