Ted Talks: Packers Make Unusual Splash with Martellus Bennett
Packers General Manager Ted Thompson is notorious for going into hibernation while premier free agents are signed every March, then re-appearing during the annual NFL Draft like Gandalf, the White Wizard from The Lord of the Rings. Not this year! Just moments after it was reported now former Packers tight end Jared Cook would not be re-signed, it was announced Green Bay had come to terms with former Patriots target Martellus Bennett on a three-year, $21 million contract to take his place as Aaron Rodgers’ premier pass catching tight end.  This news caught most by surprise as the expectation was Cook would likely return and if not, many mock drafts had the Packers simply targeting a young tight end early in the first couple days of the draft. Ted has talked and fantasy owners now must listen.  Let’s run down the impacted players as a result of this signing.
Martellus Bennett, TE GB
[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]
This will be the fifth stop in the career of Bennett after stretches in Dallas, Chicago, New York and New England. Over his nine-year career, he has compiled 403 catches, 4,287 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns.  He couldn’t have asked for a better landing spot as the Packers and Aaron Rodgers aren’t shy about slinging the football around the yard.  While not the athlete he once was, Bennett had the second highest reception percentage among tight ends last season. Ironically, his 78% trailed only the now fantasy legend Jack Doyle, who caught 79% of passes thrown his way.  Bennett is now 30 years old and on the downside of his career but he’ll have a great chance to post some nice numbers the next few years. Let’s just hope his locker room presence isn’t too much for Gang Green to handle.  Bennett’s ADP had taken a nose dive after the season but look for a market correction in March.  Simply put, this is great news for his value and his ranking of TE11 should be pretty stable.
Jared Cook, TE GB
Cook owners were hoping he’d re-sign in Green Bay and build upon the momentum and chemistry he and Rodgers were starting to develop in the postseason. Â Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be. Â Cook should land somewhere soon but his outlook likely won’t be nearly as rosy. It’s been reported Cook turned down more from the Packers than they gave Bennett. Â If so, that’s a gaffe he won’t forget soon.
Richard Rodgers, TE GB
This is the last year of Rodgers’ contract and he’ll likely be moving on if Bennett plays well. His owners were hoping he would somehow vault into the starter’s role, but that’s not going to happen with Bennett in tow. Rodgers is still young but it’s going to be tough for dynasty owners to hold on to him in most leagues. If they do, it’s with an eye on next year when he’ll hit free agency.
Aaron Rodgers, QB GB
Much like Tom Brady or Drew Brees, there really isn’t much that could knock the value of A-Rod down.  With that being said, having Bennett will only help, especially in the red zone.  Rodgers was very vocal in his support of Cook but he should learn to really like what Bennett brings to the table.
This was a surprising move to say the least. However, those who own Bennett have to be thrilled and are likely ordering their cheeseheads as they read this article.
[/am4show]
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
