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 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Player | No | Yds | TD | FF Rk |
2019 | Davante Adams | 83 | 997 | 5 | 23 |
2019 | Allen Lazard | 35 | 477 | 3 | 68 |
2018 | Davante Adams | 111 | 1386 | 13 | 4 |
2018 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 38 | 581 | 2 | 66 |
2017 | Davante Adams | 74 | 885 | 10 | 14 |
2017 | Randall Cobb | 66 | 653 | 4 | 35 |
2016 | Jordy Nelson | 97 | 1257 | 14 | 2 |
2016 | Davante Adams | 75 | 997 | 12 | 9 |
2015 | James Jones | 50 | 890 | 8 | 30 |
2015 | Randall Cobb | 79 | 829 | 6 | 26 |
2014 | Jordy Nelson | 98 | 1519 | 13 | 3 |
2014 | Randall Cobb | 91 | 1287 | 12 | 7 |
2013 | Jordy Nelson | 85 | 1314 | 8 | 13 |
2013 | James Jones | 59 | 817 | 3 | 41 |
2012 | Randall Cobb | 80 | 954 | 8 | 16 |
2012 | James Jones | 64 | 784 | 14 | 17 |
2011 | Jordy Nelson | 68 | 1263 | 15 | 4 |
2011 | Greg Jennings | 67 | 949 | 9 | 18 |
2010 | Greg Jennings | 76 | 1265 | 12 | 5 |
2010 | James Jones | 50 | 679 | 5 | 44 |
2009 | Greg Jennings | 68 | 1113 | 4 | 21 |
2009 | Donald Driver | 70 | 1061 | 6 | 19 |
2008 | Greg Jennings | 80 | 1292 | 9 | 7 |
2008 | Donald Driver | 74 | 1012 | 5 | 22 |
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