Greg Jennings is off the market. The former Packers’ wide receiver has signed a five year contract to play for the Vikings, Green Bay’s division rival.
The number of top talent wide receivers on the market definitely got smaller today. Greg Jennings joins the likes of Mike Wallace and Wes Welker by signing early for big money. Jenning’s role in Minnesota will be to replace recently traded Percy Harvin .
Signing Greg Jennings should be a good move for the Vikings. He is a proven pass catcher with Super Bowl experience . In seven years in Green Bay, Jennings went to three Pro Bowls, and recorded three 1,000 yard seasons. He is also in Green Bay’s top ten for career receiving yards.
Greg Jennings may not be as explosive as the 24-year-old Harvin, but at 29-years-old he should still have plenty of productive years ahead of him. His five year, $47.5 million contract with Minnesota is also more affordable than Harvin’s six year, $67 million contract with Seattle.
If the Vikings need to be concerned, it’s with Greg Jenning’s injury history. He has missed significant time the last two seasons because of injuries. Last year he missed eight games with an abdominal problem. Clearly the Vikings think the risk is worth the reward. If Jennings can stay on the field he is one of the game’s most productive wide receiver, so it’s easy to understand why Minnesota would take the chance.
Signing Greg Jennings will benefit third year signal caller Christian Ponder as well. Last season Ponder carried the team to early success with the help of Percy Harvin, until Harvin’s season was ended by injury. Much like Harvin, Jennings playmaking ability should compliment Ponders leadership abilities.
A source tells me that Greg Jennings got a 5-year deal with a max value of $47.5 million, $18 million guaranteed. #Vikings
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2013
Vikings’ fans should be optimistic about the signing of Greg Jennings. While there is a chance he is a product of playing with Aaron Rodgers, as long as Ponder can get him the ball he will make a strong impact.
Are you surprised Greg Jennings signed a five year deal with the Vikings?
