Green Bay Packer Player Opts Out For 2020, Cites Coronavirus

GREEN BAY, WI — One Green Bay Packer player has opted out of the 2020 NFL season, citing his personal experience with the health risks imposed by the coronavirus.

According to the team, 26-year-old Devin Funchess signed a $2.5 million contract to play wide receiver for the Packers in 2020, bolstering a receiving corps that did not make any significant additions during the draft.

Funchess authored an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying he was opting out of the 2020 season after he had first-hand experience with the effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19. Funchess said he's acting to help protect his family.

"My closest family members have experienced the life-threatening impact of COVID-19 first hand and for their own safety and my own safety, I've decided to opt out of the upcoming NFL season. This was not a decision I took lightly but it's what is best for my family and myself at this time," he wrote.

According to an ESPN report, the Packers put Funchess on the reserve/opt-out list, which means the Packers can retain his contract and use it for the 2021 season.

Green Bay Packer outside linebacker Greg Roberts was also put on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday, according to the report.

According to a Dairyland Express report, losing Funchess will put pressure on the team's wide receiver corps. Dairyland Express speculated that free agents, Tavon Austin, Jordan Matthews or Taylor Gabriel could all be acceptable fill-ins.