It hasn't been the best contract season for Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. A groin injury has limited him to playing just six games and 21 receptions. Although he could still have a big impact for the NFC North champions in the playoffs, he doesn't see staying in Green Bay beyond January and February.
Jennings, in an interview with the NFL Network's "NFL AM" program on Tuesday, said he's made "a calculated guess" the Packers won't bring him back next season. Jennings would like to return to an offense with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball, but unfortunately, his absence has shown the Packers can get along well without splurging to retain his services.
While Jennings and fellow starter Jordy Nelson (hamstring) have spent time on the shelf, Rodgers has found a groove with elevated play from Randall Cobb and James Jones. Cobb has especially proved, with his second-year production (77 receptions, 892 yards, seven touchdowns) that he's ready to take on a full-time starting role in 2013. In addition, both Nelson and Jones are signed through next season for reasonable, sub-$3 million contracts.
Jennings also told the NFL Network he prefers not to be franchise-tagged, despite the fact that one-year value is expected to be around $9.7 million for wide receivers in 2013. As an unrestricted free agent, the 29-year-old would draw plenty of interest, competing with the likes of the Steelers' Mike Wallace and the Patriots' Wes Welker for jobs on the open market.