Packers Sign Jared Cook to One-Year Deal

Several weeks ago, Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy told us to not be surprised when the Packers make a splash in this year’s free agency period. Well, safe to say we’ve all been had, but the Pack picked up a new offensive piece anyway, signing former Rams tight end Jared Cook to a one-year, $3.65 million deal.

The move is a curious one for a team that rarely dabbles in the free agent market. Last year, TE Richard Rodgers was arguably Aaron Rodgers’ favorite weapon in a Jordy Nelson-less campaign. Rodgers hauled in 58 catches for over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns, including one miraculous Hail Mary catch to keep the Lions from scoring a season sweep over their enviable division rival.

Now entering his third season, Rodgers has the potential to develop into a reliable, every-down weapon as both a route runner and blocker in an offense that will vastly improve with Nelson’s return. Behind Rodgers, though, there is a lack of depth at the position, and Green Bay will be hoping to revitalize Cook’s career after a disappointing 2015.

After a string of productive seasons with both the Rams and Titans, Cook suffered a drop off in St. Louis last year, finishing with near-career lows in receptions and receiving yards, and without a single touchdown to show for his efforts.

Part of the blame deserves to go towards the Rams and their embarrassment of a quarterback carousel – one that, presently, still lists Case Keenum as the starter heading into training camp – but Cook also had some shocking drops and developed a reputation as a “hot and cold” receiver whose afternoon could never be predicted.

Yet with Cook claiming that it was A-Rod who led him to Green Bay, many Wisconsinites will be hoping for a return to form in an offense that isn’t shy about getting its big men involved early and often.