Jared Cook chose Packers over Bears, Falcons and Panthers, per report

The Green Bay Packers finally landed their field-stretching tight end when Jared Cook agreed to sign on Monday. However, Cook could have decided to go in a different direction. According to an ESPN report, the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears expressed interest in the former Rams pass catcher before he made his choice.

Cook received his offer from the Packers during his March 14 visit. Exactly two weeks passed between the meeting and when the tight end returned to Green Bay to take his physical and sign his one-year contract, enough time for Cook and his agent to figure out his value to other suitors and make an educated decision. While money could have played a factor, the opportunity to catch passes from Aaron Rodgers likely weighed into the decision given the series of underwhelming quarterbacks Cook played with during his time with the St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans.

Assuming Cook passes his physical, the Packers now have five tight ends on the roster, including Richard Rodgers, Justin Perillo, Kennard Backman and Mitchell Henry.