The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to deal with free-agent tight end Jared Cook, the team announced Thursday. It will be a one-year, $6 million contract with $4.5 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Cook, who turns 34 next month, will join his sixth NFL team after spending the last two years with New Orleans, where he caught 80 passes for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns in 29 games and earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2019.
The Chargers lost starting tight end Hunter Henry earlier this week, as the free agent joined the Patriots.
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Analyzing the move
Daniel Popper, Chargers beat writer: After two quiet days, the Chargers are back on the board. GM Tom Telesco filled a major need Thursday morning by agreeing to terms with the former Saint.
This is a connect-the-dots signing. Cook had several ties to coaches on Brandon Staley’s Chargers staff. Cook and new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi spent the past two seasons together with the Saints. Lombardi was the quarterbacks coach in New Orleans before joining the Chargers. And in 2018, Frank Smith, the Chargers’ new run game coordinator and offensive line coach, was Cook’s position coach with the Raiders. That year, at 31, Cook had a career season, catching 68 passes for 896 yards and six TDs en route to his first Pro Bowl.
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How he fits
Popper: With Henry walking and signing with the Patriots earlier this week, the Chargers needed to acquire a starting tight end. Cook fits that mold. He is older than Henry and not as good of a blocker, but he is a reliable and experienced receiver who is very familiar with Lombardi and the scheme he will try to run. The Saints have a notoriously complex offensive system. As the play-caller, Lombardi will be trying to transfer some of those Sean Payton concepts to the Chargers and Justin Herbert. Cook will undoubtedly aid in that process.
Fantasy implications
Jake Ciely, fantasy football senior writer: Henry leaves his 93/60/613/4 line for New England, and instead of turning to Donald Parham, the Chargers went shopping. Cook doesn't guarantee Parham can't break out, as he is coming off just 60/37/504/7 in 15 Saints games. Even if you factor in the Saints' lower passing attack last year, Cook is still touchdown reliant and even relies on some big plays for fantasy value.
Cook’s line of 500/7 would be a reasonable expectation in Los Angeles, maybe a bit more skewed to yards with 600/6. That's low-end TE1 production and a low ceiling that I won’t roster anywhere. For the full story and all fantasy spins, head here.
(Photo: Derick E. Hingle / USA Today)