Devin Funchess hasn’t played a game in going on two years, but he is confident he won’t miss a beat for the Packers this year.
The Green Bay Packers, in their search for a suitable No. 2 wide receiver opposite Davante Adams, signed Devin Funchess to a one-year, $2.5 million deal in March of 2020. Then, Funchess opted out of last season due to COVID-19 concerns.
Funchess last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. He suffered a broken collarbone in the season opener, and missed the rest of the season. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
Amid all the other stuff going in Green Bay right now, it’s easy to forget about a guy the Packers probably saw being a key secondary piece of their offense last year being back in the fold.
Funchess took a pretty sizeable pay cut ($750,000) to remain with the Packers this year. His chances to earn a 53-man roster are unclear, and his role is equally up in the air, but the former second-round pick is not lacking confidence.
Devin Funchess looking forward to redo with the Packers
Via The Associated Press, here’s what Funchess said this past week.
“I’ll never doubt myself. The moment you start doubting yourself, you lose. I like to win. I don’t like to lose. So I guarantee I’ll keep a smile on my face and we’re going to be dancing a lot.”
“I’m ready to play,” Funchess said. “I’m 27 years old. There’s nothing to question. I’m about to step into my prime, probably this year, next year, whatever it is.”
Funchess’ best season came with the Panthers in 2017, when he had 63 receptions for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. He hasn’t had 50 catches, topped 550 yards or had more than five touchdowns in any other season.
Green Bay will need all the weapons it can get, no matter who the quarterback ends up being this year. Funchess is ready to assert himself, and if nothing else he should be physically fresh.