Packers: 5 biggest needs on the roster entering offseason

4. Tight end

The Packers have been searching for a consistent pass-catching tight end ever since Jermichael Finley got hurt in 2013.

Jared Cook could have been the answer. During the second half of 2016, he was. In three playoff games, Cook caught 18 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He missed six games through injury, but his return helped spark the Packers’ eight-game winning streak that took them all the way to the NFC title game.

Ted Thompson’s decision to replace Cook with Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks at first looked like a positive move. In hindsight it was a huge mistake, moving the Packers back to square one.

Now they must find a tight end who can become a difference maker in Green Bay’s offense.

Kendricks showed no signs of becoming that player, and free-agent-to-be Richard Rodgers is a million miles away from what the Packers need. If Rodgers returns, it’ll be as a depth piece.

Maybe Gutekunst will try and land a free agent name like Jimmy Graham or Tyler Eifert. In Green Bay’s scheme, Graham could be a difference maker. His price tag will likely be too high though, and Eifert’s long injury history is a major red flag.

The Packers will likely have to find their tight end of the future in April’s draft. Urgency: Moderate