Devin Funchess takes pay cut to stay with Packers, per report

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess has taken a pay cut to remain with the Packers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Funchess has reduced his 2021 salary by “roughly $750k” in order to get another shot in Green Bay.

Funchess opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic and would have counted about $2.2 million against the 2021 cap if he’d returned at his full salary. The Packers would have saved a little more than half that figure by cutting him outright. But questions linger on the wide receiver depth chart beyond Davante Adams, even after solid seasons from Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard. Funchess gives the Packers another option in Brian Gutekunst’s preferred big-bodied mold, and at a reduced salary, it makes parting ways less of an obstacle should Funchess not return to form this season.

That may be a tall order, however. Between opting out of the 2020 season and a season-ending injury in Week 1 of the 2019 season, Funchess has played just a single game in two years. Even at a reduced salary, there are long odds against Funchess being a regular contributor this year.

Still, the Packers thought enough of him to bring him in prior to the 2020 season, and at his best, he’s a solid enough receiver in the mold of Allen Lazard. Ultimately, a restructure comes across as a high upside, low risk move for all parties involved.