The Facts: HC Mike McCarthy spoke glowingly about Bennett at the annual head-coach media breakfast in Phoenix. Specifically, he said the 30-year-old may "potentially be" the NFL's best tight end. "We had him in our cutups this year, so I got to see him play a lot of football," McCarthy said. "To me, he is one of the best or potentially be the best tight end in the National Football League. It's my responsibility to make sure I create those opportunities for him to succeed."

Diehards Line: McCarthy, it’s worth noting, never made a direct comparison between Bennett and his former teammate, Rob Gronkowski, so he wasn’t searching for the “hot take” that could be deducted from his regard for Bennett’s standing among his peers. But clearly, McCarthy has done his homework and Bennett’s three-year, $21 million contract, which includes a $6.3 million signing bonus, adds weight to the coach's words. Bennett, predominantly used as a blocker to begin his career, caught 55 of 73 passes last season for 701 yards and seven scores. He is one of two tight ends the Packers signed this month in free agency; former Rams tight end Lance Kendricks is the other. If nothing else, McCarthy’s praise of Bennett further explains Green Bay’s willingness to let Jared Cook walk this month.