The New Orleans Saints believe they may have found a pass-catching weapon at the tight end position that they've lacked since Jimmy Graham was traded to Seattle.  The Saints signed Jared Cook in free agency this offseason, with the 32-year old coming off arguably the best season of his career while in Oakland.

Cook caught 68 passes for nearly 900 yards and six touchdowns with the Raiders in 2018, and has expressed excitement about what playing with Drew Brees and Michael Thomas could do for him this season. Payton has been impressed so far by Cook at camp.

“He is picking it up. I thought he had a good rookie camp (first week of OTAs),” Payton said.  “He's smart. Obviously there's a lot that goes on with that position. But, he's someone that has played long enough and there are some nuances (that are different here), but he's done well.”

The Saints have been searching for a play-making tight end since Jimmy Graham was traded away, and Cook has the potential to be the big-play receiver the team has been lacking at the position.  Expect Payton to take advantage of Cook's versatile skill set.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

“He has been utilized in different ways. He is explosive. He runs extremely well. I think he’s in good shape,” Payton said.

Last season, Saints tight ends combined for 63 receptions last season. (Former player Ben Watson had 35; Josh Hill had 16 and Dan Arnold had 12). The year before that was even worse with tight ends accounting for just 45 receptions. That was the first time since Payton's first season in 2006 the Saints had less than 70 combined receptions from their tight ends.