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Breathe a quick sigh of relief, Green Bay Packers fans. A free agent former Packer took a visit to speak with the Minnesota Vikings this week, but he is not signing a contract with them for 2017.
That player is Jared Cook, and after visiting the Vikings’ facility, he flew to Oakland to meet with the Raiders. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Cook is going to sign a contract with Oakland.
Cook and the Packers were reportedly close to a deal around this time last week, but talks broke down Friday morning. Later that day, the Packers signed former Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett instead, reportedly for a lower dollar amount than the deal that was under discussion with Cook.
Now, Cook goes to an ascending young team in Oakland which made the playoffs in 2016. He should make an intriguing weapon for quarterback Derek Carr, especially when viewed in concert with wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
The Packers do not play the Raiders again until 2019, so the Packers will not have to worry about facing Cook in the regular season any time soon.
Stay tuned for details of the contract.