Cory's Corner: Jared Cook or bust

Let’s be honest. The weakest position on the Packers is at tight end.

If that position could have stretched the field a little, while forcing the secondary to play more honestly with the outside receivers, that would’ve been helpful last year.

However, that didn’t happen.

What the Packers got was Richard Rodgers, who did haul in a once-in-a-generation Hail Mary, but overall averaged just three receptions for 32 yards in the regular season. Andrew Quarless and Justin Perillo were barely visible as they caught a combined 15 passes.

Which is why general manager Ted Thompson has backed himself into a corner. With Thompson again yawning at top free agents, next year’s tight end position is either Jared Cook or bust.

You read that right. The same Cook that has averaged 39 catches, 500 yards and two touchdowns over a season. Those aren’t exactly numbers that you would entrust to a dynamic tight end, but the soon-to-be 29-year-old is a much better option right now than a rookie that will take a year or two to develop.

Jermichael Finley last played for the Packers in 2013, yet they are still trying to replace him. In that time, the Packers released Brandon Bostick for making one of the biggest errors in a Packers uniform and Quarless was arrested for firing a gun in public and is unlikely to return after missing 11 games last year with a torn MCL.

We all know that Thompson would rather tell a colorful story than sign another team’s free agent, but it’s time. It’s time for the offense to stretch the field, it’s time for this team to be better. It’s time to win now.

Cook’s numbers won’t impress anyone, which is why the Packers should be able to get him at an attractive price. Don’t worry though, the reason his stats have the feel of stale bread is because of who was throwing to him. Matt Hasselbeck, Austin Davis, Jake Locker, Nick Foles, Kellen Clemens, Sam Bradford, Kerry Collins, Shaun Hill, Case Keenum, Vince Young and Rusty Smith have thrown completions to Cook. That’s not exactly a Who’s Who of quarterbacks and it’s certainly not anywhere close to Aaron Rodgers.

If anyone can squeeze something out of his fellow receiver, it’s Aaron Rodgers. Cook will instantly be challenged to better himself and the moment that happens is when the team becomes better.

There are still other questions on offense, namely if Jordy Nelson can return to his elite form after missing last year with a torn ACL.

But Cook would be a great ingredient in an offense that lost its way at times last season.

Even with this move, Thompson still cannot put his feet up. He needs to add an inside linebacker, a defensive tackle and more depth on the offensive line through the draft.

If Thompson doesn’t get this done, the offense enters training camp with plenty of questions about moving the ball through the middle of the field. And guys like Aaron Rodgers will likely wonder if not now, when?

Thompson opted to not throw his hat in the ring for all of the big fish. Yet, he can still make a splash with one of the biggest minor moves. 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (120)

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sheppercheeser's picture

March 26, 2016 at 06:36 am

At 29 yrs of age, Cook is probably as good as he can be and that is not very impressive- yeah, he's big and fast but his hands and blocking skills are lacking. I'm all for acquiring a top-notch TE, but Jared is not top-notch and signing him just because he's available would not be a smart move.

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dschwalm's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:44 pm

Agreed!!

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tm_inter's picture

March 27, 2016 at 04:37 am

Agreed!

TT can look for a younger Jared Cook in the up-coming draft at less cost.

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dobber's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:47 am

There are only so many needs or desires that you can cram into one draft.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 08:45 am

Exactly, let's make sure we scour the bargain bin. All in one shopping I suppose

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:26 pm

"I'm all for acquiring a top-notch TE"

Ted is not going to pay for that unless he drafted the guy 4 seasons before, so Jared Cook, a one of a weak TE class, or totally lacking at TE are the options here.

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Bear's picture

March 26, 2016 at 04:26 pm

Richard Rodgers M. Bennett J. Cook
TD’s 8 (4th) 3 0
Fumbles 0 2 2
Yards/game 31.8 39.9 30.1
Receptions 58 (12th) 53 39
Total Yards 510 (18th) 439 (24th) 481 (21st)
Yards/catch 8.8 8.3 12.3

I'll Take Rodgers and his 8 touchdowns, which was 4th in the league for TE's last year over Bennett or Cook. As usual the grass is greener on the otherside of the fence.....But there aren't a whole lot of Gronks out there! Rodgers doesn't have a lot of yardage per catch etc. But he runs the route tree he is given. He had more yardage, receptions, touchdowns and fewer fumbles than who you want to replace him with! I don't get why everyone is so unhappy with him........

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Bear's picture

March 26, 2016 at 04:29 pm

Sorry my columns didn't align correctly. Each category is in order of
Rodgers-Bennett-Cook.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 05:11 pm

Really just stats. I appreciate the sure hands, lack of fumbles and route tree prowess, but we can do a lot better. Don't want to necessarily replace him and not saying Cook is the answer, although he could be, but don't see Rodgers skills improving. He is what he is, one dimensional and we need another TE with the other dimensions.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 26, 2016 at 06:15 pm

Bear, we are unhappy with RR because he is a #3 TE who accumulated stats by virtue of being the starter by default, and having an incredibly terrible set of WRs, and thus being the safety valve that AR could rely on to at least catch the ball. If he learns to block he can be a #2 TE, and a good one. Finesse player so far who lacks athleticism.

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Fire_Gute's picture

March 26, 2016 at 06:34 pm

Also mm is convinced he can split him out wide. He probably runs in the 5's. He might be good in the red zone but if you are interested in splitting the te out wide there's probably ol that would be a better choice

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:37 pm

Well said TGR. Very fair assessment.

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sheppercheeser's picture

March 28, 2016 at 11:17 am

Well, based on today's signing of Cook, so much for MY opinion. LOL! Sure hope having AR as the guy throwing the rock will bring out the best in Jared!

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David Rezin's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:11 am

Great article Cory... I agree 100%. Let's simply look at the facts and make a determination from there.

FACT #1: JC is fast and the Pack, especially the TE group, NEED speed!

FACT #2: McCarthy LIKES JC and has said as much, even stating that he "was impressed by him and he's a fine young man." Read between the lines and MM is using the media to put a little pressure on TT.

FACT #3: JC has never had a QB of Aaron Rodgers level throwing to him. Along with MM, JC will immediately up his game should he be signed by the Pack.

FACT #4: JC was cut by the Rams and thus signing him will NOT count against the potential of TT acquiring next year's compensatory picks.

JC likely came into Green Bay last week and the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Howevet the Pack is in the driver's seat because as the draft nears, unsigned FA's usually drop their price tag in exchange for security and a roster slot.

I would expect the Pack sign JC sometime in the next 4-weeks to a 2-year deal in the neighborhood of 3 million per year that is based LARGELY on incentives.

Let's hope!!!

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David Rezin's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:10 am

We're all Packer fans here and just for the sake of argument... You mentioned that Rodgers "didn't make his Receivers any better last season."

I just can't agree... Was he as accurate as in past seasons... No! But how many times did he hit Davante in the hands in stride and the ball was dropped. And I'm not certain what other QB could have gotten James Jones to produce (800+ yds and 8 TD's) given his lack of speed and inability to separate. With that said no other team is even sniffing around JJ right now given his limitations.

Again... Do I think A-Rod had a great year last season... No! But I think it's a stretch to assume he didn't make his Receivers better and he couldn't potentially make Cook better!

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Bearmeat's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:14 am

MMMMMMOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

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Amanofthenorth's picture

March 27, 2016 at 03:35 am

Adams is 23 years old.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 08:55 am

That bad? Makes one wonder how you would describe some really bad QBs.

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dschwalm's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:46 pm

A few solid points and well stated.

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Phillthy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 01:40 am

Get em COWREBORN.

Completely agree bud, ARodge had a tough time last year, constant offensive line breakdowns (namely Bahk) lead to hurried and misplaced throws.

Adams got no better, because of ARodge. ARodge just needs to refocus on what got him where he's at, slant routes, execution, and some decent play calling. No one wants to say that and upset the golden goat though.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 27, 2016 at 03:10 am

I don't think AR's calling card has ever been throwing slant routes.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 08:51 am

Man, your really blaming Rodgers for everything that went wrong. Not crazy about his mini tantrums, pouty face and some God awful throws but the guy deserves a pass.

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Fire_Gute's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:33 am

The Bears had signed an offer sheet with a tight end from the Saints. They just matched it. Expect the Bears excellent off season to continue by signing Cook next week

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holmesmd's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:10 am

Are you a Bears fan? Excellent off season? Why is that? Lol. Cutler is still their QB

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Fire_Gute's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:33 am

Maybe it's because the Bears found 2 middle linebackers in one off season and the Packers haven't found one since Desmond Bishop, save moving their best pass rusher inside. Or because they moved on from an aging running back instead of paying him 4 times his market value .

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dschwalm's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:52 pm

As I have said many times in the last 10 days, the Packers have slipped to #3 in the NFC North, just ahead of the Lions. The Bears beat us once in our house on a special night in Lambeau and we still have gaping holes at ILB, OLB, DE and TE. We are all mistakenly pinning all our optimism on poor Jordy.

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barutanseijin's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:47 am

Yes, Jay will be Jay and the Bears are stuck with him, but check out their stats from last year. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. #12 is getting closer in the teammate blaming & tablet flipping department, too.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:00 pm

The tablet throwing was AR realizing that he had a wide open receiver that he did not see, not blaming others.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:14 pm

Cow, I don't know if you are right here or not. One thing I hope I stop hearing is, that AR is the Greatest thing since Sliced Bread. No question, AR is a Really Good QB. Great remains to be seen?

Whether you want to hear it or not, AR cannot carry a team the way Favre could. AR looked Great when he had a Great assembly of WR,s around him.

I'm not a Big Brett Favre fan, but he made it go many times with 1 receiver & Amond Green.

AR gets a lot of credit for getting GB as far as they got last year. A great QB would have got the job done. AR needs better players around him, & he'll do what needs to be done. If anyone thinks we going to Draft our way to our next SB, YOU'RE SADLY MISTAKEN. This team needs Play Makers now, not 2 or 3 years from now. JMO

LVT

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jmac34's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:39 pm

Yes, if only Rodgers could throw 6 interceptions in a playoff game. Then he would carry a team exactly like Farve did. I like how quickly you dismiss how important Ahman Green was during the early to mid 2000's. He did as much if not more than Farve did those years

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:07 pm

"Dismiss Ahman Green"? He was the Best we ever had. Which Playoff games would you like to compare? What teams would you like to compare? I'm not running down AR, I just think with the exception of 2 years, Favre did a lot more with a lot less. If we had a Field Goal kicker who could make Field goals when they counted, we'd have 5 SB"S, & Favre would have had 3 of them. JMO

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:09 pm

P.S. I should have said 7 SB's

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NickPerry's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:57 am

LVT, I'm a HUGE Favre fan and have never been one to bash him for leaving, in fact I feel if not for him coming to Green Bay who knows how much longer the 70's and 80's would bleed into the 90's.

Both missed the Playoffs their first seasons as starters although Favre didn't start the first 3 games of the 92 season which was also Holmgrens first. Favre then went to 6 straight playoffs, Rodgers has been to 7 and counting (Hopefully). Favre never had as much to work with at the WR position but ALWAYS had a damn good TE or TE's and a Running Game. Farve also played with defenses that were much better than Capers defenses, mainly because Wolf would go out a sign a FA. Did you watch the 2011 season where the Packers went 15-1 with a defense that was setting NFL records at the time? To bad the record was for giving up the most passing yards in the history of the game. Favre also played behind an offensive line for many years that was one of the best in the NFL, Rodgers has had the crap beat out of him for many of the years he's been in Green Bay.

We could go back and forth over who's better, was greater, but Rodgers has a few years to go. Both had to cover up weaknesses on their respective teams so we really have to wait and see until Rodgers is retired to compare.

You also have to look at the coaches and the staffs they had. Holmgren was a Great Coach and had an All Star Coaching staff with him in Green Bay. MM?? Well Mike seems to hire guys nobodys heard of or "Buddies" who are so inept they cost us chances to go to a Super Bowl.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 28, 2016 at 12:54 am

Nick, I'm not disagreeing with most of what you say. I wasn't trying to say who was better Favre or AR. What pisses me off is that Favre gets all the blame for that 2007 loss, when it belongs on the shoulders of Mason Crosby. I would have cut my losses on him the following spring. He never was, he's not now, & never will be a Clutch Kicker.
He along with Shields Cobb, Mastay, & our #1 pick would be on the Trading Block if it were up to me.

Favre had some good defenses, but both era's went through a ton of offensive injuries. AR had the offense of the Century in 2001, & went 1 & done. Nothing is never said about that.

Favre knew how to throw a ball & turn away to keep from getting hurt, that probably accounted for a lot of interceptions. AR hasn't learned how to do that yet.

It's JMO, but I think Favre was a Smarter & yes a Luckier QB than AR.

One more thing: Favre without question got to be a Much Better QB the last number of years of his career, with the exception of his last year. It remains to be seen if AR improves from where he is at.

I agree the coaching Favre had was much Superior to what we have now.

The point I was trying to make with my previous post that apparently was missed was: We cannot Draft our way to our Next SB. If anyone wants to argue with that, they are Sadly Mistaken. AR may be a Great QB, but he won't get it done with this offense or defense. JMO

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 28, 2016 at 12:56 am

I meant 2010.

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LASVEGAS-TOM's picture

March 28, 2016 at 12:57 am

2011, Too much to drink.

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dschwalm's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:54 pm

That is so true. That really disappointed a lot of fans more than his dip in production

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ES 1957's picture

March 28, 2016 at 01:49 pm

Guess not.

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ray nichkee's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:58 am

This article is 100% pure crap. Period.

Jared Cook or bust?

Did somebody lace my wheaties with some psycedelics?

Jared Cook or bust? Hmmm.

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holmesmd's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:15 am

Bennett is twice the player Cook is. He's also much more Finley like than Cook is...except the fact that he can actually block and catch...and run!;/ Of course I'm sure TT never even inquired. SMH. Should be fun seeing him and Gronkowski abuse defenses throughout the league, including ours on our way to the SB. The Patriots seem to "get it" every year by trying to make their team better. Green Bay's off season always smells like a stale gym locker:(

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zeke's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:36 am

I don't get why Chicago would trade anyone of any value within the division, especially to their biggest rival. The only answer I can think of is if they were able to get substantially more than from anyone else, which seems like a good reason for GB not to deal. Add in the fact that Bennett seems to be a professional jackass and it seems to be a case of "sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make."

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holmesmd's picture

March 26, 2016 at 05:24 pm

You're making assumptions but we shall see? I bet he has a very productive season in NE. No one knows what deals were attempted or not. It's all speculation. I stand by my comment that MB is twice the TE that Cook is. You don't know the man. Just because he screws with the media and social media doesn't mean he's a bad player? The Patriots obviously disagree with you. Lol

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zeke's picture

March 27, 2016 at 02:23 am

Perhaps. But his history in Dallas and getting suspended for body-slamming his teammate in Chicago may have led TT to believe he wouldn't be a fit in the locker room and not worth the risk. But you're right, the Bears know the man much better than I, and they unloaded him. I guess we'll see.

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dobber's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:42 am

Just don't see the Bears unloading Bennett to the Packers at anywhere near his true value. They would've gouged the Packers badly in trade within the division. The Packers needed to wait for a release for a shot at him at anywhere near what he's really worth.

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ES 1957's picture

March 28, 2016 at 01:51 pm

If Bennett is so good why did Chicago trade him for nothing.

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Since'61's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:30 am

Cory - you have summed up the situation well when you wrote "TT has backed himself into a corner". Good planning requires that leadership prepare for the worst case scenario. TT came into this season with needs at TE and ILB and the need for depth on the OL, DL and RB. He could have filled at least one of those needs with a reasonably priced FA. Until Jared Cook the message we have received is that he hasn't even tried to sign an FA. Now, with Raji bailing out, he finds himself in need of a DL, TE and ILB and with limited options except for the draft. What type of message does this send to the team and the fans? This is why I have been more concerned and more critical of TT this off-season. With all he has done well over the years he is apparently going to leave our team one or two players short again. That translates into one or two plays short of the SB come playoff time again. Even assuming that he drafts well, which is a reasonable assumption, can we assume that will rookies will make the necessary plays when the time comes in the playoffs. Recent history tells us no. Is a TE with poor blocking skills and questionable hands really our answer for the TE position? If yes, what does that tells us about R. Rodgers and the other TEs that TT has supplied his coaches and QB with? All can say is that because I am a supporter of TT my disappointment with his tactics so far this season is causing a lot of frustration. Will Jared Cook make a difference or will he drop a pass in a big game in a big 3rd down situation? Much of this could have been avoided. Thanks, Since '61

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zeke's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:39 am

"Is a TE with poor blocking skills and questionable hands really our answer for the TE position?"

Agreed. If Jared Cook is the answer, you need to ask better questions.

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NickPerry's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:50 am

Well hell Zeke, he gave $14 Million over 2 years to a TE you could say the exact same thing about his blocking and hands. I give you Jermichael Finley.

I think Since '61's comment summed up what MANY Packers fans and TT supporters are feeling this year, Frustration!! Actually I thought he summed it up quite well.

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zeke's picture

March 27, 2016 at 02:24 am

I didn't disagree with anything Since '61 said.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:31 pm

Since 61. That's how I feel. We have needed a TE for a long time and I feel like he drafted RRodgers, gambled and lost. We have little choice but to find a stop gap until we draft another. Even if we hit this year I doubt MM will play the pick all that much, citing continued development and the need to have the playbook down cold. It's that, as you said before, finishing the job, that is so frustrating. Another need is either partially addressed or not at all and then gets added to the pile and by the time a pick develops they are nearing the end of their rookie deal. Two steps forward, three steps back.

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NickPerry's picture

March 26, 2016 at 04:38 pm

"Another need is either partially addressed or not at all and then gets added to the pile and by the time a pick develops they are nearing the end of their rookie deal. Two steps forward, three steps back."

The Packers "Window", their best chance at a SB were/are 2014 through 2016 IMO. The TT aoplogists won't agree with this but IMO it's clear. After this 2016 season the Packers are going to be in a Mini Rebuild with a QB getting older with each passing season. By ignoring Free Agency year after year (Ignoring, not rebuilding...HUGE difference), ignoring obvious areas of need in the draft and when the need is finally addressed new "Needs" have surfaced. Two steps forward, three steps back, just like TB suggested.

The Packers have one decent resevre O-Lineman who will be a FA after this season as well. As of today the Packers have Lindsey, Bulaga, and Lane Taylor under contract past this season. Hyde, Peppers, Datone Jones (maybe), Tretter, Lang, Sitton, Bakhtiari, Perry, and Lacy to name a few will all be FA. That's a lot to try and replace or sign and still be a SB favorite.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 09:21 am

Thanks for mentioning the new needs, I left that out. Didn't want to go over the deep end just yet, there is enough to worry about already. Next year will be a crossroads. While I think we are ok at Safety, who knows. So now we still need an OLB , because Peppers is older and he only temporarily addressed that need to begin with, a starting ILB, a TE, DT, OT and soon OG. Hell maybe even RB. There is lot of pressure to nail this draft, so many needs so that now drafting BPA, and picking a tall fast WR which we may need as well, gets bumped down a very long list. Fortunately with the talent available at DL and OLB which are priority 1A and 1B that should be taken care of along with an OL, priority 2. I have a sneaky feeling that we pick a OT early this time around. Fingers crossed for a great draft.

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4EVER's picture

March 27, 2016 at 09:31 am

"Next year will be a crossroads."

Closer too a cliff...

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 07:58 pm

Could be, but if there's one thing TT is very good at its not letting multiple contracts expire at once and avoiding an exodus of players.

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TarynsEyes's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:46 am

Hoping or looking to sign a mediocre at best TE to help a mediocre at best TE squad will equal same or worse as the task on making it better can be too much on a mediocre player even with Aaron against the QB.

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Brewcity's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:46 am

Been a pretty bad offseason, from this fan's perspective.

Losing Raji, moving Matthews to OLB and not signing any positional upgrades from outside the organization.

I'm of the opinion that CM3 is a better ILB than OLB so the defense got worse. The offense didn't improve, unless you count Lacy's weight-loss program.

The draft is thin at quality TE. I believed the Packers would sign Cook, especially after reading on ESPN that the Packers had inquired about trading for him during the season last year.

Now that Ted has likely made a lowball offer that has not been accepted, I agree that the Bears might snag him.

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sgunderson17's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:10 am

Last year was a perfect storm of making the offense look bad: Jordy gone all year, lazy Lacy, Cobb nursed a bad shoulder for the first half of the year, Montgomery gone after 6 games, O line banned up all year.... It's not just the TE position. Getting everyone back and healthy will do a lot.

But we still need a second TE, and I think they could get away with a 3rd or 4th round developmental one in the draft. Perillo and Beckman are just bodies.

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dobber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:30 pm

Then it won't much matter who's playing TE, will it?

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sgunderson17's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:10 am

Last year was a perfect storm of making the offense look bad: Jordy gone all year, lazy Lacy, Cobb nursed a bad shoulder for the first half of the year, Montgomery gone after 6 games, O line banned up all year.... It's not just the TE position. Getting everyone back and healthy will do a lot.

But we still need a second TE, and I think they could get away with a 3rd or 4th round developmental one in the draft. Perillo and Beckman are just bodies.

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NickPerry's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:21 am

Thompson has drafted 6 TE's since 2008, signed numerous UDFA at the position and still has hardly a thing to show for it. In fact he gave a player somewhat similar to Cook $14 Million over 2 years when he signed Finley to his last contract. Granted Finley had better numbers but as a whole but not by much...

Finley ...70 Games played... 223 catches...2785 yards...20 TD's

Cook ....107 Games played..273 catches...3503 yards...16 TD's

Finley averaged 3.1 receptions per game for 12.4 yards per reception for his career.

Cook has averaged 2.5 receptions per game for 12.8 yards per reception for his career.

When you look at the 2, both put up numbers that are pretty damn close. Both dropped passes, neither blocked very well, and neither hauled in tons of TD's. Finley had the one year in 2011 where he had 8 so almost half of his TD's came in one season. It also happened in Rodgers 1st MVP season with a great, great WR Group. That's a HUGE difference from what Cook's been surrounded by in Tennessee and St. Louis.

I have no idea what Cook is asking for but I'd bet it's less than $7 million a year for a player almost Identical to Finley. TT needs to start to show his All World QB, HC, Team, and Fans he's willing to at least TRY to improve the team. Looks like a No Brainer to me.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:18 am

THIS

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:12 pm

NP. You said it. It's gotten to the point where no reasonable person, let alone the players feel like there is a serious effort to improve the team. Unless we hit a couple of home runs in the draft, how can anyone think this team is improved. Are we really counting on health alone and Lacy in shape to make this team better than last year ? That's courting disaster imo.

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marpag1's picture

March 26, 2016 at 04:26 pm

So you're saying that no "reasonable person" could feel like last year's draft and UDFAs were a serious attempt to improve the team?

Randle
Rollins
Montgomery
Ryan
Hundley
Ripkowski
Ringo
Backman
Crockett
Rotherham

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:44 pm

Thanks for list, but I'm referring to the here and now. Chronic needs of fast cover ILB, pass rushing OLB and DE, true starting TE, Still waiting for what 4 years now.

A good draft, first two filled new needs, as a result of prior draft failure and replacing a player, Tramon, that was not adequately replaced the year before. Montgomery was a nice upgrade and was an unusually proactive move. Needed a big receiver. Hundley, finally a back up QB possibly. Rest are players that I like for the most part but who knows.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:32 pm

"TT needs to start to show his All World QB, HC, Team, and Fans he's willing to at least TRY to improve the team."

He won't because he's not.

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NickPerry's picture

March 27, 2016 at 06:23 am

You don't have to agree Rodgers is "All World", but he's still a top 3 QB in the NFL. I suggest you go back and look at the 2013 season when Rodgers was out before you start bashing him.

This team, as it's built right now might be better than 2013 because of Hundley and the defensive backfield, but in games where Rodgers was injured during or sat out because of injury the Packers are 2-7-1. The 2013 team also had several of the players from TT 2011 and 2012 drafts where just about evry pick was a bust. It also includes the 2010 season but not the final game of 2011 when several starters sat out and Matt Flynn threw 6 TD's to beat the Lions.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

March 27, 2016 at 10:18 am

"Thompson has drafted 6 TE's since 2008, signed numerous UDFA at the position and still has hardly a thing to show for it. "

How could it be? Thompson is the "Master of the Draft"!

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Scottie Thurber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 09:48 am

Straight up Jared Cook has a lot of up side. 29 years old isn't bad if he still has his legs. I'd love to see him put that green Jersey on and start being the playmaker his size promotes. This might be crazy, but I've played with this idea in Madden. Cook still is lacking blocking ability but here is a big body that doesn't often get beat inside when blocking and can chip a block then go out and grab a quick toss. Richard Rodgers goes about as either a blocker on a play or a receiver. If nothing else Jeff Fisher has tought Cook enough to be valuable.

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lebowski's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:02 am

All I know is if we draft Hunter Henry in the first round my head will explode.

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Bearmeat's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:20 am

I agree with you on this one bovine.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:22 pm

I have suggested being able to draft the BPA is the only reason for engaging in FA. If TT has shored up a few positions with FA, he should be able to draft better players by going BPA as the norm. Better drafted players leads to fewer glaring holes down the line, surplus talent leaving when the players´ rookie contracts are up, leading to more and better comp picks, and better guys playing on their rookie contracts leads to a healthier cap. Missing on a FA who leaves a hunk of dead money is a fast way to wreck the cap, so using FA should be about players the GM feels strongly about or lower risk mid-tier FAs.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:39 pm

Good point Cow, but I don't think TT ever thinks he is in a corner. He usually picks what is in his mind BPA, but does it while putting need off for another day, meaning years down the road.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

March 26, 2016 at 06:57 pm

I mean, how many people bitched about the Brett Hundley pick last draft?

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:13 pm

Can't say I was not surprised but I liked it. That was one of his good surprise long range planning picks with potential near term benefits. Turns out he may have been very right.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 27, 2016 at 12:25 am

Tundraboy, I liked the Hundley pick, too. Clearly TT does use BPA at times, but it has been a long time since his #1 pick wasn't strictly a need pick. Sometimes value matched need. I do not think it was coincidence that we lost Tramon and House and TT used the 1st and 2nd round picks on CBs.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 09:32 am

Great point TGR. I suppose it is a matter of degree as well. Dire, critical or just a need.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 26, 2016 at 01:06 pm

Well, nice explanation why you think Ted Thompson has backed himself in the corner...
Fact 1. If Packers sign Jared Cook he will show that he is nothing else but another bust. Why? Because all of you are so anxious about signing FA. Any FA.
Fact 2. You may put names of the QB who throws ball to the Cook, but you can not say that Nick Foles is not good in throwing the ball. And I think jared Cook cost Nick Foles his reputation of good QB more than otherwise...
Fact 3. Packers have one TE on the roster (last season that player was mentioned to be placed on PS - why not on the roster? Because he had broken hand during TC, but Broncos signed him on their roster - they were trying to steel good player from Packers), and most of the last season he was on Packers PS.
Fact 4. Next season Packers will have to deal with many FA, but not back up FA, but their starters... Who would you like to lose in next FA to be in position to sign Jared Cook?
Fact 5. Dog barks, caravans are passing...
I believe Packers have plan for the next season. For all positions... What plan? It is not my plan, that is Packers plan! OK?

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DrealynWilliams's picture

March 26, 2016 at 06:59 pm

How are 1 & 2 facts??? You put "I think" in one of them.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 27, 2016 at 03:13 am

I do not see "I think" part in Fact 1. In fact 2. I said that Nick Foles is one good to very good "throwing" QB. Part where I using "I think" is the second sentense which I did not consider as fact! First sentence is related to the fact!

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DrealynWilliams's picture

March 27, 2016 at 03:09 pm

I didn't say that you used "I think" in your first statement. I said, "you used 'I think' in one of them."!!!

"Part where I using "I think" is the second sentense which I did not consider as fact!"
Then why even number them as "Facts"?!

Either way, nothing about those first two statements are factual. Point. Blank. Period.

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slit's picture

March 26, 2016 at 01:58 pm

Jared Cook isn't much of an improvement over our current group at TE, considering the drops and mediocre blocking skills, but he still could run laps around RR. Its worth taking a shot on him, assuming the price is right (very little guaranteed $). Signing Cook to a 1 or 2 year deal, could help in that you could then look at a guy like Hooper,Adams, or even Higbee in the middle rounds of the draft and let them develop for a year. Stop with the Henry in the first round talk, the Packers are going DEF line in the first round. DEF wins championships, and this draft is loaded on that side of the ball. On the topic of DEF - the guy the Pack should be going after right now is Zach Brown.

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dobber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:34 pm

I think Higbee is the developmental guy and he could contribute right out of the gate on passing downs. I would love a crack at Vannett, but I think the needs in the trenches and defensive side of the ball make him a luxury they can't afford to pick when they would get a crack at him.

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NickPerry's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:23 pm

Totally agree on Zack Brown Slit... Been on the Zack Brown bandwagon for a while now because he is an excellent coverage LB'er. Your plan for Cook is a good one too. Sign Cook to a 2 year deal with incentives BEFORE the draft.

The Packers will go DL, ILB, or OL in the 1st round with a TE coming either in the 3rd or 4th round IMO. Ted could surprise us and move up in the 2nd to grab Henry but I doubt it. Or he could completely ignore the position again.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:18 pm

I have been hoping for a veteran FA with a good 2 to 3 years of play left but it didn't happen. So on to plan B I guess. Did not realize Cook is 29 so I'm not sure if he is worth the money at this point but we may have no choice. I'm happy that the lack of a true starting caliber tight end is finally getting the attention it deserves, but now we have to really start finding someone with serious talent that we can develop quickly. No time to waste another year on a project. We have to draft a tight end in the later rounds and hope that MM does not keep him pinned to the bench. I'm hoping that Mitchell Henry is the diamond in the rough that comes out of nowhere, but whoever it is, needs to get some on field experience. Rodgers played his first year so I do not see why not.

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Lphill's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:23 pm

Your right COW not every team can have a wonderful QB like your Teddy Bridgewater. How have receivers been doing that play with your Vikings?

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dobber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:29 pm

"Let’s be honest. The weakest position on the Packers is at tight end"

I'll be honest: if CMIII will be playing OLB as indicated by the coaching staff the weakest position for the Packers right now is ILB. There's nothing there but journeyman or lightly-developed talent. I wouldn't even put TE second. With Raji gone, Jones transitioning (to elephant end/OLB) and Pennel on suspension, DL is looking almost as weak. I think it's very likely that punter is a weaker position than TE.

Why not TE? Because this team has shown in the last 3-5 years that a field-stretching TE is a luxury, not a necessity. They have the WR depth to cover for a deficiency at TE, and they've been doing it for years. Right now, they lack the depth and the playmaking ability at ILB and DL, and they currently don't have a way to cover that up. That's why I think TE is only 4th in terms of the weakest positions.

That said, would love to have a threat like Jared Cook running seams and terrorizing LBs and safeties this season (the key is him as a threat...he doesn't need to catch 50 passes to threaten defenses), but my bet is that if he signs, he doesn't get much more than 2 yrs and $4M, or a one-year "prove-it" for $3M or so. The Packers, I'm sure, gave him their starting offer and I'm sure his camp thinks he's worth much more than what TT is offering. But as the weeks go by, he gets closer and closer to being a Packer...and I don't see the Bears signing him now that they've signed Zach Miller.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 03:26 pm

Dobber, totally agree with your points on the additional weak areas but not on TE. Yes our WR depth made up for it in the past, but the WRs are in transition now, and I think it's going to take half a season for Nelson and Ty to hit their strides, and that assumes nobody else has any setbacks and that all goes as planned, with Cobb, Janis and even Adam's bouncing back. Just so many ifs this year. A TE threat would make it all that much easier. No?

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holmesmd's picture

March 26, 2016 at 05:41 pm

MM has stated that they will attack the field with 4 receiver packages. They are better athletes than TE's and can catch better 9 times out of 10. Our RB's are solid in pass pro. If our receivers bounce back we will be fine. I'm much more concerned about NT & chase ILB than I am about any position on offense. They need to stop using RR like he's Finley. He's not! Use his size in the red zone. God if I see another drag route to his lumbering jolly self I'm going to jump off the roof of my house! It looks like the man is running in quicksand! Lol. He played WR at Cal?! How the hell did he do that with the speed in the Pac 12?! It's mind boggling:/

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:25 pm

Can you imagine how much slower he will be in say 5 or 7 years!

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dobber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:47 pm

He'll be running backwards...

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dobber's picture

March 26, 2016 at 07:50 pm

For the kind of player that RRodg is turning out to be, he needs to be a much better blocker than he is. I'm actually fine with the lumbering drag routes if there are outside threats stretching the field and opening things up for him.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 09:36 am

Lumbering truly is the perfect word to describe his running style!!

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marpag1's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:41 pm

People just need to get it into their heads that the NFL (and free agency in particular) is about MONEY. It's about money much, much more than it is about the quality of an individual player.

Nobody in their right mind should question whether or not Cook could help the Packers. Of course he could. Even if he ISN'T significantly better than Richard Rodgers, the Packers were putting Justin Perillo on the field last year, and I don't think anyone will deny that Cook is an obvious upgrade to Perillo.

Ah, but how much does Cook cost? And will signing him to a big money contract make it difficult or impossible to sign other players who might be much more needed in the big picture than a mercurial TE of questionable value?

So how much does he cost? Until people can answer that question, it's silly and pointless for us to argue about whether or not to sign him.

I'm hungry. Let's all go out and buy a box of corn flakes. It might cost $5 or it might cost $10,000. But let's do it, OK?

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zeke's picture

March 27, 2016 at 02:51 am

A $10,000 box of corn flakes...

Your ideas are intriguing to me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

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dobber's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:42 am

He works for the Department of Defense.

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marpag1's picture

March 27, 2016 at 06:09 am

Yeah, but even me and my Pentagon buddies know the problem of overspending. Whether you spend five bucks or ten thousand, Cook is still a box of corn flakes and so is Rodgers. Maybe Cook is the frosted kind, I don't know.

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lou's picture

March 26, 2016 at 02:59 pm

The real deal TE's went the first day of free agency and as expected were over paid, a few may be worth it. My guess if Ted does not get a TE he think can help day one in the draft and Cook is still available he may offer more money. Cook based on how long he has been available, obvious physical skills/experience and with no draft choice compensation means he/agent have overpriced his value. This is not rocket science but typical NFL business guys.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 26, 2016 at 04:59 pm

See your points Lou. NFL is a business no question but things change quickly and dramatically in a short season and can quickly expose bad decision making. The contract amounts in those first few days seemed absurd and I can understand why it made sense at the time to pass at those rates, but then we ended up paying Starks, Lane and Perry inflated prices as well. Let's say 3 or 4 mm more in total than they were worth, so we may regret not waiting them out and instead wish we overpaid for some of those legit TEs. We may have gotten better talent that could end up being the difference maker than say Cook and would now be able to focus only on BPA in the draft. We shall see.

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lou's picture

March 27, 2016 at 10:10 am

You nailed it, Eliot Wolf needs some competition for the GM job, how about Tundraboy.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 04:56 pm

There are others on this site far more worthy. I'm better at bitching and moaning. Besides I think Cow is next in line.

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AgrippaLII's picture

March 26, 2016 at 08:56 pm

It should be obvious why Cook hasn't been signed by the Packers. I'm sure McCarthy would like to have him on the team and Thompson too for that matter. Cook is asking too much and Thompson's offer has been rejected. It's that simple. Let someone else overpay for him...Ted won't and he shouldn't.

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Rossonero's picture

March 26, 2016 at 10:36 pm

Hoping for Ted Thompson to sign a free agent outside the Packers is like hoping to get laid by J Lo. It ain't happenin' -- not in your wildest dreams!

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mrtundra's picture

March 27, 2016 at 06:04 am

I just wish she'd stop calling me.

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Rossonero's picture

March 27, 2016 at 08:32 am

Haha!

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 09:39 am

I'll keep leaving her messages all the same!

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dobber's picture

March 27, 2016 at 12:31 pm

That's not what the judge said...

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Tundraboy's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:00 pm

Hope he isn't on this site.

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croatpackfan's picture

March 27, 2016 at 03:14 am

To all authors, readers, fans, trolls etc. I wish Happy Easter! Peace with you and all humanity...

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dobber's picture

March 27, 2016 at 05:46 am

And to you, friend.

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Rossonero's picture

March 27, 2016 at 08:34 am

Happy Easter! My post may have seemed trollish, but I'm just another frustrated Packers fan.

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mrtundra's picture

March 27, 2016 at 06:02 am

One football writer's article I read said that Jared Cook is the best TE available in FA. With the draft being thin at TE, maybe TT should give him a look.

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chaka's picture

March 27, 2016 at 12:18 pm

Packers should re-sign former TE Colt Lyerla if they would like a pro bowl TE.

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 28, 2016 at 09:13 pm

One.
Trick.
Pony.

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packrulz's picture

March 28, 2016 at 05:30 am

I think Cook could be a Pro-bowl TE. You can teach him how to block. He has never had a decent QB to throw to him. The Titans and Rams, Ugh! He is better tan any TE in the draft. His combine results: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jared-cook?id=71265

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Evan's picture

March 28, 2016 at 07:50 am

Welcome aboard, Cook.

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 4 minutes ago
The #Packers are on the board: I'm told TE Jared Cook was spotted in Green Bay, set to sign with the Packers. Their big area of need.

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 28, 2016 at 08:09 am

Beat me to it. lol

I think this will be a good signing. Doesn't have to be better then Rodgers, just has to offer something Rodgers can't.

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L's picture

March 30, 2016 at 01:32 pm

Agreed.

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mrtundra's picture

March 28, 2016 at 11:51 am

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2618223-jared-cook-to-sign-with-packe...?

Bleacher Report says Cook signed with GB for a 1 year deal worth $3.6 million.

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

March 28, 2016 at 02:39 pm

"The same Cook that has averaged 39 catches, 500 yards and two touchdowns over a season."

Yes, but he had over 50 catches each of the two seasons prior. I hate when writers hand pick the facts to fit their story.

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CoryJennerjohn's picture

March 29, 2016 at 09:20 pm

I didn't fit anything for my story. Two seasons is a pretty small sample size when you compare it with his career average.

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