Going back to Cali.
At least tight end Jared Cook can say that.
Discarded by the Green Bay Packers, even though Aaron Rodgers essentially demanded his return, Cook is going to land with the Oakland Raiders.
#Raiders are expected to sign TE Jared Cook, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 16, 2017
Cook spent one somewhat lackluster regular season with the Packers, which was followed by a pretty great postseason. It was the first postseason of Cook’s career after spending time with the Tennessee Titans and then the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
There have been a number of conflicting reports that have come out about how the Packers handled Cook before signing Martellus Bennett.
Cook signed for less than Bennett.
The #Raiders and TE Jared Cook agreed to terms on a 2-year deal worth up to $12.2M, source said. The first year is fully guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2017
It was initially reported that Cook wanted more than Bennett ended up signing for. That was debunked the next day. In fact, Cook said the Packers never even offered him a contract.
A lot of misinformation out there..I definitely did NOT turn down a deal…but one thing I can say for certain…
— Jared Cook (@JaredCook89) March 11, 2017
Thank you packers fans for such a epic experience. Had a great year, played w/some great teammates. Thanks for the support! You are amazing!
— Jared Cook (@JaredCook89) March 11, 2017
Now, of course, that doesn’t mean the Packers and Cook didn’t discuss numbers. They most certainly did.
Cook likely said here’s my number, the Packers said here’s our number and we suspect they could have met in the middle. Instead, the Packers just said to hell with it and went out and signed Bennett.
And of course Cook’s starting number was going to be something stupid. That’s how you start negotiations, isn’t it? Ask for what you want and then agree to what you’ll settle for.
This whole situation has been kind of awkward. Here’s a guy everyone wanted back and then the Packers went out and grabbed a better replacement.
So with that, we’re happy for Jared Cook. Goes back to Cali, gets to play with another good quarterback — only the second in his career — and probably gets to be in the playoffs again.
We’ll always have this, baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqpp-7KjlXU
And we’ll never forgot it. You’re a boss, Jared Cook!
2yrs 12.2 mil Goes to show what the best QB can do for you in one year of playing with him.
I wish we’d showed him some loyalty, but it’s hard not to be excited about Bennett.
Right? So much for loyalty. Anyway, onto Bennett. I’m not sure how to compare the two, but at least it was a supposed upgrade.