As the 2019 season approaches, there are still several teams who could use a veteran pass catcher, and not many are more reliable than tight end Jared Cook. Since Cook's contract with the Oakland Raiders expired after the 2018 season, he will likely be playing with the fifth different team of his career.
After two of the best statistical seasons of his career, Cook should be able to find a new home fairly soon. He was Oakland quarterback Derek Carr's favorite target this past season after having to overcome the difficulties of lacking a playmaker on offense. Cook is coming off a career high six touchdowns, 68 receptions, and 896 receiving yards.
Here are a few teams that could make Cook an offer prior to next season.
3. New York Jets
A reliable tight end is very helpful for a young quarterback, and considering Sam Darnold's lack of reliable pass catchers, a player like Jared Cook could be incredibly helpful for his development. The Jets were able to bring former All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell on board, so that alone should relieve Darnold to a certain extent. However, it couldn't hurt for the Jets to make a move ti sign Cook to a deal where they could likely get him for a very reasonable price.
The Jets will likely be a very different team next season after signing Bell, wide receiver Jamison Crowder, and giving new coach Adam Gase a shot at turning the team around. Cook has been an extremely reliable player for nearly his entire career, but has really come into his own later in his career. He is coming off two fantastic season with Oakland and could bring forth his solid play to New York pending they choose to bolster their pass-catching support.
2. Detroit Lions
When the general manager of a team states the franchise is in dire need of a tight end, it's clear the Lions will be taking a close look either in the draft or through free agency. Detroit recently signed former Steelers tight end Jesse James, and while he is a solid player, Cook would likely make a bit more of an impact.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was teased with the team drafting current Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron, as he had plenty of difficulties living up to his first-round price tag and never panned out in Detroit. Stafford would likely love to have Cook in Detroit after losing his favorite target in Golden Tate via trade to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now that the Lions have a solid young running back in Kerryon Johnson and two promising receivers in Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay, Cook could be the missing piece to put them over the edge.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens would be Cook's best possible landing spot of the three if he is hoping to contend, whereas the other two destinations would likely place Cook in the midst of a rebuild situation. While the Ravens have a solid running tandem lined up for next season with Mark Ingram and quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team drastically lacks pass catchers.
Baltimore could look to adding Cook to help develop their young quarterback, who struggled with his passing game last season. Jackson struggled on the long ball as well as his accuracy, but a dump off to a reliable target like Cook could be a huge help for the former Heisman Trophy winner.
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