New Raiders WR Jordy Nelson 'Hurt' by Packers' 'Unwillingness' to 'Make It Work'

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson said Monday he was "hurt" by the Green Bay Packers' lack of effort during discussions about potentially keeping him the franchise before his release earlier this month.

Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com passed along comments Nelson made about his exit from the franchise on ESPN Radio Milwaukee. 

"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."

The 32-year-old Kansas State product spent the first 10 years of his career with the Packers, who selected him in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Nelson said the Green Bay front office offered a chance to stay if he took a substantial pay cut, but a conversation with general manger Brian Gutekunst made him realize his role might also get reduced.

"I think the number was part of it, but also the conversation I had in the meeting," he said on ESPN Radio Milwaukee. "I met with Brian 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."

It didn't take him long to find a new home after tallying 550 catches for 7,848 yards and 93 touchdowns in 136 regular-season game across his decade with the Packers. He signed with the Raiders two days after his release.

In Oakland, he'll likely be tasked with filling the void left by Michael Crabtree, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens, as the No. 2 target behind Amari Cooper.

"I can still run. I can still catch," Nelson told reporters. "I think football at this level a lot of people focus on speed, but I mean I ran a 4.5 coming out of college. I wasn't blazing then either. It's different when you get helmet and shoulder pads on. I think I can do that. I can make plays. Any play is a big play or just catch in the slant."

It's a solid one-two punch on the outside as part of a high-profile playmaking group that also features quarterback Derek Carr, running backs Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin and tight end Jared Cook.