Oakland Raiders: Jared Cook helps AFC to Pro Bowl win

Jared Cook was the only member of the Oakland Raiders to make the Pro Bowl this season, and he played a big part in the AFC’s win on Sunday.

During the 2018 NFL season, Jared Cook was a monster for the Oakland Raiders, setting career highs in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. In fact, since coming to Oakland prior to the 2017 NFL season, he has been Derek Carr‘s top option in the passing game, leading the Raiders in receiving yards in each of the past two seasons.

Despite his incredible efforts on the field, he was not voted to the Pro Bowl, as he was one of a handful of Raiders to be snubbed of the honor. As a team, Oakland did not have a single selection to the Pro Bowl, and Cook had to be added later on.

For the game, Cook finished with only three catches, but his 71 yards were good for third on the AFC. Cook replaced Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce on the AFC roster, but he showed the world that he belonged on the field with the best players in football on Sunday.

Cook should be a big part of the Raiders plans moving forward, but the team will have to make him a solid offer this offseason. He is one of the bigger free agents the Raiders have heading into 2019, and over the last couple of years, no member of the passing attack has been more important for Oakland.

The Raiders have 33 pending free agents next season, and Cook should be at the top of the list for Jon Gruden and company. Oakland got career-highs in yardage and completion percentage from Derek Carr this past season, and with added weapons next season, he should go back to being one of the better young quarterbacks in the league.