Jared Cook Reportedly Visits With Packers
The National Football Post reports the former Rams tight end was in Green Bay for a free agent visit.
By PackerAaron
From Aaron Wilson for the National Football Post:
Veteran former Rams tight end Jared Cook visiting Packers, according to league sources
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 15, 2016
A former third round pick for the Tennessee Titans, Cook was released by the Rams last month, meaning he would fit with Ted Thompson's usual M.O. of looking at guys who would not upset the compensatory pick formula if he were to sign with the Packers.
Cook is an athletic tight end who could certainly stretch the field in Mike McCarthy's offense. He's also been a classic coach killer thus far in his time in the league. A classic example of a guy with all the physical tools to be a difference maker who never really does.
Could having Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball finally unlock the potential he's shown flashes of in his six years in the league? That may be the question Thompson and company are asking themselves.
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Comments (52)
RCPackerFan
March 15, 2016 at 03:34 pm
Cook would be an ideal fit in Green Bay's offense. He would compliment Rodgers really well. Cook wouldn't have to be the starter, but could be.
Also with the WR's that we have, adding a guy like Cook would really open our offense up. A lot of those plays that they were trying to use Rodgers on last year, they could actually use with Cook's athleticism.
While Cook has been labeled a player with great potential but never meets it, imagine him playing with a Great QB and other great offensive weapons. He hasn't had either in his career.
Also if you think that if a TE hasn't been productive enough during his career that he never will be, look at Ben Watson and Gary Barnidge last year. Both had career years.
If the Packers sign him, I think this would be a good move. Also since he was released it won't cost them any compensation.
dobber
March 15, 2016 at 03:44 pm
"Also if you think that if a TE hasn't been productive enough during his career that he never will be, look at Ben Watson and Gary Barnidge last year. "
Also note that Barnidge's TE coach is now the Packers's TE coach. This is encouraging, but if he comes off poorly I don't expect the Packers to bite. He's been on the market for a bit, and nobody has signed him. Probably would save the Packers a little $$.
RCPackerFan
March 16, 2016 at 06:38 am
That's kind of how I look at it. Just because no one else has signed him yet, doesn't mean that much to me. What it does do though is lower his cost.
Honestly what Cook would be to me is a complimentary piece to Rodgers. He would be able to give the Packers offense what Rodgers can't. Speed.
packsmack
March 15, 2016 at 03:40 pm
To be fair, his coaches thus far could just as easily be called player killers.
EdsLaces
March 15, 2016 at 03:42 pm
I believe a true dat is in order.
GoldenRetriever
March 15, 2016 at 04:40 pm
That is a very astute and very funny observation!
zoellner25
March 15, 2016 at 04:42 pm
+1
EdsLaces
March 15, 2016 at 03:47 pm
Rich Rod be like ....damnit I thought I was gonna get my #89 back.....
BradHTX
March 15, 2016 at 04:10 pm
I have thought Cook is the perfect FA TE to bring aboard, and unlike Bennett, I have always believed there was a good chance of it happening.
He's not as dynamic as a top-tier playmaker TE, but he brings a slightly different skill set from Richard Rodgers, making them nicely complementary. I actually don't think a Bennett-type player would be a good addition because he won't get the ball as much as he wants to in Rodgers' spread-it-around offense, while I think Cook will be a better "component" player.
This whole thing just has Thompson's MO all over it: wait for the feeding frenzy to end, let the market prices stabilize, and bring in the guy no one really wanted, at a decent price. Go get 'im for us, Ted!
Evan
March 15, 2016 at 04:34 pm
What am I missing? Averages about 600 yards per year and a few TDs over the last 5 seasons. Still only 28. Has played on crap teams with garbage offenses and no other offensive passing threats.
I found an old PFF story on drop rate for tight ends from two years ago that rated Cook as the 2nd worst in the league. So, there's that. ha.
Still, as a #2 TE. Why not.
He strikes me as very much another Finley.
packsmack
March 15, 2016 at 04:32 pm
He's also a bullfighter in the trenches, so there's that.
Evan
March 16, 2016 at 06:45 am
I first read that and was all, "Oh, really?! That's awesome. We need a real strong, tough tight end in the trenches."
Then I remembered the whole "ole" thing and understood you meant it as a negative.
"Bullfighter" is a confusing metaphor.
zoellner25
March 15, 2016 at 04:43 pm
PFF has him ranked incredibly low as one of the FA TEs this offseason. Sort this by position and he's way down there.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/11/pro-2016-free-agency-tr...
Maybe just needs to be on a team with an actual QB.
packsmack
March 15, 2016 at 04:54 pm
I'd imagine they kill him when they do their blocking grades. Not that his pass catching has been ideal or anything.
Razer
March 15, 2016 at 04:44 pm
...He strikes me as very much another Finley...
We can all start to dust off our potential arguments. You'd figure that after 6 years he have demonstrated his talent consistently. Most people will hang their hat on the Aaron Rodgers will make him better hope. It would be Cook's best chance to show the league that he is the real deal.
Not holding my breath that Ted will do anything other than run up his price for others.
Evan
March 15, 2016 at 05:44 pm
Hard to run up the price when you're invariably offering the vet minimum.
meatstyk
March 15, 2016 at 04:54 pm
Idiot
chugwater
March 15, 2016 at 07:35 pm
I still remember sparring with Cow the week before the 2014 NE game and his self imposed banishment. Good times.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 16, 2016 at 07:10 am
Actually, according to Pro Football Focus, Rodgers is still first in accuracy. Brady is 10th.
DrealynWilliams
March 15, 2016 at 04:55 pm
Someone in the comments just asked about him yesterday. Funny.
hybridauth_Facebook_100002574551585
March 15, 2016 at 05:54 pm
Would love to see them sign this guy. Even though he does kind of remind me of Finley, this offense has missed that knuckleheads presence since he hurt his neck. To me its not so much what he provides in production but how his presence will open up the field for everyone else.
Hes a nice big target and when he actually catches the ball hes a threat to score. Dude can run as evidenced by long catch and runs of 49, 59, 47, 61 and 80 yrds throughout his career. Last season his QBs were crap and so was his supporting cast. If he signs here I can see him having a career year and if not I see this offense once again in the top 5, fo sho.
DrealynWilliams
March 15, 2016 at 07:59 pm
His presence -- yes!
TommyG
March 15, 2016 at 05:55 pm
I think Cook would be a fine addition to our offense. However, I don't believe his visit to Green Bay is anything more than an attempt to leverage a bigger contract somewhere else. We've seen this before: a veteran comes to town only to be signed by a different team two weeks later. I would like to be wrong this time. I hope we do get him here. I think having AR dealing to him would be a career changer.
lou
March 15, 2016 at 06:23 pm
The leverage process has worked in the past and of course the agents love doing it but to date so many other TE's have already signed so I don't know if that is the case with him. Cook has a lot of positives, the only negative I have seen to date are his hands which have been called in consistent. But, size wise, speed, and experience and just about to turn 29 have to work in his favor. One other negative is the fact his last contract was for #35M over 5 years, Jeff Fisher must have really liked the guy. My guess is he will have a hard time getting half than much from Thompson. In regards to Bennett, most everyone agrees he would be the best fit talent wise but you have to consider the locker room factor, note that T.O. with as good a set of WR's numbers as anyone was passed over because of those types of issues.
Tundraboy
March 16, 2016 at 05:16 pm
I can't remember any time when we signed someone after they met with team. Has to be a long time ago.
Lphill
March 15, 2016 at 06:27 pm
How does someone lose their legs COW ? Funny Mike Wallace just said he will be glad to be playing with a real quarterback , I guess he was insulting your guy Teddy Bridgewater.
John Galt III
March 15, 2016 at 06:56 pm
Lost his legs 2 year ago department of anal retardation
NFL MVP
One year ago - Cam Newton
Two Years ago - Aaron Rodgers
So Cowturd, how do you win a NFL MVP with no legs?
Tundraboy
March 15, 2016 at 08:02 pm
The only thing I will grant you is like a boxer who does not abstain, he loses his legs a bit. But it's just temporary, not a sign of imminent or rapid decline as you think.
Tundraboy
March 16, 2016 at 05:18 pm
How can you say that he has peaked? That's your doom and gloom outlook surfacing.
Packer_Pete
March 16, 2016 at 09:14 am
I do agree with you that he is physically still alright, even though I do think we won't see much improvement, as I don't think he is working on his fundamentals as much as he should. But he can maintain a high level of play physically. I am more worried about the mental state of that young man. Just read his "deep thought" tweets...
It is just my opinion, but I see signs that he is not truly in the game anymore, mentally. We saw the same things with Raji, and he walked away now, albeit just temporarily if one can believe him. Rodgers is not that far off from that point either, IMHO.
lou
March 16, 2016 at 10:59 am
There is some truth to Cow's points about accuracy and fundamentals as well as attitude the past season. One could see a trend of throwing without being set and a change in his on field demeanor was obvious. However, based on no WR (except the one who they refused to play for political reasons - Janis) that could beat press coverage downfield and having Barclay and Walker looking like revolving doors pass blocking, no wonder he was in a hurry to throw and his fundamentals and accuracy were way off. If another season like that happens then maybe one can say he is regressing, BUT NOT NOW. In regards to Cow's points that were valid, here is some of Bob McGinn's season ending analysis that points it out;
Almost all those beautiful throws of the past disappeared. His deep-ball accuracy, once a strength, went south, too. Ten of the 48 sacks were his fault. He became less willing to stand in and take a hit to deliver the ball. Instead, he began bolting the pocket prematurely, extending plays when they didn't need to be extended. Often times, he made quick throws off his back foot using all arm. At times, he just seemed peeved at his predicament. Instead of rallying the troops, too often he came across as sullen and frustrated.
4EVER
March 16, 2016 at 05:20 pm
Janis alone spawned McGinn's point “His deep-ball accuracy, once a strength, went south, too.“
I recommend a GamePass account to all! The coaches view is a must see...
Tundraboy
March 16, 2016 at 05:24 pm
"Instead, he began bolting the pocket prematurely, extending plays when they didn't need to be extended. Often times, he made quick throws off his back foot using all arm. At times, he just seemed peeved at his predicament. Instead of rallying the troops, too often he came across as sullen and frustrated."
Totally, totally agree. The peeved part was really hard to stomach. Hope he is pissed off this year because for the first time people are criticizing his will to win.
meatstyk
March 17, 2016 at 05:00 pm
douchbag comment
Littlejim51
March 15, 2016 at 07:57 pm
Ask Vic of packers.com was asked if he was GM which free agent TE would he pick: Jared Cook
Vic is on the inside. This FA cost 0 draft picks ,TT memo
I hope they can pick and develop
packsmack
March 15, 2016 at 08:54 pm
According to Demovsky, Ted tried to trade for him last season. I have no doubt the interest is genuine. They will not overpay though.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 16, 2016 at 07:14 am
"They will not overpay though."
That's the kicker. I think Ted has a rubber stamp that says "vet minimum" when free agents come to visit. If Cook gets zero offers elsewhere we have a chance to land him.
packsmack
March 16, 2016 at 08:27 am
Well given his track record, he's probably lucky to even be offered that much.
Tundraboy
March 15, 2016 at 08:04 pm
If he does not want crazy money sign him. Hope were not being given false hope. He would be a big improvement and we need it.
MarkinMadison
March 15, 2016 at 09:51 pm
With Raji off the FA board TT now has $8M a year that he was going to throw at him available. Like him, hate him, whatever, there is no one better out there and this is a thin @$$ draft at TE. I think TT has to make him a decent offer.
lebowski
March 15, 2016 at 09:59 pm
A below average TE, who no one else wanted, who gets slammed for poor blocking, and is prone to dropsies. Sounds like a classic Ted free agent signing. Meanwhile the Cardinals, already stacked, trade for Chandler Jones, lose Jonathan Cooper but are ready to sign Evan Mathis to replace him, etc. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX once in while!!
Irish_Cheesehead
March 16, 2016 at 07:15 am
We are talking about signing a free agent. This IS outside the box.
lebowski
March 16, 2016 at 09:35 am
good point
FormerRamFan
March 17, 2016 at 10:39 am
Lebowski,
Glad to see you on the Pack board. Like you I think Cook sucks and I hope the Pack doesn't sign him.
hybridauth_Facebook_100002574551585
March 15, 2016 at 11:47 pm
The Cards might have an effective Palmer another 2 years if that, their window is closing fast. Not saying Thompson will ever go all in like Keim in AZ because he has no sense of urgency but its still a valid point.
GB also has no owner to pressure the GM into spending like some other teams do. Not saying the Bidwells did in this case either but you get the point.
GB is in contention every single year but apparently TT is unwilling to mortgage the future(ie.drafts picks) or to try and buy a championship. That or hes incapable of conceiving a trade of that nature. Either way, its not happening anytime soon in GB.
1 SB and 5 minutes away from another is more than most teams including the Cardinals can say, so there is that.
DrealynWilliams
March 15, 2016 at 11:48 pm
Came and went?
croatpackfan
March 16, 2016 at 04:55 am
I will believe Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson on this. To me, this guy looks like bust. His stats are lover than average and nothing telling us that he can be any kind of difference maker...
If MM & TT will see that differently, I will not complain. At the moment, I prefer young TE from draft or as UDFA...
Since'61
March 16, 2016 at 10:34 am
The question is does Cook upgrade the TE position for the Packers? It appears to me that he creates more questions than answers. His speed is a plus but his hands and blocking are negatives. At this point I would hold off since he will probably still be available after the draft. If we pick up nothing in the draft give him another look and a team friendly contract and see how he does in camp and preseason. Thanks, Since '61
FormerRamFan
March 16, 2016 at 02:47 pm
Trust me guys we don't want "Doink" Cook on our team. Very inconsistent pass receiver who disappears for long stretches during a game. He is a non factor in the red zone. "Doink" is a big man who plays small. Rams fans hated this guy and were glad to see him released.
RCPackerFan
March 16, 2016 at 02:54 pm
Since you were a Rams fan you probably have more insight on this. Was he a non factor in the redzone due to his ability's, the QB's he has played with, or the scheme the offense tried attacking with?
Last year Rams starting QB's threw 11 total TD's. That pretty much explains why Cook had 0 last year.
meatstyk
March 17, 2016 at 05:04 pm
Listening to all the "experts" . It seems that all we need is a TE that can run downfield and force a safety to play on him. Cant we use Janis or Abberdaris for that? Remember the "greatest show on turf" had no TE
FormerRamFan
March 16, 2016 at 05:18 pm
Ram's have a horrible offense no doubt but Cook had trouble catching the football when it was thrown to him hence me calling him "doink". Cook has size and speed but he doesn't use it. I can't tell you why he wasn't a red zone factor but Rams stopped targeting him. He's just a guy looking for a payday. Not a high effort guy.