Martellus Bennett is a reminder that sometimes not all Free agent signings work out.
With Free Agency opening up this week, we look back on Free agents that didn’t work out for the Packers.
A couple of weeks ago we looked the signing of Tim Couch back in 2004.
This week we look at possibly one of the worst signings in Packers history.
Furthermore we look at a signing that while at the time looked like a big time signing, was instead a big dud.
What led to the signing of Martellus Bennett?
When the Packers entered the 2017 offseason one of the priorities for the Packers was the Tight End position.
Jared Cook held that position for the 2016 and did fairly well.
Not only did Cook help elevate the offense, he put up some good numbers.
While he took a while to warm up, towards the end of the season he became a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers.
Cook had 30 receptions for 377 yards and one touchdown in 2016.
But Cook was only signed for a one year deal, but all signs showed the Packers were willing to resign him.
Instead the Packers opted to let Cook leave in Free agency.
That left a whole in the Packers offense.
The signing
While the Packers decided to let go of Cook, they had their eye on another Tight End.
The Packers liked the fact that Bennett was able to stretch the field.
This was something the Packers were missing since Jermicheal Finley’s career prematurely ended in 2013.
Bennett was also though to bring a winning attitude after winning the Super Bowl the year before with the Patriots.
The Packers signed him to a 3-year, 21 million dollar deal.
At the time Packers fans thought Bennett was an upgrade over Cook, as it turned out, he was more of a downgrade.
Martellus Bennett time in Green Bay
Bennett’s time in Green Bay was short.
In fact he didn’t even last a full season with the Packers.
Bennett played in only seven games and caught 24 passes for 233 yards and no touchdowns.
To add insult to injury, many felt when Rodgers was injured in 2017, that Bennett quit on the team.
Bennett also clams he had a shoulder injury, while the Packers say he didn’t disclose the injury.
Thus this lead to the Packers releasing Bennett during the season, ending the messy relationship.
Bennett resigned with the Patriots later in the season.
Conclusion
The Packers had high expectations for Bennett.
Instead he was a disturbance in the Locker room and didn’t put in effort.
All signs of someone the Packers wouldn’t have signed.
Bennett retired in 2017, but his legacy in Green Bay might be being one of the worst free agent signings in Packers history.
He is also a lesson, that not all big time free agents work out.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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The post Free agents that didn’t work out for the Packers: Martellus Bennett first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.