Oakland Raiders WR Jordy Nelson intends to return to team in 2019

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson intends to return to the Oakland Raiders in 2019 for his 12th NFL season, if they'll have him back. "I plan to (return)," Nelson told reporters Wednesday. "It's not always the player's decision. Yeah, that's the plan. We've enjoyed our time out here so far, enjoyed being with the team and starting the rebuilding process and being a part of that." Nelson, 33, is on the books for $7.2 million in 2019, but none is guaranteed and the Raiders could release him without any cap consequences. But head coach Jon Gruden sounded like he wants the veteran back to finish his contract.

"He's a good player, as good as you'll ever get the chance to coach," Gruden told reporters of Nelson. "He is so instinctive, so smart, so versatile and so team oriented. That's why he is here. I think he's got close to 30 catches in the last four games. He's healthy, he's learned our offense and he's learned how to play anywhere on the line. Third down or any down, he is still a really good quality wide receiver." Nelson has 29 grabs for 308 yards over the last four games, bringing his season tallies to 54 and 661, respectively. He also has three touchdowns, but none since Week 5. A second-round pick in 2008, Nelson spent his first 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being released last offseason. He has 604 catches for 8,509 yards and 72 touchdowns in his career, which includes one full season (2015) lost to a torn ACL. 

(With inputs from agencies.)