Packers make Martellus Bennett their first big free-agent addition since 2014
Happy birthday, Martellus Bennett, who will celebrate turning 30 with a multi-year contract from the Green Bay Packers, according to multiple reports.
Bennett signs with the Packers on his 30th birthday pic.twitter.com/ISnA6cnBop
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 10, 2017
No surprise, but I'm told it's a multiyear deal for Martellus Bennett with the #Packers. Aaron Rodgers gets to keep his new toy this time.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2017
Bennett becomes the first big free-agent addition since 2014 for a team that builds through the draft and re-signs its own free agents. And Aaron Rodgers apparently likes it.
#relax pic.twitter.com/x3JyfXe7q8
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 10, 2017
Bennett, who gave the Patriots a valuable second tight end last year when Rob Gronkowski missed significant time with injuries, said goodbye to Pats fans earlier this week after winning a Super Bowl in his only season in New England. He had 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns, but the Pats weren't willing to break the bank for him and traded for Colts tight end Dwayne Allen this week.
Bennett should be an upgrade from Jared Cook, who caught just 30 balls for 377 yards and a TD in his first season in Green Bay and also is a free agent. Former Packers receiver James Jones thinks Bennett will be the best tight end the team has had since Jermichael Finley, and Finley seems to agree.
Former Packers WR James Jones thinks his former team just signed the best TE since @JermichaelF88 https://t.co/Ie2ibJT9vf
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) March 11, 2017
I love u Ted! @MartysaurusRex is a great guy for the job! I am NOW a BENNETT Fan!! Great power move. Im ready 4 the NFL season now. https://t.co/0XUQ0NybJF
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) March 11, 2017