Packers sign Martellus Bennett

[StPaulPackFan]

Per Ian Rapoport. Just announced on NFL Network.

[texaspackerbacker]

I'd rather keep Jared Cook.

[KYPack]

Me too, TB.

[gbgary]

beat you by 8 minutes. lol http://packerrats.com/showthread.php?29511-Packers-Off-Season-Moves-and-2017-Roster&p=922430&viewfull=1#post922430

glad they did something.

[Bossman641]

Bennett is an upgrade over cook imo

[Joemailman]

I'd rather keep Jared Cook.

Bennett is every bit as good. Had 701 yards receiving and 7 TD's last year.

[Teamcheez1]

I'd rather keep Jared Cook.

Cook can go f*** himself. He had a great opportunity and he blew it.

[Brandon494]

Hell yea...great signing!

[Brandon494]

Bennett is a upgrade over Cook without a doubt.

[StPaulPackFan]

beat you by 8 minutes. lol http://packerrats.com/showthread.php?29511-Packers-Off-Season-Moves-and-2017-Roster&p=922430&viewfull=1#post922430

glad they did something.

Sorry, I'm an attention whore :-)

[Brandon494]

Only reason people rather have Cook over Bennett is because Bennett speaks his mind.

[3irty1]

Ya'll need re-calibration. Bennett is the real deal. Cook will go back to slumming it as a low-end starter.

[King Friday]

Bennett is good...not sure he is a definitive upgrade to Cook. The Patriots know how to use a TE...and if Cook was in New England, he'd put up some pretty good numbers as well.

As long as we have one of them, I'm good.

[gbgary]

Sorry, I'm an attention whore :-)

lol

[Rutnstrut]

Bennett is good, but I think Cook is a better fit for the team. I watch a LOT of Patriot games as they are my 2cnd favorite team. Bennett sure didn't seem to have the speed/quickness that Cook does. Bennett was injured much of last season and played through it though. I personally would prefer Cook.

[gbgary]

bennett is a year older but an inch taller (which i didn't realize) and i thought cook's height was one of his best attributes. anyone know contract details yet? i know it's multi-year.

[MadtownPacker]

Only reason people rather have Cook over Bennett is because Bennett speaks his mind.Thats right you mouthy kneegrow, so STFU! :lol:

[MadtownPacker]

Good signing though. Him also coming from a stable/successful team is good for the locker room.

[KYPack]

Cook has scored 1 regular season TD in the last two years.

He also missed 6 games with injury last season.

[Gotarace]

I guess the answer Cook received was thanks but no thanks. Like the move and think this is a lateral move if not a upgrade. It also brings joy that the Patriots have lost a weapon. I tip my hat to Ted on this one.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Bennett is good...not sure he is a definitive upgrade to Cook. The Patriots know how to use a TE...and if Cook was in New England, he'd put up some pretty good numbers as well.

As long as we have one of them, I'm good.

Bennett had 916 yards in a season playing with Jay Cutler though, so it's not all Brady.

[Rutnstrut]

One thing to note. A lot of Bennett's game is run blocking and play action. Neither of which the Packers do much of. If his numbers are way low, it's probably from lack of proper scheme for the type of player he is. It's not like stubby will change things.

[gbgary]

Thats right you mouthy kneegrow, so STFU! :lol:

lol dammit!

[gbgary]

I guess the answer Cook received was thanks but no thanks. Like the move and think this is a lateral move if not a upgrade. It also brings joy that the Patriots have lost a weapon. I tip my hat to Ted on this one.

i think it was probably the other way around.

[QBME]

Holy schnikees. Having lived in the Flatland for a while, I remember the Black Unicorn's (his self assigned moniker) stint with the Bears.

The elder posters on the board will remember Bill "Spaceman" Lee. He and Martellus are cut from the same cloth.

The guy's got a TON of talent. My hope is that his maturation will sync up with his talent. He has the potential to be the best thing at TE for the Packers since, maybe even before, Jermichael Finley.

[Iron Mike]

Maybe TT will STILL sign Cook and jettison Rodgers......now THERE'S an upgrade!!!

[gbgary]

Maybe TT will STILL sign Cook and jettison Rodgers......now THERE'S an upgrade!!!

i like it but that ship has sailed i think. besides cook wouldn't want to be a back-up.

[red]

not terrible

not sure its that much of an upgrade though

be interesting to compare the two contracts, i can't imagine bennett (who was in demand) came cheap

[gbgary]

not terrible

not sure its that much of an upgrade though

be interesting to compare the two contracts, i can't imagine bennett (who was in demand) came cheap

Packers can't afford to be cheap anymore.

[red]

one thing that jumps out at me

he's missed 9 games in 9 years, 5 of those games came in one year

[KYPack]

one thing that jumps out at me

he's missed 9 games in 9 years, 5 of those games came in one year

He missed 6 for us last year.

Maybe his career total is 15 games, eh?

[Bretsky]

I am surprised; the reason is I thought Bennett was an asshole with character issues. Am I incorrect ??
What is the speed comparison ? I've always thought Bennett was full of talent but I thought Cook was a no brainer resigning. I expected Cook; got Bennett.....good move.

By rule I'll applaud any free agent signing by Ted Thompson; normally he's hiding at this time. But I undoubtedly still want a pass rusher or CB who can start.

Wonder how the contracts will compare up ??

[red]

He missed 6 for us last year.

Maybe his career total is 15 games, eh?
bennett, bennett missed 9 games for his career, this is the bennett thread

[red]

Wonder how the contracts will compare up ??
i already said that

fuck off

[KYPack]

bennett, bennett missed 9 games for his career, this is the bennett thread

Errps.

Yer right, you know?

We don't run block with TE's much, but Bennett is a consistent blocker.

Maybe this is a good move.

[HarveyWallbangers]

This is a clear upgrade. Bennett is one of the best TEs in the NFL. Cook is solid and had athleticism that we lacked, but Bennett is clearly a better all around TE. Hopefully, his mouth won't cause issues. I'll be interested in the contract compared to what Cook was asking for.

[Carolina_Packer]

Errps.

Yer right, you know?

We don't run block with TE's much, but Bennett is a consistent blocker.

Maybe this is a good move.

Do you think this indicates anything about bringing Lacy back? Richard Rodgers' blocking leaves a lot be desired. Do you think that Bennett's blocking is just a bonus asset, or do you think they plan to run more, and possibly bring back Lacy?

Oh, and he gets #88 since Monty is becoming a RB.

[KYPack]

Do you think this indicates anything about bringing Lacy back? Richard Rodgers' blocking leaves a lot be desired. Do you think that Bennett's blocking is just a bonus asset, or do you think they plan to run more, and possibly bring back Lacy?

Oh, and he gets #88 since Monty is becoming a RB.

I've always felt that the Stub would love to run an effective two tight end offense, much like BB had in NE with Gronk and Bennett.

He did a little of that when they had a healthy Fin.

Like to see chubby Eddy come back, but I doubt that will happen.

[woodbuck27]

Bennett is good, but I think Cook is a better fit for the team. I watch a LOT of Patriot games as they are my 2cnd favorite team. Bennett sure didn't seem to have the speed/quickness that Cook does. Bennett was injured much of last season and played through it though. I personally would prefer Cook.

I watch NE as much as I can as well. They are my second favourite team.

We saw Cook run a lot of successful routes to his LHS last season. It seemed to me that the Patriots favoured Bennett running to his RHS. Bennett was valuable to the Patriots offense early in the season and down the stretch his role seemed to change when Stud TE Rob Gronkowski was out with injuries. Bennett focused more then on his blocking yet still managed to set a new career high with seven touchdowns in the regular season. He has averaged about 5 TD a season over the past five. He is a taller and bigger man than Jared Cook and not as fast yet an effective blocker. They are virtually the same age.

This appears to me to be an upgrade at TE.

[Carolina_Packer]

I've always felt that the Stub would love to run an effective two tight end offense, much like BB had in NE with Gronk and Bennett.

He did a little of that when they had a healthy Fin.

Like to see chubby Eddy come back, but I doubt that will happen.

Although, in this article (http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/232001/eddie-lacy-ty-montgomery-backfield-intrigues-packers-mike-mccarthy) MM said:

“We’d like to get Eddie back,” McCarthy said. “He’s our guy. He’s one of our core players."

I get that the money still has to line up, but I hope they get him back, especially if he's committed to being in shape.

[beveaux1]

Deal appears to be 3 yr/ 18.45 million. http://www.patspulpit.com/2017/3/10/14890004/new-england-patriots-martellus-bennett-signs-with-the-green-bay-packers

[Bub]

That can't be true. Why would he sign for such little money?

[Packman_26]

That can't be true. Why would he sign for such little money?
Ian Rapoport has changed what he is reporting to 3 years/21 mil.

[red]

Ian Rapoport has changed what he is reporting to 3 years/21 mil.

great deal

[texaspackerbacker]

Cook is a better deep threat. My strongest memory of Bennett is as big waste with Dallas. He apparently was a lot better with New England, and Cook was an injury problem, so I guess I'll keep an open mind and be hopeful Ted got it right. If this is the only FA pick up, though - basically a trade off with losing Cook, then call me pissed off with Ted - as usual.

[Bossman641]

Demovsky said earlier the Packers got Bennett for less than the deal they were working on cook with

[Brandon494]

Thats right you mouthy kneegrow, so STFU! :lol:

Keep it up and it's over the wall for you! :lol:

[Brandon494]

Demovsky said earlier the Packers got Bennett for less than the deal they were working on cook with

Lmao at the team that over pays for Cook.

[Brandon494]

We need to let Lacy walk as well; spend that money on defensive help, and draft a RB in the draft.

[BZnDallas]

We need to let Lacy walk as well; spend that money on defensive help, and draft a RB in the draft.

I can't find it anywhere but my best friend is a Viking fan and he just told me Lacy in signing in Minny. They aren't letting him get to Seattle. I thought Seattle was first in the itinerary. FWIW

[beveaux1]

Demovsky said earlier the Packers got Bennett for less than the deal they were working on cook with

Couple of reports that this was the case. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/10/report-martellus-bennett-came-cheaper-than-jared-cook-for-packers/

[smuggler]

Numbers I have seen are 3 years and under 19 million. Very reasonable contract for a two-way TE. Cook was better with pure speed, but Bennett is a better all around player. I think Cook will sign for about as much as Bennett in terms of annual average, which will mean a net push on the comp pick in 2018. I'm sure this was a factor in TT's decision.

[Freak Out]

Love this deal. I like Cook but this is an upgrade.

[pbmax]

Well, well, well. Obviously, this is fake news.

[HarveyWallbangers]

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-free-agency/0ap3000000792405/Casserly-Bennett-is-a-better-football-player-than-Cook?icampaign=%22search-video-martellus+bennett%22


Bennett also had the highest passer rating when targeted of any player with 70-plus targets last season (136.8).

[pbmax]

Hell yea...great signing!

Welcome back bonehead!

[pbmax]

One thing to note. A lot of Bennett's game is run blocking and play action. Neither of which the Packers do much of. If his numbers are way low, it's probably from lack of proper scheme for the type of player he is. It's not like stubby will change things.

Play action maybe, but they will be happy to use his run blocking.

And if the run blocking helps make the run game go, that will increase the passes from play action. Won't be NE level, but it will be nice addition to Packer spread formation.

[pbmax]

I am surprised; the reason is I thought Bennett was an asshole with character issues. Am I incorrect ??
What is the speed comparison ? I've always thought Bennett was full of talent but I thought Cook was a no brainer resigning. I expected Cook; got Bennett.....good move.

By rule I'll applaud any free agent signing by Ted Thompson; normally he's hiding at this time. But I undoubtedly still want a pass rusher or CB who can start.

Wonder how the contracts will compare up ??

He's outspoken like his brother, but pretty smart. He'll fit in I think. Not quite happy go lucky as Cook.

I hope Cook gets the deal he is looking for. He came in, worked hard, delivered even after two injuries. Wish him the best.

[pbmax]

Jason Wilde @jasonjwilde 2h2 hours ago
Source said tonight that #Packers were ready to pay Jared Cook more than what they gave Martellus Bennett, as @RobDemovsky heard, too.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6mCzBlWYAQoXoz.jpg:large

[gbgary]

so it's 3 and $21. no way TT offered Cook more than that.

[Smidgeon]

We need to let Lacy walk as well; spend that money on defensive help, and draft a RB in the draft.

In my opinion, Lacy is the best RB they've had since AG. I was never a big Ryan Grant fan. He ran hot and cold. But Lacy carried the offense when Rodgers was out with his collarbone injury. If Lacy can control his weight, he's a top 8 RB. He's someone who makes things happen, and someone with the kind of talent and especially vision the Packers didn't have in a decade.

I want him back. Not for top 8 money, but top 15 money I would pay.

[Vincenzo]

At this point we love Martellus Bennett. He's coming off the best year ever for a Bears Tight End and yes that includes Mike Ditka. And he had 7 td's last season, with 55 receptions for 701 yards.
So, Jared Who?
Put it this way, usually there's not much to get excited about at this time of the off season.

[Carolina_Packer]

Maybe TT will STILL sign Cook and jettison Rodgers......now THERE'S an upgrade!!!

Those two TE sets would be killer. You could get really creative if you are MM.

[oldbutnotdeadyet]

Yeah, I think the important thing to note is we have all been bitching about TT not doing anything in free agency, so he finally signs somebody and some folks are still bitching about it. Just saying...

[Pugger]

Yeah, I think the important thing to note is we have all been bitching about TT not doing anything in free agency, so he finally signs somebody and some folks are still bitching about it. Just saying...

They are probably grousing because the FA isn't a defensive player (they ignore the Perry signing, of course).

[Upnorth]

What are the odds we can still get Cook? Can you imagine a 2-2-1 with monty in the backfield?

[Fritz]

Fans say Ted never signs "real" free agents.

Fans say Ted never signs "real" free agents.

Fans say Ted's always scraping the bottom of the leftover free agent barrel.

Ted signs a "real" free agent.

Ted signs a guy who is ranked as the #1 free agent at his position.

Fans bitch.

[Willard]

I like this signing. I remember the last time Bear fans thought the Lombardi Trophy was theirs for the taking there was all that talk about "the NEW monsters of the midway"! They were talking about Bennett, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffrey. Now all gone, bear fans! Bennett was a beast to match up with. I recall watching AJ Hawk looking like a JV player trying desperately to stay with him. I like this signing.

[Fritz]

In my opinion, Lacy is the best RB they've had since AG. I was never a big Ryan Grant fan. He ran hot and cold. But Lacy carried the offense when Rodgers was out with his collarbone injury. If Lacy can control his weight, he's a top 8 RB. He's someone who makes things happen, and someone with the kind of talent and especially vision the Packers didn't have in a decade.

I want him back. Not for top 8 money, but top 15 money I would pay.

I see both sides. Lacy is the best RB, hands down, since Ahman Green. Not as good as Ahman Green, but the best since Green. So I get what you're saying. But then again, the dude was in a contract year and he still couldn't keep the weight off, and likely there is a connection between his extra weight and his stream of injuries. Do you really want to give a guy like that a multi-year contract, or let him suck up a big chunk of your sal cap? It would be a gamble. But it could be worth taking. Depends on whether you as coach and as GM really believe the guy is maturing and is capable of changing - soon.

[red]

Fans say Ted never signs "real" free agents.

Fans say Ted never signs "real" free agents.

Fans say Ted's always scraping the bottom of the leftover free agent barrel.

Ted signs a "real" free agent.

Ted signs a guy who is ranked as the #1 free agent at his position.

Fans bitch.

who's bitching?

and this was like, what, his 5th "real free agent" signing in 12 years i think. i also think it was the first time he's played in the first few days

[HarveyWallbangers]

Interesting

https://www.google.com/amp/profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/11/source-packers-didnt-offer-jared-cook-more-than-martellus-bennett/amp/

[pbmax]

Rob Demovsky of ESPN Wisconsin reported was $20.25 million over three years, including a $6.3 million signing bonus and $2 million roster bonus in March 2018.

Color me crazy, but does this mean could be a one year deal if it goes south?

[red]

whew, numbers are in

3 years 21 million

6.3 million dollar signing bonus

2017 cap hit- 3.85 million
2018- 8.55
2019- 8.6

total breakdown

2017- $900,000 base salary, 2.1 million pro rated signing bonus, 600,000 roster bonus, 250,000 in workout bonuses

2018- 3.6 million salary, 2.1 pro rated signing bonus, 2.6 million dollar roster bonus, 250,000 workout bonus.

2019- 5.65 salary, 2.1 signing bonus, 600,000 roster bonus, 250,000 workout bonus

if he is cut after year one, the team saves 4.3 million in cap space. if he's cut after year 2 the team saves 6.5 million

[pbmax]

Interesting

https://www.google.com/amp/profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/11/source-packers-didnt-offer-jared-cook-more-than-martellus-bennett/amp/


Contract structure, bonus, guarantees all could make similar deals friendlier to either side. The one note I keep seeing about Bennett's deal (even while there is confusion between $18 and 21 mil total) is that its clean, with no games being played with likely or not likely to be earned incentives.

[red]

Rob Demovsky of ESPN Wisconsin reported was $20.25 million over three years, including a $6.3 million signing bonus and $2 million roster bonus in March 2018.

Color me crazy, but does this mean could be a one year deal if it goes south?

looks like the team can easily get out of it after 1 year

[Netmag]

This is great and all, but I'll get more optimistic if we get some key guys on D. Our O may be lopsided because it relies too much on 1 guy, but that's Ok because it's good enough to get to and win a Super Bowl (as long as he's healthy).
But that is not the situation on D. Our D was just too inconsistent to go to and win a Super Bowl. Currently, it would require too much luck and I don't know if we can patch it fast enough with only the draft (i.e. fast enough meaning before AROD starts showing age or gets hurt). I think we need to put the odds a little more in our favor on D with a few proven assets.

[red]

yeah, at this point we really haven't improved the team much over last season

if anything, we've still gone backwards without a #1 RB and a starting guard

hopefully bennett wasn't our one free agent signing, cause the D needs help

[Joemailman]

yeah, at this point we really haven't improved the team much over last season

if anything, we've still gone backwards without a #1 RB and a starting guard

hopefully bennett wasn't our one free agent signing, cause the D needs help

I think they're still about 27 million under the cap. TT won't carry that much into next season. I think there will be about 3 more moves. Maybe Lang/Lacy/Defense. Maybe concentrating more on defense.

[pbmax]

Well so far La Canfora has been much more accurate than Demovsky or Wilde. At this point would not be surprised if the Cook offered more turned out to fizzle too.




CONTRACT:3 yr(s) / $21,000,000 SIGNING BONUS$6,300,000 AVERAGE SALARY $7,000,000
GUARANTEED:$7,200,000 FREE AGENT:2020 / UFA

YEAR BASE SALARY SIGNING BONUS ROSTER BONUS WORKOUT BONUS CAP HIT DEAD CAP
2017 $900,000 $2,100,000 $600,000 $250,000 $3,850,000 $7,200,000
2018 $3,600,000 $2,100,000 $2,600,000 $250,000 $8,550,000 $4,200,000
2019 $5,650,000 $2,100,000 $600,000 $250,000 $8,600,000 $2,100,000

[gbgary]

Yeah, I think the important thing to note is we have all been bitching about TT not doing anything in free agency, so he finally signs somebody and some folks are still bitching about it. Just saying...

cuz times running out. spend more and fix it later when Rodgers is gone.

[gbgary]

Rob Demovsky of ESPN Wisconsin reported was $20.25 million over three years, including a $6.3 million signing bonus and $2 million roster bonus in March 2018.

Color me crazy, but does this mean could be a one year deal if it goes south?

all nfl contracts are potentially one year except for quarterbacks...oh wait...

[red]

Well so far La Canfora has been much more accurate than Demovsky or Wilde. At this point would not be surprised if the Cook offered more turned out to fizzle too.




CONTRACT:3 yr(s) / $21,000,000 SIGNING BONUS$6,300,000 AVERAGE SALARY $7,000,000
GUARANTEED:$7,200,000 FREE AGENT:2020 / UFA

YEAR BASE SALARY SIGNING BONUS ROSTER BONUS WORKOUT BONUS CAP HIT DEAD CAP
2017 $900,000 $2,100,000 $600,000 $250,000 $3,850,000 $7,200,000
2018 $3,600,000 $2,100,000 $2,600,000 $250,000 $8,550,000 $4,200,000
2019 $5,650,000 $2,100,000 $600,000 $250,000 $8,600,000 $2,100,000


OHHHH, well if la confora says so, then i guess its all good

never mind what i added 54 minutes earlier

[pbmax]

OHHHH, well if la confora says so, then i guess its all good

never mind what i added 54 minutes earlier

Those numbers are from Spotrac. I was just saying JLC was closer to actual numbers than Wilde/Demovsky.

If you got them somewhere else, give 'em credit.

[gbgary]

hilarious. seems like a great guy.

Bennett-embraces-Captain-of-Fun-role (http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Bennett-embraces-Captain-of-Fun-role/d1194196-d31f-4929-8c96-1bf91e221ee8)

[red]

bump lol

lots of love for marty ad hate for cook in this thread

so far this year, cook has been the real deal, and dickhead sucked before quiting on the team and faking an injury to get out of town

[red]

some of the better posts


Bennett is an upgrade over cook imo


Bennett is every bit as good. Had 701 yards receiving and 7 TD's last year.


Cook can go f*** himself. He had a great opportunity and he blew it.


Hell yea...great signing!


Bennett is a upgrade over Cook without a doubt.


Only reason people rather have Cook over Bennett is because Bennett speaks his mind.


Ya'll need re-calibration. Bennett is the real deal. Cook will go back to slumming it as a low-end starter.

[bobblehead]

bump lol

lots of love for marty ad hate for cook in this thread

so far this year, cook has been the real deal, and dickhead sucked before quiting on the team and faking an injury to get out of town

Yea, I was fooled also. Thing is, Bennett has been a better player throughout his career. He and his brother got sidetracked by being disrespected and all. He turned out to be a real piece of shit, which is why signing other teams guys doesn't always work out.

[mraynrand]

the other end of the spectrum:


I'd rather keep Jared Cook.


Me too, TB.


Bennett is good, but I think Cook is a better fit for the team.