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Devin Funchess

Can newest Packer be notable No. 2?

The Packers have signed Devin Funchess, a one-year, $2.5 million deal that could be worth "up to $6 million," but probably won't be. It's a far cry from the inexplicable $10 million contract he signed with the Colts a year ago, before spending the year on IR.

Funchess never really stood out in four years in Carolina, though he did catch 21 touchdowns (including 8 TDs in 2017). But he at least goes to a team that has an opening at No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. And has for a few years now.

For much of Aaron Rodgers' run in Green Bay, the Packers have had two top-producing wideouts. From 2008 through 2016, they had a pair of top-25 fantasy wide receivers six times.

That's changed the last three years. In each of those seasons, Davante Adams was a top-25 player at his position. But Green Bay's No. 2 in those seasons ranked 35th, 66th and 68th. Only one was a starter in typical fantasy leagues.

In the table, Green Bay's No. 1 wideout (in yardage) in each of the last 12 years is in bold.

GREEN BAY 1-2 WIDEOUTS, 2008-2019
YearPlayerNoYdsTDFF Rk
2019Davante Adams83997523
2019Allen Lazard35477368
2018Davante Adams1111386134
2018Marquez Valdes-Scantling38581266
2017Davante Adams748851014
2017Randall Cobb66653435
2016Jordy Nelson971257142
2016Davante Adams75997129
2015James Jones50890830
2015Randall Cobb79829626
2014Jordy Nelson981519133
2014Randall Cobb911287127
2013Jordy Nelson851314813
2013James Jones59817341
2012Randall Cobb80954816
2012James Jones647841417
2011Jordy Nelson681263154
2011Greg Jennings67949918
2010Greg Jennings761265125
2010James Jones50679544
2009Greg Jennings681113421
2009Donald Driver701061619
2008Greg Jennings80129297
2008Donald Driver741012522

So if Funchess emerges as the team's No. 2, recent history doesn't ensure he'll be a viable fantasy option. And with Allen Lazard around, and the possibility of the team selecting a wide receiver early in a strong draft for the position, not a given that Funchess would be the guy anyway.

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index