Packers sign tight end Lance Kendricks

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 11, 2017, 4:44 PM EST
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Another day, another free agent tight end in Green Bay.

The Packers are signing free agent tight end Lance Kendricks today, after signing free agent tight end Martellus Bennett yesterday.

Kendricks was cut by the Rams this week. He caught 50 passes for 499 yards last season.

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson is known for eschewing free agency, but this year he clearly prioritized improving at the tight end position, and now he’s done so twice. Although Aaron Rodgers had lobbied for the Packers to re-sign Jared Cook, Rodgers will surely be pleased that the Packers have found two new tight ends who should bolster Green Bay’s passing game.

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80 responses to “Packers sign tight end Lance Kendricks”

  4. I’m all for improving the position. But don’t the Packers already have a Lance Kendricks clone on the roster? His name is Richard Rodgers. He has good hands, but he too tends to be lumbering and doesn’t block well.

  6. I bet Ted goes after Revis. Probably end up bringin back Lacy too, if not probably swoop a veteran and draft one and a bunch of defense

  9. With Erin ratcheting up his whining a little more each offseason, TT is finally being forced into the modern age where teams take part in FA.

    In unrelated news, the Lions, Vikings and Bears have just moved safety to the top of their draft boards.

  11. I’m all for improving the position. But don’t the Packers already have a Lance Kendricks clone on the roster? His name is Richard Rodgers. He has good hands, but he too tends to be lumbering and doesn’t block well.
    ————-
    Your assessment of Kendricks is spot on, except that he can’t catch.

  13. “Now they just need 10 defensive starters.”

    Daniels, Clark, Matthews, Perry, Clinton-Dix, Burnett and Ryan are just fine. They need a couple of CBs, a LB, a 5 technique and some depth.

  14. beavertonsteve says:
    Your assessment of Kendricks is spot on, except that he can’t catch.
    —
    I didn’t say Kendricks could catch. I said Richard Rodgers has good hands, but like Kendrick, is not particularly fast and not a particularly good blocker.

  15. golforepar says:

    tjacks, How was the parade for not taking last place in the North? Skolololol

    —

    Almost as good as the one they throw in GB every year after the annual playoff collapse.

  16. tjacks7 says:
    Mar 11, 2017 5:19 PM
    golforepar says:

    tjacks, How was the parade for not taking last place in the North? Skolololol

    —

    Almost as good as the one they throw in GB every year after the annual playoff collapse.

    ////////

    Well there you go. Looks like Trisha prefers the 3rd place parade.

  17. mnrasslinggovjesse says:
    Mar 11, 2017 5:15 PM

    “Now they just need 10 defensive starters.”

    Daniels, Clark, Matthews, Perry, Clinton-Dix, Burnett and Ryan are just fine. They need a couple of CBs, a LB, a 5 technique and some depth.

    ____________________

    A 5 technique? Looks like someone has been listening to Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller in the afternoons.

  18. So anytime we don’t win the SB it is a collapse? And what do you call not making the playoffs at all?

  20. I’ll take my chances in the playoffs rather than finish 3rd or 4th EVERY YEAR and not even come close to the playoffs.

    Only an idiot would rather miss the playoffs instead of getting to the 2nd or end round every year. Viking fan would never understand what it’s like.

  21. For tjacks this is the most glorious time of the year – he doesn’t have to watch the the Vikings playing.

  23. tritz32 says:
    Mar 11, 2017 5:14 PM
    I won’t miss Richard Rogers for one second. Slowest and most unathletic TE in the history of man.
    ————————————————————–
    Who said the Pack was dumping R.Rodgers??
    I don’t see that happening at all. Mike likes TE’s. It’s not unusual for MM to carry 3 TE’s, and has had 4 on the roster in the past.
    And just remember who went up high to save our butts against the Lions a couple years ago.
    Slow?? Yes. Unathletic – No.

  24. tjacks, thanks for the humor! Your team lost all 4 SBs and since then 0 – 5 in NFC Championship games. Everyone laughs at the Vikings Skolololol

  27. Couple that with Big Richard on the outside and Aaron has to be salavating this offseason

  29. With Erin ratcheting up his whining a little more each offseason, TT is finally being forced into the modern age where teams take part in FA.

    Who’s Erin?

  30. Rolo Tomassi says:
    Clay Mathews was the 101st ranked edge defender out of 110 in the league last year
    —–
    Most American car horns honk in the key of F.
    I’m sorry. Wait. What? I thought we were playing the “pointless trivia that has nothing to do with this story” game. My bad.

  31. Kinda surprised that Ted would finally dive into the Free Agent pool party by going after tight ends two days in a row, but then, he surprised me a couple of years ago by drafting two Centers back to back in Linsley and Tretter, and that worked out well for the last few years. I guess Richard Rodgers can start looking for a job elsewhere.

  32. To me this seems to be telegraphing their intent with the 29th pick. Bennett can block and Kendricks is marginally better than R Rodgers. I think GB is looking long and hard at RBs that will be available at #29.

  33. packerpauly says:
    I think GB is looking long and hard at RBs that will be available at #29.
    —-
    Perhaps. But good backs can be found later in the draft, especially this year.
    The Pack desperately need corners and edge rushers, and perhaps a middle linebacker that can cover on passing downs.
    My money is on one of those, although trying to second-guess TT can be an exercise in futility. I guess we’ll find out next month.

  34. The guy averaged 3 catches a game last season and people are trying to say he can’t catch. I heard the same thing about Cook when he signed with the Pack before last season.

    This is going to add some new wrinkles for defenses to have to consider. Twin tight end sets again for ARod to do damage with.

    The vikings just wet themselves.

  36. brettfavreisapacker4ever says:
    Who said the Pack was dumping R.Rodgers? . . . And just remember who went up high to save our butts against the Lions a couple years ago.
    Slow?? Yes. Unathletic – No.
    —–
    Judging by the number of dislikes on my first comment, I would say many Packers fans are offended that I dared point out that Richard Rodgers isn’t real fast and isn’t a great blocker, something scouts would agree with.
    But that doesn’t mean I don’t like Rodgers (in fact, I do), or Lance Kendricks for that matter. I was merely pointing out they are similar players and the Pack have other needs.
    You’re right, Rodgers is VERY athletic, and he’s made some huge catches over the past two years, many of them in very tight windows. I suspect the Packers will keep three tight ends — Martellus Bennett, Rodgers and Kendricks.

  37. The Vikings are the Packers good luck charm! Since they entered the league The Green Bay Packers have won 7 championships, the most of any team in the NFL while the purple Barneys have still not won even one.

  38. Packers Organization – Hey Ted, we need a ton of help on defense, a new RB, a few O Linemen, a new defensive coordinator, and perhaps even a new head coach. Whatcha got?

    Ted Thompson – here you go, got you two tight ends. They’re basically O Linemen cause they line up next to the tackle. Enjoy.

    You seriously can’t make this stuff up! Only in GB is this celebrated as an achievement.

  40. tjacks7 says:
    Mar 11, 2017 5:19 PM
    Almost as good as the one they throw in GB every year after the annual playoff collapse.
    ///////////////::///////:::::

    You’re joking right? The Vikings are the all-time NFL record-holder for playoff losses.

    I gets worse.

    The Vikings also are the sole owners, outright, of the NFL record for one and done playoff appearances.

    Wide Left. Own it.

  42. Packers are the Indy of the NFC.
    They have a stud QB in the prime of his career and they are withering it away, via bad drafting, personnel decisions, coaching and scheming on defense.

    Rodgers has one Ring.

  43. They say it’s the deepest TE draft in years. That’s probably where TThomson is headed.

  44. packmangamble says:
    Obviously (the Rams) aren’t very good at recognizing tight end talent.
    —-
    Or, maybe they had no real quarterback, a poor offensive line, mediocre wideouts, and a perennially 7-9 coach who couldn’t assemble an offense that would make it possible for anyone to know whether their tight ends were any good or not?
    Remember, Cook was no great shakes in Tennessee either. He had one good half of an NFL season in Green Bay, playing with an elite QB in an offense that best utilized his skills.
    We’ll see what Lance Kendricks brings to the table. but you have to figure that now he’ll be surrounded by better talent and a better system, right?

  45. infectorman says:
    Mar 11, 2017 6:46 PM
    Packers are the Indy of the NFC.
    They have a stud QB in the prime of his career and they are withering it away, via bad drafting, personnel decisions, coaching and scheming on defense.

    Rodgers has one Ring.
    ____________________

    That is one more than the whole vikings organization has and they have had 2 HOF QB’s play for them.

    Let that sink in.

  46. “Just remember who cut Jared Cook last year, that’s correct, the LA Rams. Obviously they aren’t very good at recognizing tight end talent.”

    Well, they brought Cook and Kendricks into their organization in the first place.

    When a team can’t pass or run the TEs don’t look so good. Get them into a functional offense, say NE or Green Bay, that will change.

  47. We’ll see what Lance Kendricks brings to the table. but you have to figure that now he’ll be surrounded by better talent and a better system, right?

    Kendricks has to be chomping at the bit knowing that ARod will be throwing to him.

  48. Only an idiot like Rick Spielman would trade a future 1st round pick for a fragile overrated quarterback who can’t even get his team into the playoffs. Good job Rick!

    I’m not a huge Ted fan, but when he does sign a free agent, he spends wisely and gets players that actually help the team.

  50. packmangamble says:
    Kendricks has to be chomping at the bit knowing that ARod will be throwing to him.
    —-
    Absolutely. He gets a payday and a huge upgrade at QB — a guy that can help him stay in the league a little longer.

  53. 250dollarnflowner says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:06 PM
    the last decent tight end that caught for erin was named kevin
    ////////////////////////////

    Why were you there?

  54. Long time Ram fan here. Not sure where some of you are getting your information, but Lance is a very good blocker. He has generally been a decent pass catcher as well, but he had some critical drops over the past two seasons.

  55. Breaking news. Richard Rogers cut. Vikings sign him and immediately becomes their number 1 offensive weapon!!

    Number 1 offensive weapon??? Must not have much of an offense!

  56. Nice addition by Green Bay. Watched him in St Louis and while he may occasionally drop one he is a very good blocker and he has the ability to get open and down the middle of the field.
    Was puzzled why the Rams let him go when they do not have any other tight end with decent experience but then realized it is the Rams and the same team that let Jenkins go last year.

  57. fearsome4 says:
    Long time Ram fan here. Not sure where some of you are getting your information, but Lance is a very good blocker.
    —-
    Scouts and other evaluators tend to say otherwise, but if you’re a Rams fan you probably watched him much more closely than I did, so I’ll take your word for it.

  60. Richard Rodgers will never be cut from Green Bay as ARod has anything to say about it.

    He loves Richard — that’s a well known fact.

  61. stellarperformance says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:28 PM

    250dollarnflowner says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:06 PM
    the last decent tight end that caught for erin was named kevin
    ////////////////////////////

    Why were you there?

    ————————————–

    Do you remember seeing him there?

  62. cut by the rams. yep that tells u all you need to know. also with rodgers eating up about 89% of the cap, what are they paying these guys? 1/10th of the league minimum?

  63. packmangamble says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:33 PM
    Breaking news. Richard Rogers cut. Vikings sign him and immediately becomes their number 1 offensive weapon!!

    Number 1 offensive weapon??? Must not have much of an offense!
    ——————————————————————
    Well?

  65. infectorman says:
    Mar 11, 2017 6:46 PM
    Packers are the Indy of the NFC.
    They have a stud QB in the prime of his career and they are withering it away, via bad drafting, personnel decisions, coaching and scheming on defense.

    Rodgers has one Ring.
    ———————-

    One ring on his very large hand.

  66. This is awesome, and will pave the way for the 8th straight year of the Packers advancing further than the hapless and tasteless Vikings.

    One of the reasons that Pioneer Press calls MN “Loserville, USA” is because of the way the Packers humiliate the Vikings every year.

    And that’s what makes football fun.

  67. 250dollarnflowner says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:06 PM
    Do you remember seeing him there?
    ////////////////////////////////////////

    Where?

  68. leatherface2012 says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:58 PM
    cut by the rams. yep that tells u all you need to know. also with rodgers eating up about 89% of the cap, what are they paying these guys? 1/10th of the league minimum?
    ————————-

    Trivis question 1: what team originally gave up on Sam Bradford? Yep, the Rams.

    Trivia question 2: What player on the Vikings roster eats up almost as much salary cap as Aaron Rogers? It’s that same player the Rams gave up on.

  69. Packers organization – Ted, we need a few corners, a safety, a LB, a nose tackle, a couple of offensive linemen, a RB, a defensive coordinator, and a new head coach. What can you do Ted?

    Ted Thompson – here’s two tight ends, make some magic.

    LOL

  70. contra74 says:
    Mar 11, 2017 8:59 PM
    Packers organization – Ted, we need a few corners, a safety, a LB, a nose tackle, a couple of offensive linemen, a RB, a defensive coordinator, and a new head coach. What can you do Ted?

    Ted Thompson – here’s two tight ends, make some magic.
    ////////////////////////////////////////////////

    Can someone please explain to me why Viking trolls believe the Vikings have provided them with a right to throw shade at the Packers? The Vikings are behind the Packers in wins, championships, tradition, respect, worldwide support, you name it. The list is endless.

    Viking trolls: Please tell me why you feel entitled. Aside from the obvious jealousies and obsessions, I’m just curious.

  71. When Packers sign other free agents from other teams they say it’s great but when other teams sign Packer players they say Packers trash. Well, which is it? Packers trash or the other way around? I say it’s the other way around bc Packers think they’re on top of the world when their team choke every time.

  72. dcviking says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:56 PM
    stellarperformance says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:28 PM

    250dollarnflowner says:
    Mar 11, 2017 7:06 PM
    the last decent tight end that caught for erin was named kevin
    ////////////////////////////

    Why were you there?

    ————————————–

    Do you remember seeing him there?

    /////////////////

    Wow you sure got him there, huh?

  75. Kendricks will provide depth and remember, one year McCarthy kept 4 tight ends. His offense has multiple packages calling for two, sometimes three TE’s.

  76. No team can rely solely on the draft. There were two teams that used to do that, and they were pretty successful (Cowboys and Steelers of the 70s) but there were no free agents available back then.

  77. Well, the Vikings DO have one NFL Championship (from the pre-merger era, they still lost the Super Bowl that year, of course).

    But…they lost the trophy. For real. You can’t make this stuff up.

  80. mnrasslinggovjesse says:
    Mar 11, 2017 5:15 PM
    “Now they just need 10 defensive starters.”

    Daniels, Clark, Matthews, Perry, Clinton-Dix, Burnett and Ryan are just fine. They need a couple of CBs, a LB, a 5 technique and some depth.
    ===================================

    You say they have Matthews as a good thing? 24 tackles for the season. 49 the year before.

    Ok then.

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