re: UPDATE 3/24 - Jared Cook not to the Patriots

I think we/most are all in on cost. TBH I don't really care that much what his contract is. He's good and I believe its Drews last year.

Drew Brees appears to have another weapon at his disposal for the 2019 season.

Veteran tight end Jared Cook and the New Orleans Saints are close to a contract agreement, according to a report from Pro Football Talk.

Cook’s addition comes after the player visited New Orleans as the league year began in an effort to test the marketplace this offseason after a successful outing in Oakland.

The Saints came into the offseason looking to make an acquisition at the tight end position after veteran Benjamin Watson announced his retirement at the end of the 2018 season.

A former third round draft pick by Tennessee in 2009, Cook has played the last two seasons with Oakland, whose general manager, Mike Mayock, confirmed the player would test the market even though the Raiders will also make a concerted effort to re-sign the player themselves.

This past season, Cook had career highs in receptions (68), yards (896), and touchdowns (six). His average of 13.2 yards per reception was the second best total of his career, and this was the fourth season in which he did not fumble a pass attempt.

The talented tight end served as Derek Carr’s favorite target all year long, earning 20 percent of his pass attempts, and he finished the season with an appearance in the Pro Bowl.

The combination of that recent production and the relatively weak tight end market this offseason meant that Cook would sign a lucrative extension with whichever team finally lands him.

The Saints have already made some waves when it comes to the tight end position in recent weeks, signing both Josh Hill and Garrett Griffin to new contracts, but the team is still expected to make another addition here, either in free agency or in the draft after veteran Benjamin Watson announced his retirement from football.

This past season, Hill appeared on 62 percent of the Saints’ offensive snaps and 16 percent of their special teams plays, and Griffin caught his first touchdown during the playoff run.

NFL Media’s Marc Sessler projected that the Saints would target Cook in free agency, giving an already talented offense a major boost behind a veteran, experienced player.

“Sean Payton boasts a track record of maximizing athletic tight ends,” Sessler said. “The pairing of Drew Brees and Cook spinning tricks would serve as a deep nuisance to defensive coordinators everywhere. Cook spent last season as the most valuable player inside Oakland’s offense and hits free agency as a talented and versatile producer.”

GM whats the source of that? I assume you did not type that up.

Let’s go boys

hope they don't overpay

I have no idea where they keep pulling the money from but I’m glad they did it. Brees deserves the best weapons he can get this last year or two. We can worry about the salary fallout in 2022. Now the Saints can pick the best player on their board at 62 wofhout having to reach for a position of need. Hopefully they take the best lineman available on offense or defense. I would think the contract will probably be like 3 years $21 million with $7 guaranteed so they can get out after the first year if they wanted.

Huge

I need the official news please. I NEED it.

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hope they don't overpay

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I can deal with a slight overpay. I'm ok as long the deal isn't over the top.

We need Cook so damn bad.

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The seam play will be alive and well this year with cook.

Man it's going to open up everything underneath for kamara.

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Damn right

Watching his highlights from last year he is a nice seam runner with great hands. Like a legit #2 WR this will make everyone else look better!