Getty Devin Funchess #17 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bargains are in bloom this offseason for the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers agreed to terms with free-agent wide receiver Devin Funchess on a one-year deal worth as much as $6.25 million with incentives, continuing general manager Brian Guteukunst’s trend of low-risk signings this offseason.
Funchess, 26, will earn a $1.2 million base salary for the 2020 season with a $1 million signing bonus, $50,000 workout bonus and $15,625 for each game active, which is expected to deliver a minimum hit of $2.26 million against the salary cap with potential to exceed $2.5 with incentives and bonuses, per CPA Ken Ingalls.
Gutekunst has once again secured an experienced player for his 2020 roster at a position of need, leveraging recent injury struggles into a safe deal for the Packers that presents terrific upside and an affordable option for getting out if the first season doesn’t prove fruitful. The same thing was done with the signings of inside linebacker Christian Kirksey and offensive tackle Rick Wagner.
Funchess was lost to injury for the 2019 season after breaking his collarbone in Week 1 in his first and only season with the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries also restricted him for stretches in both 2016 and 2018 during his four seasons with the Carolina Panthers; though, he did catch 63 passes for 840 yards and eight touchdowns when he was last fully health in 2017.
Per Ingalls’ calculations, the Packers have dipped into the negative in terms of expected spendable cap space this offseason by about $1.645 million, increasing the likelihood of roster cuts or other cost-cutting moves in the coming months.
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How Does Funchess Impact Packers’ Draft Plans?
Funchess adds some essential depth to the Packers’ ranks as the second-most experienced wideout on their 2020 roster, but don’t expect Gutekunst to be entirely done outfitting next year’s receiving corps with such a deep group of pass-catchers coming out of the upcoming NFL draft.
The Packers’ contract with Funchess is designed to avoid a long-term investment, which is smart given his recent injury troubles but also doesn’t ensure much of a future at the position. Drafting an NFL-ready talent in one of the first few rounds could still change with an array of choices that would fit well within Green Bay’s system opposite Davante Adams.
Gutekunst spoke broadly about the depth of the 2020 class of receivers during the NFL Scouting Combine, which increased speculation the Packers might use their top draft pick at No. 30 overall to acquire another passing target for Aaron Rodgers. But given how deep the class runs, the Packers could also find a viable option in the second or third round somewhat easily.
Even if they wait until the later rounds, there is no reason to assume Funchess’ signing means the Packers won’t add at least one more receiver through the draft.
Funchess would have to earn the No. 2 receiver role in the Packers offense as things stand now with Allen Lazard and Equanimeous St. Brown — who missed all of last season with an injury — expected to be his biggest challengers. Other notable Packers receivers include Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow and CFL addition Reggie Begelton.
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