Sean Payton has always loved using tight ends in his offense with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints added Jared Cook this offseason so there should be no shortage of usage at tight end in 2019.
According to the Saints tight end coach, Dan Campbell, they will “brush off” some of their old plays that Jimmy Graham had for Cook. That's high praise for any tight end in the NFL when you're shined in the same light as Graham.
When Graham was in New Orleans from 2010-2014, he was one of the biggest mismatches in the NFL. In those five seasons, Graham averaged 77 receptions, 950 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
The Saints are hoping for similar production out of Cook in his 11th season in the NFL. Cook did have his best season last year with the Oakland Raiders.
In 2018, Cook had 68 receptions, 896 yards, and six touchdowns. All of those were career-highs for the veteran tight end. Cooks credited that to Jon Gruden understanding how to move him around.
If Gruden can do it, so can Payton—who is known to utilize offensive weapons to perfection. In an offense that already has Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, Cook could bring another dimension to it.
Giving Drew Brees more weapons is never a bad idea. Cook's athleticism and length allow him to run past linebackers with ease and jump over small cornerbacks.
The Saints will likely use Cook more often in the red zone than anywhere else.
You're going to have to pick your poison with the Saints if Cook gets acclimated with New Orleans' offense.
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