With Jared Cook signing with the New Orleans Saints, the Oakland Raiders have some questions when it comes to the tight end position in 2019.
Over the last two seasons, Jared Cook has led the Oakland Raiders in receiving yards, enjoying a career renaissance in the Silver and Black. In 2019, Cook will be changing his colors to Gold and Black, as he recently signed on to be the new tight end for Drew Brees with the New Orleans Saints.
For Oakland, this is a tough one, as Cook has shown over his two years with the team that he could be the security blanket for Derek Carr. While the team has struggled to get consistent play from their wide receivers, Cook was a guy who stepped up big time for Carr, making it to the Pro Bowl this past season.
This offseason, Oakland made sure that they added weapons for Carr, bringing in guys like Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams, and J.J. Nelson. With those guys in the fold, Cook would not have been Carr’s No. 1 option next season, though he still would have served an incredible role for the team in 2019.
In Cook’s absence, it looks like Darren Waller will get a long look this summer, as head coach Jon Gruden recently stated that he would be given the “chance of a lifetime.” Waller has tremendous physical abilities, but he has never been consistent at the NFL level, and has struggled with suspensions since coming into the league.
It still remains to be seen whether or not the Raiders will draft a tight end in the 2019 NFL Draft, as there are some very talented players atop the draft class. Holding four of the first 35 picks in April, Oakland could be in position to grab Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson, which would change everything in terms of the position group in 2019.
In New Orleans, Cook will be that tight end that Brees has been lacking in recent years, and makes their offense that much more dangerous. The Saints are going to be a favorite in the NFC South in 2019, and we here at JustBlogBaby wish Cook the very best next season and beyond.