Oakland Raiders: 5 Realistic targets in 2019 NFL free agency

Jared Cook

The Raiders must re-sign their leading receiver and security blanket for Derek Carr, even though there is uncertainty whether or not Carr will return as well. Jared Cook is entering his eleventh season after performing his way into a Pro-Bowl in 2018, where he caught 68 passes for almost 900 yards and six scores.

Although it is a deep tight end class, Oakland could still resign Cook and pursue a younger talent in the draft as well. For a franchise that is struggling with fan support, continuity, and locker room dysfunction, resigning a player of Cook’s leadership and work ethic would go a long way for a franchise that is looking to get younger, and with that, less NFL experience.

In an era of uncertainty and instability for the franchise, Cook could provide a much needed veteran presence for the team and organization and give what fans remain at least a glimmer of hope that there is a future and direction for the franchise.

There should be mutual interest in resigning on Cook’s side too as he had his best season of his career at the age of 31 in the black and silver. An agreeable and fair contract for both sides could potentially look like a deal in the two-year range for about $7-9 million per year.