Free agent tight end Jared Cook won’t return to the Packers for a second season, a source told Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link). Cook’s exit from Green Bay won’t please quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who lobbied in January for the team to re-sign the pass catcher. The news isn’t surprising, though, as contract talks between the Packers and Cook broke off earlier Friday.
In what will go down as his only year with the Packers, Cook appeared in 10 games in 2016 and caught 30 of 51 targets for 377 yards and a touchdown. He was far more impressive in the Packers’ two-game playoff run, in which he combined for 13 receptions on 23 targets, 181 yards and two scores. Previously, Cook spent 2009-15 with the Titans and Rams and totaled 273 catches and 16 touchdowns.
Cook inked a $3.5MM deal in free agency last offseason, but he could land a richer pact this year as one of the two best tight ends available (Martellus Bennett is the other). Buffalo and Detroit were eyeing the 29-year-old on Thursday, though the latter then booked a visit with free agent tight end Daniel Fells.
Thanks Ted!
You should thank him. Because he just signed a better TE (Bennett) instead.
he doesn’t care, someone to blame
Maybe the Packers have 5 first round picks and haven’t told anyone? What the heck is going on? We are in trouble next year! Can Aaron play CB also?
Cook to the Raiders now
Wrong Fells. Poor Daniel Fells had a MRSA infection and has had numerous foot surgeries and was forced to retire. I was amazed when I thought this was actually him. I hope he’s doing well.