clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2017 NFL free agency: Lions, Bills 'showing strong interest' in Jared Cook, per report

The Packers have competition to re-sign their starting tight end.

Wild Card Round - New York Giants v Green Bay Packers Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers want to re-sign Jared Cook, but they have plenty of competition in that pursuit. According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Ryan Wood, the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills have shown "strong interest" in signing away the talented tight end.

In his first year in Green Bay, Cook displayed the playmaking traits that made him such a coveted tight end coming out of the draft and again as a free agent years earlier. Despite missing six games to injury, Cook caught 30 balls for 377 yards and a score. More importantly, the massive pass-catcher became a key figure during the Packers' playoff run, hauling in the crucial pass on the penultimate play of the divisional round to help secure a victory.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has openly discussed his wish for Cook to remain in Green Bay. That could still happen, though not at whatever price the team had previously offered. With interest coming from two other franchises including one within the division, the Packers must either step up their offer or move on to other options.

In eight seasons, Cook has recorded 303 receptions for 3,880 yards and 17 touchdowns. He turns 30 in April.