Packers free agent rumors?

[Vrill]

I would be happy to sign Cook, and it's not like I am looking for us to sign guys who would not count against comp picks, but have we gotten to the point where we are ONLY considering guys who wouldn't count against comp pick consideration?

Seems that way. I also read where we tried trading for Cook last season. So TT is really interested in him.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I would be happy to sign Cook, and it's not like I am looking for us to sign guys who would not count against comp picks, but have we gotten to the point where we are ONLY considering guys who wouldn't count against comp pick consideration?

You would have to ask TT that. I'm stating the obvious, but the plus of signing a guy like Cook is that very fact, we don't lose the comp pick we will mostly likely get for losing Heyward. Signing someone like Ladarius Green would have lost us that pick.

 

[Vrill]

You would have to ask TT that. I'm stating the obvious, but the plus of signing a guy like Cook is that very fact, we don't lose the comp pick we will mostly likely get for losing Heyward. Signing someone like Ladarius Green would have lost us that pick.

And honestly, we know what we get in Cook (if we sign him) - Green is still relatively unknown at this point. Especially if he was stuck in a prominent starting role. Cook is used to being the alpha TE on teams.

 

[Vrill]

Also, have you seen the QB's that have thrown to Cook during his career? Hot garbage.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

You would have to ask TT that. I'm stating the obvious, but the plus of signing a guy like Cook is that very fact, we don't lose the comp pick we will mostly likely get for losing Heyward. Signing someone like Ladarius Green would have lost us that pick.

I just don't get the allure of the fifth round comp pick as a reason to avoid signing good players. Not claiming that you're saying that; just that the difference between Green and Cook is VAST. Green has the potential to be one of the best receiving TEs in the NFL if the team he's on actually uses him. Cook on the other hand couldn't even earn a start in every game for the Rams, a team that's not exactly overflowing with quality TEs.

 

[Vrill]

I just don't get the allure of the fifth round comp pick as a reason to avoid signing good players. Not claiming that you're saying that; just that the difference between Green and Cook is VAST. Green has the potential to be one of the best receiving TEs in the NFL if the team he's on actually uses him. Cook on the other hand couldn't even earn a start in every game for the Rams, a team that's not exactly overflowing with quality TEs.

Uhh, Green is still very much an unknown at this point. Especially once he gets thrusted into a #1 TE role. Cook is still very young at 28. He has wheels to stretch defenses. The size (6'5) to go up and get it.

Not to mention, the QB's that have been throwing to Cook over his career. Its a who's who of garbage.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I just don't get the allure of the fifth round comp pick as a reason to avoid signing good players. Not claiming that you're saying that; just that the difference between Green and Cook is VAST. Green has the potential to be one of the best receiving TEs in the NFL if the team he's on actually uses him. Cook on the other hand couldn't even earn a start in every game for the Rams, a team that's not exactly overflowing with quality TEs.

I can't argue with the difference between Green and Cook but TT might be able to explain the upsides and downsides of both as well as their prospective values to the Packers when you take into account the cost of each in addition to having the additional pick. It's pretty obvious the Packers have been looking at Cook since last season and now he is a "free pick-up", the only thing probably that keeps him out of GB is price.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm excited about Cook's size and speed, can't teach those things. The drop pass thing could be a result of playing on mediocre teams as well as what Vrill said, crappy QB's. Given what is available for TE's in the draft, Cook at the right price looks pretty good and probably removes the need to spend a round 1-3 on a TE.

 

[adambr2]

I can't argue with the difference between Green and Cook but TT might be able to explain the upsides and downsides of both as well as their prospective values to the Packers when you take into account the cost of each in addition to having the additional pick. It's pretty obvious the Packers have been looking at Cook since last season and now he is a "free pick-up", the only thing probably that keeps him out of GB is price.

I would definitely like a Cook signing at the right place and I'm not disagreeing with anyone that not having to have a FA acquisition count against you in regard to compensatory picks is a nice added bonus.

I am just a bit troubled by the idea that it would be of so much importance that we would actually pass on a guy who could really help us, even at the right price. I think you need to weigh risk/reward regardless and to me that's way too far the other way. Not necessarily saying that's happening on purpose, though I'm struggling to recall the last true FA that we signed that counted against our comp pick calculation, though it's probably been more recently than I'm remembering.

 

[Poppa San]

... though I'm struggling to recall the last true FA that we signed that counted against our comp pick calculation, though it's probably been more recently than I'm remembering.

Saturday?

 

[SoonerPack]

Just sign Cook already. I'm a Ted backer most every time but this thing needs to get done. He is just about a carbon copy of 88 and we don't need him to be Gronk. We need another vertical threat who can open the middle up and that's this kids calling card. It's rare when I say this but I will be very disappointed if 2 days from now I read "Cook signs in Oakland for 2 yrs./7 million." This is a cat that can step right in and help. The point about the less than stellar QB's he's played with is valid in my mind. I keep picturing red zone scenarios with Jordy, Rodgers (slow yes but the guy has amazing hands), Cook, and Cobb. Hell, put 18 in the backfield and get 6'3" JJ out there too. Ok, ok, I'm rambling but I think you get my point. This guy can help. Sign him.

P.S. This would also elimate the possibility of having to reach for a TE come draft day.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

I'm not sure I subscribe to this theory. They had money earmarked for Raji obviously, draft should take up another 3-5M. I mean they don't have a ton of money but certainly could sign a couple guys if need be. No one who is left is going to break the bank.

The draft picks will most likely add $2.1 million in cap space. That means the Packers will have approximately $10 million in cap space to work with but will have to save some of it for replacement players

Packers bringing in Jared Cook for a visit

Cook is the only free agent tight end I'm moderately interested in. Unfortunately him leaving Green Bay without a contract isn´t a positive sign.

 

[tynimiller]

The draft picks will most likely add $2.1 million in cap space. That means the Packers will have approximately $10 million in cap space to work with but will have to save some of it for replacement players



Cook is the only free agent tight end I´m moderately interested in. Unfortunately him leaving Green Bay without a contract isn´t a positive sign.

I fear it isn't going to get done...we probably low balled + "we are good" thing and he is most likely thinking I can get more elsewhere......time will tell.

 

[Pkrjones]

I fear it isn't going to get done...we probably low balled + "we are good" thing and he is most likely thinking I can get more elsewhere......time will tell.

What is he worth to GB? He failed to come close to earning his $7Mil/yr. with the Rams.
- Ladarius Green just became the 16th highest paid TE w/ $5Mil/yr contract.
- $3Mil/yr would put him at 27th highest paid TE, and I don't think he should warrant getting that. This would place him above J. Hanna, Z. Miller and A. Fasano.

Really don't think he belongs higher, in the $4Mil/yr range would be in the B. Celek, Barnidge, Pettigrew, & M. Lewis.

 

[tynimiller]

What is he worth to GB? He failed to come close to earning his $7Mil/yr. with the Rams.
- Ladarius Green just became the 16th highest paid TE w/ $5Mil/yr contract.
- $3Mil/yr would put him at 27th highest paid TE, and I don't think he should warrant getting that. This would place him above J. Hanna, Z. Miller and A. Fasano.

Really don't think he belongs higher, in the $4Mil/yr range would be in the B. Celek, Barnidge, Pettigrew, & M. Lewis.

I agree I'm in the 3-3.5Million with some incentives personally....but coming off the contract he had with the Rams tells me he is going to look for the same or similar to the Green deal....which if someone wants to give him that I don't blame TT one bit for saying "Bye Felicia"

 

[bigbubbatd]

What is he worth to GB? He failed to come close to earning his $7Mil/yr. with the Rams.
- Ladarius Green just became the 16th highest paid TE w/ $5Mil/yr contract.
- $3Mil/yr would put him at 27th highest paid TE, and I don't think he should warrant getting that. This would place him above J. Hanna, Z. Miller and A. Fasano.

Really don't think he belongs higher, in the $4Mil/yr range would be in the B. Celek, Barnidge, Pettigrew, & M. Lewis.

You dont think he warrants $3 or $4 million like Fasano, Celek, or Lewis or Pettigrew? He is younger than most the guys you listed and had better numbers than most. $4 million seems fair but more than I would want to spend. If we get him for $3 that is a great deal. He is just 27 and has played with just awful qbs. He fits what the team needs in a athletic te who can stretch the field somewhat

 

[tynimiller]

You dont think he warrants $3 or $4 million like Fasano, Celek, or Lewis or Pettigrew? He is younger than most the guys you listed and had better numbers than most. $4 million seems fair but more than I would want to spend. If we get him for $3 that is a great deal. He is just 27 and has played with just awful qbs. He fits what the team needs in a athletic te who can stretch the field somewhat

Coming off an underwhelming contract results I think one could sway him to sign a 2 or 3 year deal which grows starting say in the 3.25-3.75 Mill region and grows. Throw some starting bonuses and such in there and he could be staring at an easy 4-5Million first year contract should he succeed at meeting things.

I have no doubt he has the ability to be what we need, but I also don't think he is worth paying a ton more than the fellas you listed in my opinion.

 

[bigbubbatd]

Coming off an underwhelming contract results I think one could sway him to sign a 2 or 3 year deal which grows starting say in the 3.25-3.75 Mill region and grows. Throw some starting bonuses and such in there and he could be staring at an easy 4-5Million first year contract should he succeed at meeting things.

I have no doubt he has the ability to be what we need, but I also don't think he is worth paying a ton more than the fellas you listed in my opinion.

Oh I don't think he is worth paying a ton more but he is a better fit and better option than most of those guys. 3-4 million is what he should get. And if the packers offer jim anywhere near that in a 2 year deal he should grab it. It is his best shot to get his value back up before hitting the market again

 

[tynimiller]

Oh I don't think he is worth paying a ton more but he is a better fit and better option than most of those guys. 3-4 million is what he should get. And if the packers offer jim anywhere near that in a 2 year deal he should grab it. It is his best shot to get his value back up before hitting the market again

Not too mention here he will be in the playoffs barring something interesting and unexpected. Showcase his skills in the playoffs coming from AR. A 2 year deal is his best bet at one more money grab in his career as he'd be around 30 the next go round.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Uhh, Green is still very much an unknown at this point. Especially once he gets thrusted into a #1 TE role. Cook is still very young at 28. He has wheels to stretch defenses. The size (6'5) to go up and get it.

Not to mention, the QB's that have been throwing to Cook over his career. Its a who's who of garbage.

Cook will be 29 years old when the season starts and he's been a starter for the vast majority of his career, you know what you're getting with him. Green is three years younger and has been behind Gates his entire career; though when Green has had a chance to start he's done very well.

Jared Cook started a total of 12 games last year despite getting a target in all 16...how great could the guy be when there were four games in which some other TE on the Rams got the start ahead of him? It's not like the Rams were busting out five-WR sets.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

Jared Cook started a total of 12 games last year despite getting a target in all 16...how great could the guy be when there were four games in which some other TE on the Rams got the start ahead of him? It's not like the Rams were busting out five-WR sets.

Cook played 70% of the offense´s snaps last season and got the second most targets on the team behind Tavon Austin. It doesn´t mean a whole lot that he didn´t start four games.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Throw out his rookie year and Cook is averaging almost 13 yds/catch. My hope is the Packers sign him at a reasonable price and a new team with a FHOF QB will help Cook to put up even bigger numbers. The biggest knock on the guy is his blocking and possibly his hands. Both of those can be worked on and as far as blocking, RR isn't known for his stellar blocking either.

 

[bigbubbatd]

Cook will be 29 years old when the season starts and he's been a starter for the vast majority of his career, you know what you're getting with him. Green is three years younger and has been behind Gates his entire career; though when Green has had a chance to start he's done very well.

Jared Cook started a total of 12 games last year despite getting a target in all 16...how great could the guy be when there were four games in which some other TE on the Rams got the start ahead of him? It's not like the Rams were busting out five-WR sets.

Not really sure games started is the stat you want to use. Green actually started 25 games over the past 3 years and caught a total of 73 passes. That would break down to less than 3 per start and less because 20 catches came in games he didnt start. So in his 25 starts he caught 53 or so passes. 2 per game. But he had Gates for many of those but this past year he also didnt have many good wrs who should have been taking catches from him. I actually like Green but if you use starts and lack of starts to critique Cook you can use starts and lack of overall production to critique Green.

The last thing I will say with Green is the SD knew him and still wasnt willing to pay him a fairly reasonable contract but instead gave the money to a much older TE. Does that tell us anything about Green? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe SD just valuable the age and history of Gates more

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The last thing I will say with Green is the SD knew him and still wasnt willing to pay him a fairly reasonable contract but instead gave the money to a much older TE. Does that tell us anything about Green? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe SD just valuable the age and history of Gates more

That is kind of the nagging question in my mind about many FA's. "If they are "that" good", why doesn't their current team want to resign them?". When its a cap thing, or the team has a better/cheaper option within, its more obvious. But when you look at a guy like Green, people were drooling over him, why wasn't SD? Cook on the other hand seems to be a casualty of being way overpaid and the Rams wanting to get out from under the contract.

 

[Deleted member 6794]

That is kind of the nagging question in my mind about many FA's. "If they are "that" good", why doesn't their current team want to resign them?". When its a cap thing, or the team has a better/cheaper option within, its more obvious. But when you look at a guy like Green, people were drooling over him, why wasn't SD? Cook on the other hand seems to be a casualty of being way overpaid and the Rams wanting to get out from under the contract.

Well, it´s a legitimate question but with Gates returning for another two seasons I understand the Chargers not wanting to offer a backup tight end $5 million per season.