The Green Bay Packers, who have avoided NFL free agency like it was the plague, shocked the league today by signing tight end Jared Cook to a one-year deal. Cook, who was released by the Rams for salary cap and production reasons, will now be counted on to open up the middle of the field for wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.
At 6-5 and 255 pounds with a 4.51 40 speed (eight years ago), Cook adds an element to the Packers’ offense that has been missing since Jermichael Finley’s career ended abruptly to a neck injury. Cook is no Finley but certainly is an upgrade to the slow-of-foot Richard Rodgers, who was the Packers’ starter last year.
Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson hasn’t signed a free agent of note in years, apparently found one he liked in the seven-year veteran who has spent his entire career under Jeff Fisher in Tennessee and St. Louis. It is no surprise that Cook’s best year came in the only year he had a real quarterback throwing to him when he amassed 759 yards on 49 receptions from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Having two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing you balls had to be a factor in Cook’s decision to come to Green Bay over other teams that pursued him like the Bears and Panthers. Cook could be in line for one more decent contract if he has a good year and the Packers decide they want to re-sign him.
It’s not likely there will be any more moves prior to the draft so we have plenty of time to let this one soak in. I do think Cook has a chance to make a big difference to the Packers’ offense but I don’t think it precludes them taking a tight end high in the draft. However, if it comes down to linebacker or tight end, it does give them some leeway.
I have to rest now, this is way too much excitement for one day.