Packers make rare free-agent splash with Martellus Bennett

While in New England, Bennett won a Super Bowl in only his second career postseason appearance.

The Green Bay Packers announced on Friday, March 10th the signing of tight end Martellus Bennett.

After declining the fifth-year option on the former first-round pick, the Packers re-signed Perry to a one-year, $5 million “prove-it” type of contract last offseason. The Packers could certainly use his help in the passing game; to put things in perspective, Bennett caught nearly as many passes as both Cook and Richard Rodgers combined last season and easily outpaced that duo in touchdown catches. He will bolster a Packers offense that ranked seventh in the league in passing yards per game (262).

The Green Bay Packers made their first good move of the free agency period by re-signing linebacker Nick Perry.

Bennett, of course, is all too familiar with Aaron Rodgers, given he played for the Bears from 2013-15.

The Packers initially wanted to re-sign Cook, prioritizing him on the opening day of free agency. Per Pro Football Focus (h/t Matthew Cohen of Baltimore Beatdown), the 26-year-old finished among the top-25 cornerbacks with a 77.1 grade against the run and 985 total snaps. “It’ll be good for them to be rooting for you instead of against you because that crowd gets insane”.

Meanwhile, Hyde has agreed to a five-year deal worth $30.5 million ($14 million guaranteed) with the Buffalo Bills. Last season, there were questions about Cook’s hands, while drops have never been a significant problem for Bennett. That signing came right after reports that the Packers would likely not be re-signing Jared Cook.

Perry was the Packers leading pass-rusher last season with 12 sacks.