The Green Bay Packers Should Add Two Tight Ends

Packers GM Ted Thompson was smart to take a chance on Jared Cook last season, but now he faces the possibility of losing him to free-agency. How should Thompson address tight end position?

While Ted Thompson devotes most of his off-season to preparing for the draft, last year he did venture into free agency by signing Jared Cook. For most of the season, the move looked as if it would be spoiled by an ankle injury. However, after returning to action, Cook was a big part of what turned the Packers season around.

Before signing with Green Bay, the report on Cook was that his athleticism and potential had yet to be put on full display. Dropped passes and poor quarterback play made him a low-risk signing. After a strong finish to the season. the tight end has more chips to bargain with in free-agency.

Having already stated that he would like to stay with the Packers, Ted Thompson should reward the tight end with a multi-year contract. While Cook certainly proved he is worth more than $2.75 million, he should not receive a bump in pay putting him in the same category as Jimmy Graham, Jordan Reed or Rob Gronkowski.

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Instead, the Packers should set their ceiling in the range of $7 million for 2-3 years. If Cook is looking for more, Green Bay could move up to $8 million but re-sign him to a one-year deal. This would give the team flexibility in case of injury or lack of production.

Letting Jared Cook walk away would be a blow to Aaron Rodgers and his call to go “all in.” But, if teams are willing to pay him like a top-five tight end, this is exactly what Ted Thompson should do.

The second move that should be made is to draft another tight end. This should be done regardless of how the team handles Jared Cook. Even if they bring him back on a multi-year deal, the Packers should be trying to find someone to replace Richard Rodgers.

Although Rodgers has been a reliable option in Green Bay, the offense needs a more athletic backup. The return of Jared Cook in week eleven was proof that a dynamic tight end makes the Packers offense more effective.

With a weak defense, each offensive possession becomes even more important. Therefore the Packers need to have as many playmakers on the field at a time. When Cook is given a series off, his backup should also be able to stretch the field for Aaron Rodgers.

One player who could fit this mold is tight end, Evan Engram out of Ole Miss. According to Walter Football, Engram is listed at 6-3, 235 lbs, with a 4.60 40-yard dash time. They go on to say,

"his season, Engram illustrated that he is a dynamic receiving tight end for the NFL in the mold of Jordan Reed. Engram had excellent games against Florida State and Alabama. In 2016, he totaled 65 receptions for 926 yards and eight scores.Engram is a fast receiver who is a good route-runner. He isn’t a big blocker for the NFL though, but he fights hard as a blocker and is able to contribute some. Engram had an impressive Senior Bowl to help his draft stock."

Even though the Packers defense is in need of help across the board, the addition of Evan Engram would give Aaron Rodgers another weapon. If Thompson can re-sign Cook, the rookie would have a year to develop and serve as the primary backup. This would also provide some depth in case of another injury to Jared Cook.

Next: Could The Defense Be Simplified

Overall, tight end might not seem like an area of need, but heading into the 2017-2018 season; the Packers offense would look even more explosive with Jared Cook and an additional playmaker.

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