Justin Herbert has a new tight end target after Hunter Henry signed with the New England Patriots in free agency earlier this week. The Los Angeles Chargers have signed veteran Jared Cook to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
TE Jared Cook to the Chargers – 1-year, $6mil max, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2021
Cook racked up 16 receiving touchdowns in his past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 after making the Pro Bowl with the Raiders in 2018.
The 33-year-old was not as prolific in 2020 as he had been in each of his Pro Bowl campaigns. Cook saw a decline in both targets (60), receptions (37) and receiving yards (504) for the second straight season. But he still averaged 13.6 yards per reception and managed to find the end zone seven times.
Cook should be a major factor in L.A.'s downfield passing attack as Herbert looks to improve upon a tremendous rookie season with the Chargers. Whereas Henry was more of a possession guy in the seams, Cook uses his combination and size to challenge smaller defensive backs in coverage. He even lines up out wide to cause some mismatches.
That kind of skill set could be very beneficial to Herbert, who grew more comfortable throwing the deep ball as the season rolled along.
Interestingly, Cook to the Chargers could also have ramifications for Zach Ertz. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that LA had been a potential suitor for the Philadelphia Eagles tight end prior to signing Cook.
From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Chargers were a possible trade partner for #Eagles TE Zach Ertz, but they just agreed to terms with TE Jared Cook, as the 34-year-old gets $6M on a 1-year deal. pic.twitter.com/IEkb7eI5S8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Ertz would have been an interesting piece for Herbert and the Chargers.
However, Cook has upside as a big-play guy if healthy. Los Angeles did well to grab the veteran on a relatively affordable deal.
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