Jared Cook says he hopes to remain with the Green Bay Packers beyond the 2016 season, and it appears he will get his wish. According to a league source that spoke with the Green Bay Press Gazette's Ryan Wood, there is an expectation for Cook to re-sign with the team after the season.

In his first year with the Packers, Cook has established himself as a key piece of the passing game. Over his last three games, the eighth-year tight end has averaged over four receptions and 59 yards and has hauled in at least one pass of more than 20 yards in each outing. Green Bay hasn't had a tight end with both his size and athleticism since a neck injury ended the career of Jermichael Finley in 2013. As such, it makes sense for the two sides to work on a new deal.

Keeping Cook would also allow the Packers to develop a younger tight end at their own pace. The 2017 NFL Draft possesses more top-end talent at the position than any recent year, though much of it comes in the form of underclassmen. As such, the Packers could select one without immediately subjecting him to a starter's workload.

In 10 games, Cook caught 30 passes for 377 yards and one score. His 12.6 yards-per-reception average ranked third on the team among pass catchers with at least 20 receptions.