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Jared Cook
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Jared Alan Cook (born April 7, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. Cook also played for the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Cook attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia. While there, he played wide receiver for the Bulldogs high school football team.[1]
College career
[edit]Cook played college football at the University of South Carolina under head coach Steve Spurrier.[2] During his career, Cook started 15 of 36 games for the Gamecocks at tight end, recording 73 receptions for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns.[3]
College statistics
[edit]| Jared Cook | Receiving | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2006 | 11 | 6 | 113 | 18.8 | 1 |
| 2007 | 12 | 30 | 421 | 14.0 | 3 |
| 2008 | 13 | 37 | 573 | 15.5 | 3 |
| Career | 36 | 73 | 1,107 | 15.2 | 7 |
Professional career
[edit]Pre-draft
[edit]Cook entered the 2009 NFL draft and attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was projected to be a third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Cook was ranked as the fourth best tight end prospect in the draft by NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock.[4]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 4+3⁄4 in (1.95 m) |
246 lb (112 kg) |
35+3⁄4 in (0.91 m) |
10+1⁄4 in (0.26 m) |
4.50 s | 1.60 s | 2.64 s | 4.56 s | 7.25 s | 41 in (1.04 m) |
10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) |
23 reps | |
| All values are from NFL Combine/South Carolina's Pro Day[5][6] | ||||||||||||
Tennessee Titans
[edit]2009 season
[edit]The Tennessee Titans selected Cook in the third round (89th overall) of the 2009 NFL draft. The Tennessee Titans traded their second round pick in the 2010 NFL draft to the New England Patriots in order to draft Cook. Cook was the third tight end drafted in 2009.[7]
On July 2, 2009, the Tennessee Titans signed Cook to a four-year, $2.45 million contract that included a signing bonus of $711,000.[8][9]
Throughout training camp, Cook competed against Alge Crumpler and Craig Stevens for a role as the primary backup tight end.[10] Head coach Jeff Fisher named Cook the fourth tight end on the Titans' depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler, and Craig Stevens.[11]
On September 20, 2009, he made his professional debut in the Titans' Week 2 loss to the Houston Texans after being a healthy scratch the previous week. On October 4, 2009, Cook caught two passes for 11 yards during a 37–17 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Cook caught his first NFL reception from quarterback Kerry Collins for a five-yard gain in the third quarter.[12]
Cook finished his rookie season with nine receptions for 74 receiving yards in 14 games and no starts.[13]
2010 season
[edit]Cook competed against Craig Stevens throughout training camp to be the second tight end on the depth chart after Alge Crumpler departed during free agency. Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger named Cook the third tight end on the depth chart to start the season, behind Bo Scaife and Craig Stevens.[14] On December 19, 2010, Cook earned his first career start after Bo Scaife was benched as a possible result of comments he made about a divided locker room.[15] He finished the Titans 31–17 victory against the Houston Texans with three catches for 42 receiving yards. On December 26, 2010, Cook caught five passes for a season-high 96 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown during a 34–14 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught a 22-yard touchdown reception off a pass by quarterback Kerry Collins in the third quarter to mark his first career touchdown.[16]
Cook appeared in all 16 games and made one start in 2010 while making 29 receptions for 361 receiving yards and a touchdown. He also had a career-high six combined tackles on special teams.[17]
2011 season
[edit]On January 28, 2011, the Titans fired head coach Jeff Fisher after they finished fourth in the AFC South with a 6–10 record in 2010.[18]
During training camp, Cook competed to be the starting tight end against Craig Stevens after Bo Scaife departed during free agency. Head coach Mike Munchak named Cook the second tight end on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind Craig Stevens.[19]
On October 2, 2011, Cook caught two passes for 93 yards and scored on an 80-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck during a 31–13 win at the Cleveland Browns.[20] In Week 15, he had a season-high nine catches for 103 yards as the Titans lost at the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 27–13.[21] The following week, Cook caught eight passes for a season-high 169 yards and a touchdown during a 23–17 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16. Cook caught a 55-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the first quarter.[22]
Cook appeared in all 16 games and had five starts in 2011 while catching 49 passes for a career-high 759 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also made five solo tackles while appearing on special teams in 2011.[23]
2012 season
[edit]Cook returned as the secondary tight end behind Craig Stevens in 2012 under offensive coordinator Chris Palmer.[24] On December 9, 2012, Cook caught three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown before exiting during a 27–23 loss at the Indianapolis Colts due to an injury.[25]
Cook finished the 2012 season with 44 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdown receptions in 13 games and five starts.[26]
During the offseason, Cook requested the Titans to franchise tag him as a wide receiver, which attracts a bigger pay. However, the Titans chose to decline and Cook became an unrestricted free agent.[27] He reportedly received interest from multiple teams, including the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and St. Louis Rams.[28][29]
St. Louis Rams
[edit]2013 season
[edit]On March 12, 2013, the St. Louis Rams signed Cook to a five-year, $35.10 million contract with $16 million guaranteed where he was reunited with Jeff Fisher.[30]
Cook entered training camp slated as the starting tight end. Head coach Jeff Fisher named Cook the starter to begin the regular season. He made his Rams' debut in their season-opener against the Arizona Cardinals and caught a season-high seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns in a 27–24 win. He fumbled a possible touchdown in the first quarter as it was stripped by Tyrann Mathieu and recovered by Karlos Dansby for a touchback. Cook caught his first touchdown of the season on a 13-yard pass from quarterback Sam Bradford during the second quarter.[31]
Cook finished his first season with the Rams with 51 receptions for 671 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 16 games and 13 starts.[32]
2014 season
[edit]Cook entered training camp slated as the starting tight end, but saw competition for the role from Lance Kendricks.[33] Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer named Cook the secondary tight end, behind Lance Kendricks.[34]
Cook finished the 2014 season with 52 receptions for 634 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games and six starts.[35]
2015 season
[edit]Head coach Jeff Fisher named Cook and Lance Kendricks the starting tight ends to start the regular season as the Rams chose to primarily use two-tight end sets. Cook appeared in all 16 games with 12 starts and caught 39 passes for 481 receiving yards and was held without a touchdown reception for the first time since his rookie season.[36] Cook played in 70% of the Rams' offensive snaps and led their tight ends with 672 offensive snaps.[37]
2016 season
[edit]During the offseason, Cook was expected to be cut by the St. Louis Rams due to his $8.30 million cap number in 2016.[38] On February 19, 2016, the Rams officially released Cook, freeing $5.69 million in cap space.[39] As an unrestricted free agent, Cook received interest from a few teams and attended a meeting with the Green Bay Packers.[40]
Green Bay Packers
[edit]On March 28, 2016, the Green Bay Packers signed Cook to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with $875,000 guaranteed.[41][42]
On June 3, 2016, it was reported that Cook underwent surgery on his foot. The surgery was deemed a preventive measure and his recovery caused him to miss the majority of training camp.[43] On August 9, 2016, Cook returned from his injury and fully participated in training camp. His absence significantly delayed his ability to become the primary tight end for the Green Bay Packers and he was subsequently named the secondary starting tight end to begin the regular season, behind Richard Rodgers.[44]
On September 25, 2016, Cook caught a pass for a 15-yard gain before exiting in the second quarter of the Packers' 34–27 victory against the Detroit Lions after spraining his ankle.[45] Cook was subsequently inactive for the next six games (Weeks 4–10) due to the ankle injury. His injury ended his 51-game streak of consecutive game appearances. On November 20, Cook returned from his injury and caught a season-high six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown during a 42–24 loss at the Washington Redskins. During the fourth quarter, Cook caught a six-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but had it stripped away by cornerback Josh Norman.[46] Cook finished his single season with the Packers with 30 receptions for 377 receiving yards and a touchdown in ten games and five starts.[47]
The Packers finished first in the NFC North with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth.[48] On January 8, 2017, Cook appeared in his first career playoff game and caught five passes for 48 yards during a 38–13 win against the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card Round.[49] On January 15, 2017, Cook made six receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown as the Packers' defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34–31 in the NFC Divisional Round.[50] During the fourth quarter, Cook caught a 36-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers along the sideline with three seconds left to set up the Packers' game-winning 51-yard field goal by Mason Crosby.[51] The following week, Cook started in the NFC Championship and caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown during a 44–21 loss at the Atlanta Falcons.[52]
Cook became an unrestricted free agent after the season ended and began visiting teams after he was unable to agree to terms for a new contract with the Green Bay Packers. He attended meetings with multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings.[53]
Oakland Raiders
[edit]2017 season
[edit]On March 16, 2017, the Oakland Raiders signed Cook to a two-year, $10.60 million contract with $5 million guaranteed.[9][54][55]
Cook entered training camp slated as the starting tight end, but saw competition from both Clive Walford and Lee Smith.[56] Head coach Jack Del Rio officially named Cook the starting tight end at the start the regular season.[57]
Cook made his Raiders debut in their season-opener against the Tennessee Titans and made five receptions for 56 yards in a 26–16 victory.[58] In Week 3, Cook caught four passes for 43 receiving yards and a touchdown during a 27–10 loss at the Washington Redskins. He caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Carr to mark his first touchdown as a Raider.[59] On October 19, Cook caught six passes for 107 yards as the Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–30 on Thursday Night Football.[60] In Week 9, he had a season-high 126 receiving yards on eight receptions during a 27–24 victory against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football.[61]
Cook started in all 16 games for the first time in his career and made a then career-high 54 receptions for 688 receiving yards and two touchdowns.[62]
2018 season
[edit]During Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, Cook finished with 180 receiving yards as the Raiders lost by a score of 33–13. His 180 receiving yards are a Raiders' franchise record for a tight end.[63] In Week 4, a 45–42 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns, Cook had eight receptions for 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns.[64] In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he caught seven passes for 116 yards in a 24–21 victory.[65] Cook finished the 2018 season setting career-highs in receptions (68), receiving yards (896), and touchdowns (6).[66]
Cook was named to his first Pro Bowl after the season concluded as a replacement for Travis Kelce.[67]
New Orleans Saints
[edit]2019 season
[edit]On March 26, 2019, Cook signed a two-year contract worth $15.5 million with the New Orleans Saints.[68]
Cook made his Saints debut in the season-opener against the Houston Texans in the narrow 30–28 victory.[69] During Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cook caught his first receiving touchdown of the season in the 31–24 win.[70] During Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers, Cook caught six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in the 34–31 victory.[71] Two weeks later against the San Francisco 49ers, Cook caught two passes for 64 yards, both for touchdowns, but left the eventual 48–46 defeat with a head concussion. He was later diagnosed with a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of the game.[72] During Week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Cook caught three passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the 38–28 road victory.[73] Overall, he finished the 2019 season with 43 receptions for 705 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.[74] He earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.[75]
2020 season
[edit]In Week 2 against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, Cook caught his first touchdown reception of the season during the 34–24 loss.[76] He finished the 2020 season with 15 appearances and five starts. He recorded 37 receptions for 504 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.[77]
On March 3, 2021, Cook was released by the Saints.[78]
Los Angeles Chargers
[edit]On March 18, 2021, the Chargers signed Cook to a one-year, $6 million contract with $4.5 million guaranteed.[79] In the 2021 season, he appeared in 16 games, of which he started ten. He finished with 48 receptions for 564 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.[80]
NFL career statistics
[edit]Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2009 | TEN | 14 | 0 | 9 | 74 | 8.2 | 17 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | TEN | 16 | 1 | 29 | 361 | 12.4 | 36 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | TEN | 16 | 5 | 49 | 759 | 15.5 | 80T | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 |
| 2012 | TEN | 13 | 5 | 44 | 523 | 11.9 | 61T | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 | STL | 16 | 13 | 51 | 671 | 13.2 | 47 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | STL | 16 | 6 | 52 | 634 | 12.2 | 59T | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | STL | 16 | 12 | 39 | 481 | 12.3 | 49 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 |
| 2016 | GB | 10 | 5 | 30 | 377 | 12.6 | 47 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | OAK | 16 | 16 | 54 | 688 | 12.7 | 35 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | OAK | 16 | 14 | 68 | 896 | 13.2 | 45 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | NO | 14 | 7 | 43 | 705 | 16.4 | 61T | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | NO | 15 | 5 | 37 | 504 | 13.6 | 46 | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | LAC | 16 | 10 | 48 | 564 | 11.8 | 42 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 194 | 99 | 553 | 7,237 | 13.1 | 80T | 45 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | |
Postseason
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2016 | GB | 3 | 3 | 18 | 229 | 12.7 | 35 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | NO | 1 | 0 | 5 | 54 | 10.8 | 14 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | NO | 2 | 2 | 9 | 68 | 7.6 | 12 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 6 | 5 | 32 | 351 | 11 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
References
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External links
[edit]
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Pro Football Reference
- South Carolina Gamecocks bio Archived August 27, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
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Jared Cook
View on GrokipediaEarly life and college career
Early life
Jared Alan Cook was born on April 7, 1987, in Birmingham, Alabama.[1] He is the younger of two sons born to his parents, with an older brother named Jason Cook, who is 14 months his senior.[5][6] Cook's family relocated from Birmingham to Suwanee, Georgia, when he and his brother were young, where they spent the remainder of their childhood.[7] Growing up in the Atlanta suburbs, Cook developed an early fandom for the Atlanta Falcons, reflecting the local sports culture that surrounded him during his formative years.[8]College career
Jared Cook attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he excelled as a wide receiver and free safety on the Bulldogs' football team.[9] As a senior, he earned first-team all-conference and all-state honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, along with selection to the Super 11 team, highlighting his status as one of Georgia's top prospects, ranked 24th overall in the state and 40th nationally among wide receivers by Rivals.com.[9] Cook, a three-star recruit, committed to the University of South Carolina in the 2005 recruiting class, choosing the Gamecocks over offers from schools including Tulane.[10] He arrived on campus initially as a wide receiver under head coach Steve Spurrier, redshirting his freshman year in 2005 to develop physically.[11] Prior to the 2006 season, Cook transitioned to tight end, a move that allowed him to leverage his athleticism in a more versatile role along the line, as noted in preseason reports.[12] During his sophomore season in 2006, Cook adapted to the tight end position while contributing on offense, but his breakout came in 2007 and 2008, where he emerged as a dynamic downfield threat for the Gamecocks.[11] He had notable performances in key Southeastern Conference matchups, including stretching the field vertically against rivals like Clemson and Georgia, creating mismatches with his speed and route-running ability.[13] By his junior year in 2008, Cook served as a team captain and earned All-SEC First Team honors, solidifying his leadership and impact within the program.[9] Over his college tenure, Cook appeared in 36 games for South Carolina, starting 15, and became a reliable contributor to the team's passing attack, helping elevate the Gamecocks' offensive versatility during Spurrier's final seasons.[14] Off the field, Cook focused on his development, eventually completing his degree from the University of South Carolina in 2024, a milestone that underscored his commitment to personal growth beyond athletics.[15]College statistics
Jared Cook redshirted his freshman year in 2005 at the University of South Carolina, preserving a year of eligibility while acclimating to college football.[1] Over the subsequent three seasons from 2006 to 2008, he transitioned from a limited role as a split tight end and wide receiver to a more prominent contributor, particularly in the passing game, while also developing his blocking skills in the run game under coaches Steve Spurrier and later John Thompson.[16][17] Cook appeared in 36 games during his college career, starting 15, and recorded 73 receptions for 1,107 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per catch.[14] His receiving statistics evolved notably, with modest production as a sophomore giving way to increased volume and efficiency as a junior, reflecting his growth as a versatile tight end capable of stretching the field and contributing in protection schemes.[18]| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 11 | 6 | 113 | 18.8 | 1 |
| 2007 | 12 | 30 | 421 | 14.0 | 3 |
| 2008 | 13 | 37 | 573 | 15.5 | 3 |
| Career | 36 | 73 | 1,107 | 15.2 | 7 |
Professional career
Pre-draft process
Cook participated in the Senior Bowl in January 2009, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism and receiving skills during practices.[20] At the NFL Scouting Combine later that month, Cook stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 246 pounds, with an arm length of 35¾ inches and hand size of 10¼ inches. His performance included a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, a 41-inch vertical jump, 23 repetitions on the bench press, and a 10-foot-3-inch broad jump, all of which ranked among the top marks for tight ends and highlighted his elite athletic profile.[21][22] Pre-draft scouting reports lauded Cook's rare speed and explosiveness, emphasizing his ability to stretch the field, adjust to the ball in flight, and generate yards after the catch as a mismatch weapon against linebackers and safeties. Critics noted areas for improvement, including his limited blocking ability, need for added bulk and strength, and a relatively undeveloped route tree that lacked advanced breaks and releases against press coverage.[22][23][24] The Tennessee Titans traded their third-round pick (No. 91 overall) and a sixth-round selection to the New York Jets for the 89th overall pick, using it to select Cook in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. His junior-year college statistics of 37 receptions for 573 yards and three touchdowns provided the foundation for his mid-round projection. Cook signed a four-year rookie contract worth $2.45 million, including a $700,000 signing bonus that represented the fully guaranteed portion.[25][1]Tennessee Titans (2009–2012)
Jared Cook began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans after being selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he primarily served as a backup tight end behind veteran Bo Scaife, appearing in 14 games while adjusting to the professional level's demands, including improved blocking and route precision. His limited production reflected this transitional phase, with just 9 receptions for 74 yards and no touchdowns.[1][26] In 2010, under head coach Jeff Fisher, Cook saw an increased role late in the season, earning more snaps after demonstrating consistency in practice and preseason. He finished with 29 receptions for 361 yards and his first NFL touchdown—a 22-yard catch from Kerry Collins against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 26. This marked a step forward in his development as a receiving threat, though the Titans ended the year 6-10.[1][27][28] Cook's 2011 season represented a breakout, as new head coach Mike Munchak expanded his usage in the passing game, often aligning him as a hybrid tight end-wide receiver to exploit mismatches. He set career highs with 49 receptions for 759 yards and 3 touchdowns, including an 80-yard score against the Cleveland Browns on October 2. His yards per reception averaged 15.5, highlighting his speed on deep routes—a trait evident from his pre-draft 4.50-second 40-yard dash time. The Titans improved to 9-7 but missed the playoffs.[1][29][30] The 2012 campaign started strongly for Cook, who built on his momentum with versatile alignments that stretched defenses. Through 13 games, he recorded 44 receptions for 523 yards and 4 touchdowns, ranking fourth on the team in both categories despite the offense's inconsistencies. However, a torn right rotator cuff suffered in a Week 14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on December 9 sidelined him for the final three games, ending his Titans tenure on a challenging note as the team finished 6-10.[1][31] Over four seasons with the Titans, Cook amassed 131 receptions for 1,717 yards and 8 touchdowns in 59 games (15 starts), evolving from a raw prospect into a dynamic pass-catcher. His growth contributed to the team's passing attack during a period of transition, though the franchise did not achieve postseason success in that span.[1]| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | TEN | 14 | 9 | 74 | 0 |
| 2010 | TEN | 16 | 29 | 361 | 1 |
| 2011 | TEN | 16 | 49 | 759 | 3 |
| 2012 | TEN | 13 | 44 | 523 | 4 |
| Total | TEN | 59 | 131 | 1,717 | 8 |
St. Louis Rams (2013–2015)
On March 12, 2013, the St. Louis Rams signed Cook to a five-year contract worth $35.1 million, including $19 million guaranteed, reuniting him with former head coach Jeff Fisher from his early days with the Tennessee Titans.[32][33] The deal positioned Cook as a key offensive weapon, leveraging his athleticism at 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties in the Rams' scheme. In his debut season with the Rams in 2013, Cook emerged as a primary target, recording 51 receptions for 671 yards and five touchdowns, his career high at the time.[1] He started all 16 games, often lining up as an inline tight end or in the slot, and contributed to the team's improved passing attack under quarterback Sam Bradford. Cook's downfield ability was evident in several key performances, including a 141-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.[34] Cook's 2014 campaign was more productive in volume but marred by inconsistency, as he tallied 52 receptions for 634 yards and three touchdowns across 15 games, all starts.[1] A concussion sidelined him for one game, but he remained a reliable option in the passing game, averaging 12.2 yards per catch. The season highlighted his role in stretching defenses, though drops and route-running critiques persisted amid the Rams' 6-10 record. By 2015, Cook solidified his status as a consistent starter, catching 39 passes for 481 yards in 16 games, though he did not score a touchdown.[1] Playing primarily with Case Keenum and Nick Foles at quarterback, he focused on intermediate routes and red-zone opportunities, helping support a run-heavy offense led by Todd Gurley. Over his three seasons with the Rams (2013–2015), Cook amassed 142 receptions for 1,786 yards and eight touchdowns in 48 games.[1] Under Fisher's guidance, Cook showed notable progress in his blocking, transitioning from early-career struggles in Tennessee to more reliable run support and pass protection in St. Louis.[35] Coaches praised his physicality in sealing edges and picking up blitzes, which enhanced the Rams' ground game despite ongoing refinements in technique.[36] This development made him a more complete tight end, though his receiving prowess remained his primary strength. Facing salary cap constraints with $8.3 million owed in 2016, the Rams released Cook on February 19, 2016, freeing up $5.69 million in space while ending his tenure two years early.[37] The move came amid roster rebuild efforts, despite Fisher's prior affirmations of Cook's value to the offense.[38]Green Bay Packers (2016)
Jared Cook signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers on March 28, 2016, worth $2.75 million including an $825,000 signing bonus, after being released by the St. Louis Rams earlier that offseason. He missed the first four games due to recovery from offseason foot surgery but debuted in Week 5, quickly integrating into the offense as a deep threat for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.[39] Over 10 regular-season games with five starts, Cook recorded 30 receptions for 377 yards and one touchdown, providing a vertical dimension to the Packers' passing attack that complemented receivers like Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams. Cook's lone regular-season touchdown came in Week 11 against the Washington Redskins, where he hauled in six catches for 105 yards, including a 30-yard score that highlighted his speed and contested-catch ability despite the Packers' 42-24 loss.[40] His contributions grew in the latter half of the season, with notable performances including six receptions for 85 yards in a Week 15 win over the Chicago Bears, helping Green Bay secure a playoff berth amid a six-game winning streak to close the regular season.[40] Overall, Cook's presence elevated the Packers' tight end room, allowing Rodgers to exploit mismatches and post efficient numbers, with 23 touchdown passes and just three interceptions in games featuring Cook.[41] Cook's impact peaked in the playoffs, where he emerged as a pivotal target during Green Bay's run to the NFC Championship Game. In the Divisional Round victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, including a crucial 35-yard sideline grab on third-and-20 in the final seconds that set up Mason Crosby's game-winning field goal in a 34-31 thriller.[42] Against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship, Cook tallied seven receptions for 78 yards and another score, though the Packers fell 44-21; his efforts underscored his role as Rodgers' go-to option in high-stakes situations, amassing 12 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns across the two games.[43] Cook's postseason breakout was instrumental in the Packers' deepest playoff advancement since 2010, validating the low-risk signing as a key factor in their 10-6 regular-season finish and NFC North title.Oakland Raiders (2017–2018)
In March 2017, Cook signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders worth up to $12.2 million, including a fully guaranteed first year of $6.2 million, providing the team with a reliable pass-catching tight end to complement quarterback Derek Carr.[44] During the 2017 season, Cook emerged as a primary target for Carr, recording 54 receptions for 688 yards and two touchdowns over 16 starts, helping to bolster the Raiders' passing attack amid an offense that ranked 20th in passing yards league-wide.[1][45] His role expanded in 2018, where he posted career highs of 68 receptions for 896 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games (14 starts), earning his first Pro Bowl selection as an alternate after leading all tight ends in receiving yards at the time of selection.[1] Over his two seasons in Oakland, Cook totaled 122 receptions for 1,584 yards and eight touchdowns, establishing himself as a consistent red-zone threat and deep option for Carr.[1] Notable highlights included a career-best 180 receiving yards on nine catches against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 of 2018 and a 116-yard performance (seven receptions) in the Raiders' 24-21 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, where Cook's production set up the game-winning drive—though the final touchdown pass was ultimately caught by teammate Derek Carrier on a play initially designed for Cook.[46][47]New Orleans Saints (2019–2020)
On March 26, 2019, Cook signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints worth $15 million, including $8 million guaranteed.[32] This deal followed his Pro Bowl selection with the Raiders and positioned him as a veteran tight end to bolster the Saints' passing attack led by quarterback Drew Brees.[48] In the 2019 season, Cook emerged as a key red-zone target for Brees, recording 43 receptions for 705 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns over 14 games.[49] His scoring efficiency was evident in several multi-touchdown performances, including two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 and the Chicago Bears in Week 8, contributing significantly to the Saints' playoff push. Cook's role evolved in 2020 amid Brees' injury, as he adapted to backup quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston, finishing with 37 receptions for 504 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.[50] Despite the quarterback transition, he maintained his red-zone reliability, highlighted by two-touchdown outings against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5 and the Carolina Panthers in Week 8. Over his two seasons with the Saints, Cook totaled 80 receptions for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league's most productive tight ends during that span.[1]Los Angeles Chargers (2021)
On March 18, 2021, the Los Angeles Chargers signed veteran tight end Jared Cook to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, including $4.5 million in guaranteed money.[51] This deal came after Cook's two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where his productivity as a red-zone target had established him as a reliable veteran option for a Chargers tight end room needing experience following the departure of Hunter Henry.[52] In the 2021 season, Cook appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers, starting 10, and emerged as a key complementary receiver for quarterback Justin Herbert. He recorded 48 receptions on 83 targets for 564 receiving yards and four touchdowns, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, while participating in 57% of the team's offensive snaps.[1] His touchdowns included a contested jump-ball grab against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12 and a score versus the New York Giants in Week 14, showcasing his continued value as a downfield threat despite turning 34 during the season.[53] Beyond his on-field contributions, Cook served as a mentor to younger tight ends on the roster, including Donald Parham and rookie Tre' McKitty, emphasizing leadership by example in the position group.[54] Over his lone season with the Chargers, Cook amassed 48 receptions for 564 yards and four touchdowns, marking the final statistical output of his 13-year NFL career.[1]Retirement
Jared Cook did not return to the NFL after his 2021 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, marking the end of his professional playing career.[1] There was no formal retirement announcement, but by 2023, he was recognized as a former player in public profiles and local honors.[4] Over 13 seasons from 2009 to 2021, Cook played for six teams—Tennessee Titans, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers—appearing in 194 regular-season games and establishing himself as a reliable tight end with over 7,200 receiving yards.[1][55] In July 2023, Cook was inducted into the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his high school roots at North Gwinnett High School and his NFL achievements as a Suwanee, Georgia native.[56] Since retiring, he has maintained an active presence on social media, sharing personal updates and reflections on his career through 2025.[4]Accolades and playing style
Awards and honors
Jared Cook earned two Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career, both as a tight end. His first came in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders, where he was named to the 2019 Pro Bowl after posting career highs of 68 receptions for 896 yards and 6 touchdowns, marking the first such honor for a Raiders tight end since 2010.[57] In 2019, while playing for the New Orleans Saints, Cook secured his second Pro Bowl nod for the 2020 game, highlighted by 43 receptions for 705 yards and 9 touchdowns in 14 games, contributing to the team's NFC South title.[58] In his rookie year of 2009 with the Tennessee Titans, Cook garnered attention for his athletic potential, finishing with 9 receptions for 74 yards, which placed him among notable first-year tight ends though he did not earn formal All-Rookie honors from major outlets like the Pro Football Writers of America. During the 2011 season with the Titans, Cook established a franchise single-game record for receiving yards by a tight end, hauling in 8 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 24.[59] That year, his 49 receptions ranked second in Titans history for a tight end in a single season at the time, behind only Frank Wycheck's 70 in 1998. Cook's postseason contributions peaked in 2016 with the Green Bay Packers during their NFC playoff run. In the Divisional Round victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he recorded 6 receptions for 103 yards and 1 touchdown, including a pivotal 35-yard catch on third-and-20 from Aaron Rodgers that positioned the game-winning field goal in a 34-31 win.[60] Across three playoff games that year, Cook amassed 18 receptions for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping the Packers reach Super Bowl LI.[1]Playing style
Jared Cook, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 246 pounds, possessed a physical profile that made him an outlier among tight ends, highlighted by his elite speed with a 4.50-second 40-yard dash time recorded at the NFL Combine.[61] This combination of size and explosiveness allowed him to exploit mismatches across the field, particularly as a downfield receiver capable of stretching seams and creating separation from defenders.[61] His agility after the catch further amplified his threat, enabling him to turn short passes into significant gains with quick cuts and acceleration.[23] Cook's strengths lay in his receiving prowess, where he excelled at creating red-zone mismatches due to his frame and speed, often lining up flexed out to exploit slower linebackers or smaller defensive backs.[62] Over his career, he demonstrated reliable hands for contested catches, snatching the ball away from his body with agility and flexibility that belied his size.[23] While not initially known for blocking, Cook showed marked improvement in this area, evolving into a more complete player who could contribute in the run game by the later stages of his tenure with the Saints and Chargers.[63] Early in his career with the Titans, Cook displayed inconsistencies, including imprecise route running stemming from limited experience against press coverage and a reliance on his spread-offense background, which left him untested in traditional inline roles.[23] His run-blocking was particularly underdeveloped at the outset, marked by poor hand usage and effort against stronger defenders.[24] These weaknesses persisted to some degree but were mitigated as he refined his technique over time. Cook's evolution transformed him from a raw, athletic prospect into a polished veteran tight end, shifting from a primarily "showcase" receiver in Tennessee to a versatile, traditional contributor who could handle hand-in-the-ground snaps, pulling duties, and balanced run-pass responsibilities later with the Saints and Chargers.[62] This progression highlighted his adaptability, allowing him to maximize his physical tools in increasingly complex offensive schemes. He was often likened to athletic tight ends like Antonio Gates for his receiving versatility and potential to operate as a mismatch weapon outside traditional blocking confines.[64]NFL career statistics
Regular season
Jared Cook accumulated 553 receptions for 7,237 yards and 45 touchdowns over 194 regular-season games in his NFL career, averaging 13.1 yards per catch.[1] Cook's performance showed increasing efficiency after joining the Green Bay Packers in 2016, with a career-high 13.4 yards per catch from 2017 to 2021 compared to 12.8 yards per catch in his first eight seasons.[1] His best regular-season performance came in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders, where he recorded 68 receptions for 896 yards and 6 touchdowns. Cook's longest reception was an 80-yard touchdown in 2011 while with the Tennessee Titans.[1][18] The following table summarizes Cook's regular-season receiving statistics year by year, including team affiliations and games played:| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | TEN | 14 | 9 | 74 | 0 |
| 2010 | TEN | 16 | 29 | 361 | 1 |
| 2011 | TEN | 16 | 49 | 759 | 3 |
| 2012 | TEN | 13 | 44 | 523 | 4 |
| 2013 | STL | 16 | 51 | 671 | 5 |
| 2014 | STL | 16 | 52 | 634 | 3 |
| 2015 | STL | 16 | 39 | 481 | 0 |
| 2016 | GNB | 10 | 30 | 377 | 1 |
| 2017 | OAK | 16 | 54 | 688 | 2 |
| 2018 | OAK | 16 | 68 | 896 | 6 |
| 2019 | NOR | 14 | 43 | 705 | 9 |
| 2020 | NOR | 15 | 37 | 504 | 7 |
| 2021 | LAC | 16 | 48 | 564 | 4 |
Postseason
Jared Cook appeared in six postseason games over his NFL career, recording 32 receptions for 351 yards and two touchdowns.[65] His first playoff experience came in 2016 with the Green Bay Packers, where he played all three games during their run to the NFC Championship. In the Wild Card round against the New York Giants on January 8, 2017, Cook had five receptions for 48 yards in a 38–13 victory.[65] He followed with six receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional round win over the Dallas Cowboys on January 15, 2017.[65] In the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons on January 22, 2017, Cook caught seven passes for 78 yards and another touchdown, though the Packers lost 44–21.[65] Cook returned to the playoffs in 2019 with the New Orleans Saints, starting in the Wild Card round against the Minnesota Vikings on January 5, 2020, where he recorded five receptions for 54 yards in a 26–20 overtime loss.[65] The following year, in 2020, he appeared in two games for the Saints. Against the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card round on January 10, 2021, he had four receptions for 40 yards in a 21–9 win.[65] In the Divisional round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 17, 2021, Cook caught five passes for 28 yards and lost a fumble.[65] Cook's postseason contributions were particularly notable during the Packers' 2016 deep run, where his 18 receptions for 229 yards and two touchdowns provided key receiving options in high-stakes games.[65]| Year | Team | Round | Opponent | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | GB | Wild Card | NYG | 5 | 48 | 0 |
| 2016 | GB | Divisional | DAL | 6 | 103 | 1 |
| 2016 | GB | Conference | ATL | 7 | 78 | 1 |
| 2019 | NO | Wild Card | MIN | 5 | 54 | 0 |
| 2020 | NO | Wild Card | CHI | 4 | 40 | 0 |
| 2020 | NO | Divisional | TB | 5 | 28 | 0 |
| Career Totals | 32 | 351 | 2 |