NFL free agency 2021: Best tight ends available

4) Jared Cook

Jared Cook, even at age 33, remains a productive tight end.

Last season, Cook caught 37 passes for 504 yards in the New Orleans’ Saints air-raid offense, while averaging 13.6 yards per reception and seven touchdowns, underscoring both his ability to get behind a defense and be a reliable red-zone target.

Cook’s inconsistency over the past three seasons, combined with quarterback Drew Brees’ impending retirement, likely closes the door on a return to New Orleans.

However, it is noteworthy that Brees produced a 122.4 passer rating when targeting Cook last season and he averaged 3.1 yards after the catch per reception, proving that he still has upside as a No. 1 tight end option in the passing game.

Presuming that Cook becomes a free agent, the New York Jets could be an ideal landing spot, as would the Washington Football Team as it aims to build out an offense that develops into a worthy complement to its menacing front-seven on defense.