Green Bay Packers set to sign free agent tight end Jared Cook

The Green Bay Packers hope a rare foray into free agency yields the playmaking tight end Aaron Rodgers has lacked.

Free agent Jared Cook was in Green Bay on Monday to take a physical and sign with the Packers, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

Cook agreed to terms Thursday and already has been talking to Rodgers, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been signed. The person also said it is a one-year deal that maxes out at $3.65 million with incentives.

The Los Angeles Rams released Cook, 28, earlier this month. He never has played with a quarterback like the two-time NFL MVP Rodgers while recording 273 catches for 3,503 yards and 16 touchdowns in seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans and the Rams.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson's approach to free agency has been conservative to say the least. But he has had some big hits through the years, most notably Charles Woodson in 2006.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

Because Cook was cut, he doesn't count against the Packers in the compensatory draft pick formula.

Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter@TomPelissero