The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign tight end Jared Cook. Cook is coming off a pro bowl season in which he tallied up 896 yards on 68 catches and recorded 6 touchdowns while playing for the struggling Oakland Raiders offense. Cook is no stranger to playing for a new team, the Saints will be the fifth team he has played for in his 10-year career. However, with quarterback Drew Brees targeting him, Cook’s best season may still be yet to come.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report on the expected signing.
The #Saints are expected to sign free agent TE Jared Cook, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. One of the top free agents still out there, Cook gives QB Drew Brees an immediate big-time weapon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2019
ESPN’s Mike Triplett updated the status on the situation between Cook and New Orleans.
Count TE Jared Cook himself among those suggesting a deal with the Saints is close. When asked by ESPN’s @jamisonhensley if he has agreed to a deal, Cook winked and said “Maybe” and said “it’s going to be pretty awesome” catching passes from Drew Brees … https://t.co/QktrABd8Vf
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) March 22, 2019
The New Orleans Saints went 13-3 last year and their offense ranked third in the league in points for with 504. Despite the success, Drew Brees best receiver, after wideout Michael Thomas, was running back Alvin Kamara. In fact, Cook produced more catches, yards, and touchdowns than all three Saints tight ends combined. The addition of Cook will provide Brees with another weapon after losing running back Mark Ingram in free agency. Cook averaged 13 yards a catch last season and will fit in well with the Saints where all receivers that caught more than 10 passes averaged more than 10 yards a catch. Look for Jared Cook to eclipse his pro bowl season productions both in numbers and in team success.
