He’s seemingly been on the team’s radar this offseason. And now the New Orleans Saints will finally add Pro Bowl tight end Jared Cook to their roster.
The New Orleans Saints have won the last two NFC South titles. It’s the first time in the team’s history that the club owns back-to-back division crowns. It’s a talented club that comes off a 13-3 season and was one win away from the franchise’s second Super Bowl appearance. But that loss in the conference title game to the Los Angeles Rams is a different subject for another time.
No player in NFL history has thrown for more yards than 18-year veteran Drew Brees, who threw for 3,992 yards in 15 outings in ‘18. This past season, wide receiver Michael Thomas led the league with 125 receptions. He caught a team-high 104 passes with the club. Running back Alvin Kamara is also a vital part of the passing game. But the tight end’s production in Sean Payton’s offense has dropped in recent years for the most part.
And that’s why the addition of well-traveled tight end Jared Cook (which has now been verified by the Saints’ website) adds up to a terrific move for the team from the Big Easy.
Contract Details
Terms of the deal were not immediately available. Last week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (via Saints Wire) reported the following: “It’s gonna be $8 million fully guaranteed in year one, it’s really just a one-year deal.”
National Reaction
Sean Payton on TE Jared Cook: "My understanding is he's signed, and we're excited to have him. ... I think he gives us a threat opposite of Mike (Thomas). ... Jared's got a unique skill set and we saw a lot of good tape of him."
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) March 26, 2019
Jon Gruden on TE Jared Cook: “It’s sickening to think we lost that guy. ...Darren Waller is very interesting. We’re going to give him a chance of a lifetime.” Raiders expected to draft a tight end next month.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 26, 2019
In addition to his solid overall grade, Jared Cook's 81.5 receiving grade ranked 3rd among tight ends and was a career-high for him in 2018. pic.twitter.com/wcA9mRPhdc
— PFF (@PFF) March 21, 2019
Jared Cook is a pumped-up WR. playing TE.-Tremendous athlete, fast, outstanding leaping skills, catches the ball cleanly & very well outside his body radius. More focused player today.
— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) March 21, 2019
Get-in-the-way blocker & will turn 32 Years Old April 7
Perfect “fit” as a flex-TE in Saints O pic.twitter.com/quSv771oC1
Free agent tight end Jared Cook took the next step in his departure from the Oakland Raid...https://t.co/xn170sWOgR
— larry salsberry (@larry_salsberry) March 22, 2019
Jared Cook going to the Saints could have an impact similar to the one Demario Davis had for New Orleans. His presences makes it harder for defenses to double Alvin Kamara or Michael Thomas. Plus, he'd be the best TE for Drew Brees since...Jimmy Graham.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) March 20, 2019
More fansided.com: 2019 NFL Free Agency Tracker
It’s an aspect of their passing game that was certainly missing the last two seasons. And the addition of Cook can only add up to good things for Brees and the Saints’ offense. The veteran target figures to make life a lot easier for the team’s other pass-catching performers.