The New Orleans Saints made a splash signing in free agency, agreeing to terms with former Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook on a two-year contract. And nobody is happier about the development than tight ends coach Dan Campbell.
“The base is already here,” Campbell said to Luke Johnson of the Times-Picayune, “the foundation for that is already here because they had a guy like (Jimmy Graham). Look, we’ve already got what we need, we can brush off some of the stuff we’ve done before without any problem. We’re going to do what (Cook) does best, we’re going to use those plays, but let’s see everything he can do. Let’s test him.”
It’s an easy comparison to make. Cook hit his stride for the Raiders last year as a mismatch weapon, moving all over the formation to put linebackers and defensive backs to task in containing him. And they often came up short: Cook led the team in receptions (68), receiving yards (896), and touchdown catches (6).
The Saints once deployed Graham the same way, angling for matchups against less-athletic opponents who couldn’t match his size and speed. And that’s something Campbell envisions Cook doing well, describing the tight end as, “A phenomenal athlete. The guy is over 30 and he still runs like the wind. He can absolutely smoke. He’s got 35-inch arms, he is long — man, he is long — and he is fast.”
By all accounts, Cook will be given the top spot at the position and should heavily factor into the Saints offense. That’s welcome news for quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Michael Thomas, who should both benefit from a serious pass-catching talent. It may also free up running back Alvin Kamara to see fewer tough coverage assignments against athletic linebackers. It’s early, and Cook hasn’t caught a pass yet from Brees, but all signs are trending upwards.
