Speedy tight end Jared Cook is about to sign a deal to join the Green Bay Packers, sources have told ESPN.
Cook, who will turn 29 next month, signed a five-year, $35 million deal with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent in 2013. He was a casualty of the Rams’ salary purge on Feb. 19, when the team cut him along with veterans James Laurinaitis and Chris Long. Keeping Cook would have carried an $8.3 million cap hit.
The Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears had all shown interest in Cook, sources reported to ESPN, but he opted for the Packers and its offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers made an offer to Cook during his visit March 14, sources say, and also pursued Cook last season before the trade deadline. It’s a big move for the Packers, who traditionally under General Manager Ted Thompson are known for their patient approach to free agency.
The 6-foot-5 Cook has 273 receptions for 3,503 yards and 16 touchdowns in 107 career games.
