The Raiders Will NOT Re-Sign TE Jared Cook
With the business logistics out of the way, the Raiders can now focus on rebuilding their roster. One of their toughest decisions will come in the form of tight end Jared Cook.
Cook had a breakout 2019 season, catching 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns. The tight end set all new career highs while also leading the Raiders in receiving. But despite his impressive output, Cook doesn’t make the most sense for the team’s future.
With how well he performed in 2018, Cook is undoubtedly the best tight end on the free agent market. Teams looking for another field-spreader and red zone threat could look to the former Raider. With the market being so weak, perhaps he can earn a deal similar to Jimmy Graham’s three year/$30 million contract.
The Raiders will certainly have the money to sign Cook, but committing that much cash to a 32-year old tight end seems unwise. Cook has been inconsistent throughout his time in the NFL as his six touchdowns in 2018 marked just the second time in his 10-year career he has had at least five scores.
While losing Cook might hurt in the short-term, the Raiders should look to bring in a much cheaper, and potentially more athletic option. The 2019 NFL Draft is considered a tight end heavy draft, and could hold the Raiders next Cook.
Walter Football has 14 tight ends ranked as potential third round or higher talents with three being potential first round picks. A player like Iowa’s Noah Fant in the late first or early second round could make more sense than giving Cook a massive contract.
While tight ends usually take a while to develop in the NFL, the league saw what a player like George Kittle could do for a team’s offense. Many of the tight ends in this years draft have been graded much higher than Kittle, meaning they could potentially be an explosive weapon for the Raiders.
Cook’s 2018 season was impressive and will likely stick with Raider fans for a few years. However, the Raiders need to focus on adding young talent, not aging veterans. They’ll look to draft Cook’s successor in the NFL Draft.
