Martellus Bennett signs free-agent deal on 30th birthday

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Martellus Bennett is having himself an eventful 30th birthday. 

The free-agent tight end agreed to a new contract with the Packers on Friday, announcing his decision via Instagram. Earlier in the week, Bennett acknowledged on his social-media accounts that he would not be returning to New England after spending one season with the Patriots. 

The one-year marriage between Bennett and Bill Belichick's club would certainly qualify as a win-win for both sides.

Bennett, who arrived to the Patriots via trade last offseason, was able to increase his value after a rocky 2015 in Chicago. He displayed his versatile skill set in New England's offense, being used at times as a forceful blocker in the running game and at times as a dependable target in the passing game. He played all 16 regular-season games through a variety of injuries and finished the year with 55 catches for 701 yards and seven scores. 

The Patriots, meanwhile, picked up a valuable insurance policy for Rob Gronkowski when they acquired Bennett. Even before Gronkowski landed on injured reserve with a back injury, Bennett was used extensively. After the fact, Bennett was leaned upon even more heavily as the lone tight end on the roster with NFL game experience. 

By agreeing to terms with the Packers, Bennett goes from working alongside one MVP-caliber quarterback in Tom Brady to another in Aaron Rodgers. Makes sense that he was anxious to let the world know about his next stop in his career. 

This is Bennett's fourth team since being drafted in the second round in 2008 by the Cowboys. He also spent one season with the Giants in 2012.

View this post on Instagram

@packers happy birthday me. Lol

A post shared by Martellus Bennett (@martellusb) on Mar 10, 2017 at 3:25pm PST

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