Lance Kendricks to Green Bay: Packers sign Former Rams Tight End

For the second day in a row, the Packers are making a splash on the free agent tight end market.

As if needing some reassurance with the absence of ex-Packers tight end Jared Cook to back up the newest Martellus Bennett acquisition, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rob Demovsky reported Saturday afternoon that the team is signing veteran tight end Lance Kendricks.

From Demovsky:

"The Packers are signing another veteran: tight end Lance Kendricks, according to a source. Kendricks, the former Wisconsin Badger, was released by the Rams earlier this week. He caught 50 passes for 499 yards and two touchdowns last season, his sixth in the NFL. That's two tight ends in two days for the Packers, who signed Martellus Bennett on Friday."

This comes just two days after the Los Angeles Rams released Kendricks to clear up cap room in the heat of free agency. He was initially re-signed by the Rams in May of 2015 on a four-year deal worth near $18.5 million. 

Kendricks, 29, is a Wisconsin native. Born in Wisconsin, he went to the University of Wisconsin from 2008 to 2010 before being drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

The 6'3", 250-pound Kendricks is coming off one of his more moderately productive seasons. He had 499 receiving yards, his most since 2012 and his 50 receptions is a career-high. His 10.0 yards per reception was also his best since 2012, however, he sported his lowest catch percentage of 57.5 percent since his rookie season (48.3 percent).

The only tight ends on the Packers roster at the moment are Richard Rodgers, Beau Sandland and Bennett. It's likely either Rodgers or Sandland will be seeing fierce competition in the coming camp programs further down the offseason road. 

While the contract terms for Kendricks weren't immediately made public, Green Bay Press-Gazette insider Ryan Wood tweeted Saturday morning that the Packers still have roughly $28.2 million to spend. Spotrac's cap space tracker lists the Packers with an approximate $28,919,612, giving them the 15th-most space in the league.

Kendricks now has the chance to play with the Packers' generationally-talented quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who lobbied for the return of Cook at the end of the 2016 season. As a result, general manager Ted Thompson gifted the cornerstone of his franchise with two big-bodied tight ends in the span of two days. It's safe to say the absence of Cook may not be catastrophic by any means.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (56)

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EdsLaces's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:10 pm

Giving him our Barwin money? Not cool.

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marpag1's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:12 pm

Interesting. I guess maybe TT isn't quite as impressed with the TE talent in the draft as some others are.

We might be seeing a few more double TE sets... and less of Richard Rodgers.

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dobber's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:17 pm

Might be only impressed with draftable TEs who will go when he needs to prioritize other positions. Arguably, he's set up so he won't HAVE to draft a TE for a couple years.

I think this signing solidifies the TE position, but Kendricks is really a move TE/H-back type. A guy who suffered from playing with a parade of bad QBs in St Louis/Los Angeles, but you have to wonder if he's still got the same athleticism we saw out of him at UW.

It says something that TT jumped on him so quickly after he was cut.

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stockholder's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:55 pm

Trade coming; R. Rodgers goes to Tampa Bay for a 5th round pick. And I'll bet he'd throw in Janis.

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barutanseijin's picture

March 12, 2017 at 10:37 am

No one's trading anything for Richard Rodgers. Assuming anyone wants him -- which is highly doubtful -- they'll just wait until he get cut.

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dobber's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:31 pm

Two different "clickbait" sources now reporting that the Packers have been in touch with Connor Barwin.

nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2017/03/ex-eagles_lb_connor_barwin_has_heard_from_packers.html

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ZacharyJacobson's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:35 pm

Saw quite a few myself. Not sure how credible they are, but an interesting storyline to follow nonetheless. Could just be Barwin's agents trying to jack up his price.

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OrganLeroy's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:36 pm

I guess that's to be expected, reports a few days ago listed the Packers and several other teams so we'll see. He'd be a good addition.

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dobber's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:35 pm

Also, several sources reporting that Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)--a guy some had linked to the Packers in round 1 of the draft--blew out his Achilles in his pro-day workout today.

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NickPerry's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:41 pm

That sucks because I really liked Jones. You hate to see an injury like that to anyone of these kids who have worked so hard to get to this point. Thing is he had a pretty good combine and didn't really need to be participating in a Pro Day too.

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OrganLeroy's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:47 pm

Just saw the video about 10 mins. ago. Really sad for the guy, he already had a 1st round grade from the combine, didn't need to do a pro day.

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EdsLaces's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:54 pm

Damn he was definitely my favorite corner!

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packerbackerjim's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:37 pm

I guess the prospect of relying on Richard Rodgers scared TT as much me. This one took me completely by surprise. Pleasantly.

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zoellner25's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:42 pm

What the H is going on at lambeau?

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4thand1's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:51 pm

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? TED IS GRABBING GRABBING GRABBING!

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zoellner25's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:43 pm

Oh, and welcome to the bench, Richard Rodgers

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NickPerry's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:44 pm

I like this signing actually. If Wood is reporting the Packers still have around $28.9 million they didn't give Kendricks much at all. Still plenty to get Barwin and maybe House signed.

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ZacharyJacobson's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:50 pm

Wood reported $28.2, Spotrac $28.9. And FWIW, Wood's tweet was this morning well before the Kendricks signing.

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NickPerry's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:49 pm

Oh i see. No matter i doubt Kendricks is too pricey. Anyone know the length of the deal? $6 million for the Rookie class so Ted still has $$$$

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ZacharyJacobson's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:51 pm

Not announced yet, but I'll update this post when the details become official.
Yep, lots of money to spend! Here's to hoping he actually does so.

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zoellner25's picture

March 11, 2017 at 07:44 pm

We still only have 1 RB

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 11, 2017 at 08:07 pm

Considering Ted may need to stash $5M to rookies, that would put the team somewhere between 23 and 24M. Adding Barwin and Davon House is doable with that...question is how much is Ted wanting to keep in the bank for next year? Free agents include Burnett, picking up HHCD option, Lane Taylor, a heavily invested Corey Linsley, Davonte Adams, Geronimo Allison, and a few more role players. Not all of these players will be on the team in 2018, but the positions and roles have to be supplemented least to say.

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Michael Grunewald's picture

March 11, 2017 at 04:46 pm

11 warm on defense that stumble into an occasional stop...just load up the offense. First team to 50 wins. One TE, yes. Two is puzzling, though I should have learned by now we will build the D through the draft. How is that working for ya Ted?

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dobber's picture

March 11, 2017 at 06:49 pm

Maybe he's loading up on offensive players in anticipation of losing someone next year...maybe Cobb to be a casualty to keep Adams?

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 11, 2017 at 08:07 pm

The way things are happening I wonder how long Cobb is a packer. Even Matthews on the other side is questionable after this season

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MarkinMadison's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:09 pm

Have to say I like how TT has handled the TE question. Cook was good when he played but when he was out it really showed the lack of depth at the position. I would have liked to see Cook back but I suspect when I look at the numbers later Kendricks and Bennett will look better on paper than Cook.

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Bert's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:12 pm

Kendricks actually provides some good flexibility and depth at TE. Good signing. With the remaining $28M be nice to sign:
CB (House?)
Barwin
Lang
Lacey
I'm not totally sold on House but if he can stay healthy he should at least be able to replace Hyde?

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Matt Gonzales's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:41 pm

This gives us 4 serviceable TEs. Anticipating maybe that Lacy won't be back and that we will need to play more 2/3 TE sets to compensate)?

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Handsback's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:50 pm

Matt, I'm leaning the same way. Maybe Lance as a H-Back/FB that will swing out to flank at the last minute or block for Monty/Rip. I have to wonder if Green Bay has looked at Rip as a guy who can get that tough two yards instead of Lacy? A Rip/Monty backfield vs. Lacy/Monty duo. I like the thought of two good TEs and I'm sure MM is grinning ear to ear.

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 11, 2017 at 08:13 pm

That's what I'm seeing Hands. We all know Mike's love for bruising full backs. My guess is they will only sign Lacy on a team friendly deal, and they will draft one. Other than that I don't see any halfback shopping done. I do see a possibly historic year for Aaron Rodgers though...!

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4thand1's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:55 pm

Were the earlier reports true? The Packers will be active in FA?

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Mojo's picture

March 11, 2017 at 05:57 pm

Should compete with RR for the TE2 position. Gives the Pack two athletic TE's to put stress on the opposing D.

He's not highly regarded by PFF, but If the $'s are reasonable - combined without losing a comp pick - then it's worth a look,

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4thand1's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:39 pm

I don't think Cook was highly regarded by PFF, and worked out well. Funny what a really good QB can do for a player.

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Lphill's picture

March 11, 2017 at 06:07 pm

The defense is really taking shape .

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TKWorldWide's picture

March 11, 2017 at 11:29 pm

~ ?

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Spock's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:02 pm

Lphill, I am assuming that's sarcasm. However, I've said it before, but it bears repeating -people on these Packer fan sites tend to forget that a TT signing of a (former) Packer aka Nick Perry in FA is still a FA signing. So Ted HAS made at least one major defensive signing and it is still early FA signing time! Also, this draft (if the pundits can be believed) is reputed to be LOADED with defensive talent at exactly the positions the Packers need to strengthen. Patience Grasshopper; all will be revealed by training camp.

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Finwiz's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

Sarcasm is awesome, particularly when it's true.

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William Dickson's picture

March 11, 2017 at 06:41 pm

much rather have TJ Lang sign then Connor barwin. Connor barwin would help but TJ Lang will help more just saying.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 11, 2017 at 09:13 pm

I think it would be easier to find a plug and play OG in the draft, if necessary, even if we have to use our 3rd rounder, than an OLB who can come in play 750 snaps. The coaches also have a better idea if Murphy or someone else can replace Lang without an enormous drop off in play.

For those reasons, I prefer Barwin to re-signing Lang if that is the choice presented. I've been wondering if the decision on re-signing Jones is hinges on what happens with Barwin and Lang. We have $28.2M in cap space, minus the Kendricks deal and minus rookies (about $2M immediately). Remaining Packer FAs:
Lang
Goode
Datone
Elliott
Lacy
Michael
Tripp
Cook
Starks

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 11, 2017 at 09:16 pm

If I had to dump RR's $1.923M cap hit (savings $1.7M) to fit Barwin and Lang both under the cap and have some rollover, I'd do that, but my bias against RR is well known.

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Spock's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm

TGR. I think it's safe to remove Cook and Starks from that list. IMHO neither will be back.

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Finwiz's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

Nope - not even close.

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Finwiz's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:45 pm

X

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fthisJack's picture

March 11, 2017 at 07:28 pm

you don't break the bank signing a guard even it is Lang.

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hodge555's picture

March 12, 2017 at 07:51 am

Considering that we were happy to drop Sitton last year I can see us not paying big $$ for Lang, which means I think it unlikely he will be back. I suspect we'll be filling the role with Spriggs.

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Spock's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:15 pm

hodge555 more likely Murphy or someone yet to be determined (FA or Draft, and, yeah, I know it's supposed to be a poor draft pool for lineman.) Some veterans will be released after the draft and a serviceable starter may be available if the 2nd year guys for the Packers aren't quite ready. Spriggs is (I think) the plan for the main backup for the tackles right now, not (shudder) Barclay. IMO. :)

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blue eyes's picture

March 11, 2017 at 07:37 pm

Wrong Kendricks Ted. Give Philly a 5th rounder for Mychal Kendricks and get Da House back. Keep Clay on the edges with Perry. Then draft BPA.

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Tundraboy's picture

March 11, 2017 at 07:51 pm

Wow. Didn't see that coming. In a dream I thought about Bennet and Cook, but THIS really makes me wonder. Are they really loading up on O with two faster physical TEs, Lacy and with the passing game, Monty and Rip and going all in? Don't see many 3 and outs! Of course I'll believe it when I see it, which means Rodgers on the bench or gone. But of course I could see MM playing Rodgers out of loyalty. Boy this is exciting, and if they fix the D! Need to sign Lacy, want to see all hands on deck and what this O would be like with him in the mix. This could truly be a scary O

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TommyG's picture

March 11, 2017 at 09:03 pm

Once again the offense looks like a firestorm waiting to happen. Twin TE siginings tells me that teams are unloading them as the draft pool for TE looks good this year. Packers reap the benefit.

Now for the splashy defensive signings, TT

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Since'61's picture

March 11, 2017 at 10:02 pm

The more weapons for Aaron Rodgers the better. Kendricks is a solid #2 TE for the Packers. TT may be holding off on Lang to let his price drop. Also, TT is aware of Lang's injury status and just may want to stay away. RBs are not getting much interest so far in FA. No reason to throw big bucks at any of them. Better to draft fresh legs for a much lower price tag. Of the remaining Packer FAs I would consider signing Goode at this point. His name is never called which is a good thing for an LS. I'm not sold on House or Barwin but if their price is right then I say go for it. The longer they are on the market the better our leverage. TTs has plenty of money left, let's hope that he uses it and does so wisely. As for the draft I've been hearing on the local NYC sports talk radio that the NY Jets are looking to trade down with their #6 pick in the first round. Maybe TT makes that move and picks up one of the top CBs or OLBs in the draft. As long as we're dreaming we might as well dream big. Thanks, Since '61

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Ryan Graham's picture

March 11, 2017 at 10:59 pm

Yeah as fuzzy and warm a thought it is to have as high a first round pick at 6, I lean toward Desert PF here. Realistically you would have to give up far too much for a pick that high. I don't know if it's necessary either to get a quality talent at cornerback. There will probably be some stout talent at both edge and corner into the 2nd round and some deeper.

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hodge555's picture

March 12, 2017 at 07:47 am

I think more likely is we drop back to get extra picks with which to grab more from this talent pool.

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Minniman's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:02 am

Taking the "moneyball" approach it definitely sounds like its time to have the contract restructure talk with Randall Cobb - the seam is going to be crowded with receivers and its 2 years past clearcut that he's a slot receiver, not a #1. Likewise Clay Matthews. They are still necessary, potent pieces of the puzzle for GB, but they aren't playing to their cap hit.

Julius Peppers is a great example of this. last year's cap hit 10.5 mill (and i groaned when it was reported that he was going to be a "role player")........ this year 3.5...... kind of what you would expect for said role player

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Minniman's picture

March 12, 2017 at 12:12 am

P.S I do like the idea of bringing Eddie Lacy back. just let "silly season" pass for him - if someone reaches in the next couple of days with big $$$ for him, then great fortune Mr Lacy - if not, then a modest incentives based\ prove it deal would be good for all parties.

I'm not sure on TJ Lang. Anyone who's done a back injury knows that they never really heal - just stabilize after a very long recovery. For a pro football lineman its inevitable that he continues to exacerbate this injury - which will affect his abilities to bend and anchor. He's a tough customer, but I would be factoring in when he breaks down, not if, and the $$$ should reflect this

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sheppercheeser's picture

March 12, 2017 at 07:51 am

Great TE moves by GB. I love TJ, but can't justify paying a guard $10m+ with his bad back and age.

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dobber's picture

March 14, 2017 at 10:22 am

Kendricks gets 2yr/$4M, $1.2M guaranteed.

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