Where Will Cut WR Jordy Nelson Land?

The Green Bay Packers sent their fans through a rollercoaster of emotions of the eve of the official new league year. Just minutes after agreeing to terms with superstar tight end Jimmy Graham, the Packers announced they would be parting ways with longtime wide receiver Jordy Nelson.

The 33-year-old pass-catcher has already indicated he wants to keep playing in the NFL, so in this wild era of NFL free agency, he should have no shortage of suitors.

After three straight elite seasons of production, in which he caught at least 85 passes, surpassed 1,250 yards and 8 touchdowns each of the three seasons, Nelson had a down year in 2017. In 15 games he caught 53 passes for 482 yards and 6 touchdowns, seeming to have lost just a step at times. Of course, Aaron Rodgers was absent for much of the season as well, but still, teams have to be realistic bout their expectations for Nelson.

With that being said, here are some potential suitors for the 2016 NFL Comeback Player of the Year:

Indianapolis Colts

After a down year that earned the Colts the third pick in the NFL Draft, Andrew Luck is expected to be back under center for Indianapolis in 2018. Even with the Jacksonville Jaguars impressive playoff run last season, the AFC South is still ripe for the taking if Luck comes back strong.

And with Donte Moncrief leaving town for the rival Jaguars themselves, the Colts could use an upgrade at wide receiver. Yes, they still have T.Y. Hilton, but after that they have a collection of Chester Rogers, Kamar Aiken and Krishawn Hogan.

Jordy Nelson would provide an instant boost as a weapon for the returning Luck. It would also likely take some pressure off Hilton, as both Hilton and Nelson would command respect from opposing defenses. 

Heading into free agency (so not counting any unofficial signings) the Colts had the third-most cap space in the NFL at $73 million, so the move could make sense financially.

San Francisco 49ers

Entering free agency, the San Francisco 49ers are right behind the Colts with the 4th-most cap room ($64 million.) While some of this financial flexibility was given up for cornerback Richard Sherman, there still should be room to squeeze Nelson on to the roster. 

Currently, the 49ers employ the speedy Marquise Goodwin and veteran Pierre Garcon. Wide receiver may not be their top need, which is why they weren't in the bidding wars for Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins.

But the timing of Nelson's release means the 49ers may have less competition to land him, as Robinson and Watkins, along with others like Danny Amedndola, have found new homes already. 

Just like the Colts and Andrew Luck, this signing would be about giving Jimmy Garoppolo weapons around the field to succeed with. San Francisco is expected to make major strides in 2018 with their revamped roster and a full season of Garoppolo, so the extra offensive threat could help their cause.

New England Patriots 

A veteran player gets released and fans start clamoring that he's "perfect" for the New England Patriots. This has happened time and time again, so it's no surprise fans are already mocking Nelson to New England.

The move wouldn't come completely out of left field though, with Amendola leaving town for the rival Miami Dolphins. But since the Randy Moss era, the Patriots haven't relied on big names at the position but rather a collection of gritty, coachable players.

Julian Edelman is expected to return to the field in 2018, and Brandin Cooks is another solid target for Tom Brady. Throw in Rob Gronkowksi, and it's hard to say the Patriots offense is really lacking weapons. Nelson would be a welcome addition, but an unnecessary one.

The Patriots enter 2018 free agency with $22 million (barring unofficial signings) and would likely give up half to sign Nelson. New England will go all-in on another Super Bowl run for sure: but Nelson isn't part of that equation.

UPDATE 3/14: The Patriots and Jordy Nelson reportedly share some mutual interest, though they still may not be the most ideal landing spot.

Mystery Team?

Of course, there are 28 other teams in the NFL that would get better with Nelson's services, even if he wouldn't be their number one receiver.

What if the New York Giants, who seem like they may go all-in on one last run with Eli Manning, sign Nelson and pair him with Odell Beckham Jr?

What if the rival Minnesota Vikings secure him? Even with a massive commitment to Kirk Cousins, the Vikings could still make room for the veteran.

Stay tuned for more NFL free agency updates, and be on the lookout for Nelson to be signed without warning.

UPDATE 3/14: The New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Oakland Raiders are reportedly in play for Nelson. The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens have also been linked to the wide receiver.

By Billy Sakmann - Founder of Sak Sports Blog

Follow Sak Sports Blog on Twitter.

Header photo courtesy of Associated Press

Photo #1 courtesy of Colts.com

Photo #2 courtesy of Robert Reiners/Getty Images

Photo #3 courtesy of NESN.com