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NFL Free Agency Notes

>>Packers Cut WR Nelson
 
Aaron Rodgers is losing his most prolific receiver but might be getting an upgrade at tight end.
 
The Green Bay Packers released veteran Jordy Nelson, the third-leading receiver in franchise history and one of Rodgers' top targets.
 
The Packers announced the move Tuesday, a day before teams can begin to sign free agents.
 
Nelson had 550 receptions and 69 touchdown catches in 10 seasons in Green Bay. But his production declined last season with Rodgers sidelined much of the year by a collarbone injury.
 
Asked if the Packers offered Nelson the opportunity to come back in 2018 at a reduced salary, GM Brian Gutekunst said, "There were a lot of discussions that went on. In fairness to him, we won't get into those kind of discussions."
 
Nelson, who turns 33 in May, was scheduled to earn $10.25 million this season and carry a salary-cap number of $12.52 million.
 
Nelson had 53 catches for 482 yards and six scores in 2017, a year after winning Comeback Player of the Year honors. He had 97 catches on 1,257 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns in 2016, rebounding from a knee injury that sidelined him the previous season.
 
Nelson's release figures to foreshadow more moves for the Packers, who could use an upgrade at tight end. Jimmy Graham is one of the top free agents available on the market.
 
The Packers have Lance Kendricks at tight end, but Richard Rodgers is due to become a free agent.
 
>>TE Trey Burton Signing With Bears
 
Tight end Trey Burton, who threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in Philadelphia's victory over New England in the Super Bowl, has agreed to a $32 million, four-year contract with the Chicago Bears, according to two people familiar with the deal.
 
The Eagles also lost another tight end, releasing veteran Brent Celek to save $4 million under the salary cap. Celek was the longest-tenured player on the team, missing only one game in 11 seasons.
 
Burton threw out the first pitch before the Philadelphia Phillies played the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. He re-enacted his TD pass to Foles.
 
>>WR Amendola To Sign With Dolphins
 
Danny Amendola has almost always been the epitome of the "Patriot way" by taking substantial pay cuts to remain in New England while then proceeding to make huge plays come playoff time. That's what makes it so shocking to see him leave the Patriots for one of their rivals in the AFC East.
 
According to NFL Network's Dan Hellie, the Dolphins are expected to sign Amendola away from the Patriots. Peter Schrager ?of Fox Sports and NFL Network reported that Amendola is signing a two-year deal worth $8.25 million guaranteed and $12 million with incentives.

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