Packers Fan Journal

Jennings Will Prove He’s Worth His New Deal

Yes, I know GJ just signed a new contract that increases his 2009 salary by 1,000 percent. But when you consider his potential, his leadership, and his humble disposition, a $5 million base salary in 2009 just doesn’t seem like a bad deal. In fact, to me, it seems like a steal.   

Jennings is coming off of a text book break out season. He posted career highs in catches, yards, average yards per catch and touchdowns. And he did that while establishing himself as the Anti-OchoCinco. Jennings ranked sixth in the NFL in receiving yards in 2008 with 1,292 yards that stemmed from 80 receptions. He averaged 16.2 yards per catch and scored nine touchdowns while leading the NFL in receptions gaining more than 40 yards. In fact, no one has more receptions of longer than 40 yards over the last two years, than Greg Jennings. But because Jennings signed a hefty contract last week is no reason to expect a drop in his numbers.

Jennings is as humble a player as there is in the NFL today. He seems to understand that more than anything, a player must play to get paid. With that in mind, Jennings purposely signed a three-year extension so that he can reel in one more big payday before turning thirty. And as long as Jennings stays focused and humble, he should have no trouble attracting the big bucks again in 2012.

This year though, Jennings will likely face many challenges as the focus of opposing secondaries.  But the continued high performance of Donald Driver, banded with emerging threats James Jones and Jordy Nelson, should allow Jennings to produce another impressive season. Opponents can double-team Jennings if they want, but they’d best be wary of Driver, Jones, Nelson and even Ruvell Martin. That, plus another year of experience and work with Rodgers means Jennings will difficult to stop.

I look for Jennings to lead the NFC in receiving yardage in 2009. Accomplishing that means he’ll be battling with the NFL’s other elite receivers for the NFL receiving yardage crown. GJ will also add four or five TDs to his 2008 total while seeing a slight increase in his number of catches. His average yards per catch will remain between 16 and 17. By the end of 2009, Jennings will make the pro bowl and be known as one of the league’s best receivers. 

Greg Jennings’ 2009 Projection

Coming up next: James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Ruvel Martin.