Yes, I know I was one of the chief people singing the praises of Jared Cook's potential with the Green Bay Packers, but this is where realism has to take hold. Cook has never produced up to his physical potential, no matter the team or quarterback situation. While it’s clear that the carousel of Nick Foles and Case Keenum that was under center for his St. Louis Rams in 2015 was decidedly worse than Sam Bradford in 2013, we can’t escape the fact that Cook’s career 0.56 Reception NEP per target and 57.96 percent Catch Rate are mediocre at best. There is hope that a season with Aaron Rodgers revives his value, but there are no guarantees.
If he doesn’t prove to be even average, the Packers could end up going with the uninspiring-but-solid trio of Richard Rodgers, Justin Perillo, and Kennard Backman. Cook has one of the safer roster situations on this list, but the Packers’ notorious frugality may make his contract expendable if need be.
Cut Savings: $1.93 million