Packers Fan Journal

Good news for Packers fans is right around the corner. According to several news outlets, wide receiver Greg Jennings is on the verge of signing a new contract that will make him the second-highest paid receiver in the league behind Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald. Jennings, had a breakout season last year in the eyes of Packers fans but hasn’t seemed to step into the national spotlight just yet. That may change this year as he has goes into this season as the team’s number one receiver ahead of Donald Driver.

All that aside, at first I wondered: has Jennings proven himself worth a contract making him the second-highest paid receiver in the NFL? 1,200 yards and 80 catches is great, but after one season of such numbers is Jennings deserving? Then I remembered what kind of person Jennings is. He is humble, polite, well-grounded, has his priorities in order and is emerging as one of the team’s leaders. Any GM would be crazy not to want a guy like that in his team’s locker room. And if the guy produces like Jennings did last year, that GM would be crazy not to give the player his payday.

Jennings has improved dramatically in each of his three seasons as a Packer, gaining 642 yards on 16 catches as a rookie and 920 yards on 53 receptions as a sophomore. Last year he broke out with 1,292 yards on 80 grabs. But perhaps more impressive is that Jennings ranked second in the NFL in pass receptions of more than 20 yards, and first in receptions of more than 40 yards. He is a true threat and with Donald Driver, James Jones and an improved Jordy Nelson behind him, teams will have a tough time stopping Jennings from tearing them apart this year.

Jennings is deserving of his new contract, however the details get worked out. Hopefully he plays for the Packers at a high level for a long time to come.