Packers set to sign Jimmy Graham, cutting Jordy Nelson

The Green Bay Packers are being bold in free agency and are parting ways with one of their trusted leaders on offense.

The team is expected to sign former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham to a three-year deal when the free-agent signing period begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, sources informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. In a related move, the Packers are releasing veteran wide receiver Jordy Nelson, Pelissero added.

Graham was ranked No. 21 on NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents of 2018. In addition to the Packers, the New Orleans Saints -- the team he played on for five years to start his career -- and the Chicago Bears were among the teams in the hunt for his services.

Nelson joins the free-agent market as one of the better wide receivers up for the taking. The 32-year-old had a terrific comeback season in 2016 after his 2015 campaign was wiped out by a torn ACL in the preseason.

Still, Nelson struggled to make a big impact within Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers-depleted offense last season. After posting 1,257 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016, he was limited to 482 yards and six TDs in 2017.

The Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers and Cowboys are among the teams that are expected to be active in the wide-receiver market, and they could potentially chase Nelson in the days ahead.

Graham was considered one of the top tight ends available in free agency, even if he isn't quite the same player he was in 2013 when he took home All-Pro honors. At 31, the five-time Pro Bowler still has the ability to be a difference-maker on the field, as long as he stays healthy. While Graham no longer the explosive mismatch he once was in the open field, he remains a highly effective red-zone weapon.

Around The NFL will have more on Graham's arrival and Nelson's exit from Green Bay soon.

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