Oakland Raiders pending free agents to bring back in 2019

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after catching a long pass for a firs down against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Jared Cook

I mean, was there any real doubt on who the first choice should be? Jared Cook had a fantastic season and has been a solid security blanket for Derek Carr ever since his arrival. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Cook is a player the Raiders can’t afford to let go. I’m not saying that Cook is elite or isn’t replaceable, but the fact that he and Carr are so in sync that keeping him is extremely beneficial.

Too much change has occurred around Carr’s five year career, so the team should make it easy on him by keeping one of his top receivers. Cook also isn’t a bad blocker. He isn’t great, but he does his job and has his moments. His best trait is when he’s lined up in the slot.

He’s a mismatch nightmare for many linebackers and safeties in the league. It’s why completions look so easy for him when Carr targets him. Retaining Jared Cook is a no brainer. He’s a talented tight end who is already embedded with Carr. It just makes too much sense to bring him back. The only question here is does he want to be back? Now that he knows his worth, his value has shot up higher. He may not want to endure another lost season and just sign with a contender which is respectable.

Cook has all the leverage on the Raiders right now, so you just wonder how far Jon Gruden is willing to go to keep his services.

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