Tight end Jared Cook is set to sign a two-year, $12.2 million deal with the Oakland Raiders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The first year of his new contract is fully guaranteed. Cook spent last season with the Green Bay Packers.
Source: The #Raiders are going to sign FA TE Jared Cook. A huge addition for QB Derek Carr and their offense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2017
The #Raiders and TE Jared Cook agreed to terms on a 2-year deal worth up to $12.2M, source said. The first year is fully guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2017
Jared Cook To Sign Two-Year Deal With Oakland Raiders
Coming off a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers worth $2.75 million, tight end Jared Cook proved that he can still be an impact player at the age of 29. Cook’s statistics from last season do not accurately illustrate the impact he had on a Packers team that advanced to the NFC Championship game. He posted just 30 catches and one touchdown, but his performance in a few key moments make him a hot target in a free agency market devoid of playmaking tight ends.
Missing six games to a variety of injuries, Cook didn’t make his mark until late in the season. In Cook’s first game returning from injury, a week 11 loss to the Redskins, he caught six passes for over 100 yards. He continued to be featured in the offense during the Packers eight-game win streak, culminating in the biggest game of his career against the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round. With one of the most incredible plays of the year to close out the Dallas game, Cook showcased the awareness, athleticism, and ball skills that were promised early in his career.
Cook was drafted in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans. He spent his first several years catching passes from a combination of Vince Young, Kerry Collins, Matt Hasselbeck, and Jake Locker where he made his name as a big play receiving threat. He started just 11 games for the Titans but finished his career there with over 1,500 yards.
After a contract dispute, Cook signed a five-year deal with the then St. Louis Rams worth north of $35 million. Whether it was his issue with drops, lack of blocking ability, or poor chemistry with quarterback Sam Bradford, Cook never lived up to his lofty contract and was cut by the organization before their relocation to L.A. After his one-year stint with the Packers, Cook should be looking for one final lofty contract during an important off-season in the tight end’s career.
Jared Cook has come a long way since his days at South Carolina. Cook was primarily utilized as a move tight end that could create big plays down the seam. The 6’5” Cook creates mismatches not only with his size but speed as well. At the 2009 NFL Combine Cook ran a 4.49 40-yard dash, fastest at his position. His speed has translated well to the NFL game making it difficult for linebackers to keep up in coverage. Although injuries, contract issues, and inconsistency have plagued Cook throughout his career, he is still a starter-level tight end in this league and should have plenty of interest on the free agent market.
