Tight End Jared Cook Could Fit Eagles Plans

There has been some speculation that the Eagles could be in the market for an athletic pass catching tight end.  One tight end that could hit the free agent market is Jared Cook and fits the description well.

The Eagles' could have interest in Cook now that Cook could be headed for free agency after the Titans declined to name him their franchise player before Monday's deadline. Tennessee can still sign Cook to a multi-year contract, but according to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean, "indications are the two sides are far apart" on a new deal.

Wyatt expects Cook to command $7-$8 million per season.  That's a lot for a player who managed just 131 catches in four seasons with the Titans, but the many around the league remain sky-high on his ability.

At 25 and coming off his first contract, Cook could be a good fit for new Eagles coach Chip Kelly

While nobody knows for sure what Kelly's NFL offense will look like, he likes to use his tight ends, and many believe it will be a quick-moving, fast-tempo, that might fit Cook's ability.  The Eagles currently have Brent Celek and Clay Harbor on the roster at the tight end position.

Cook has 131 catches for 1,717 yards and eight touchdowns since entering the league as a third-round pick out of South Carolina in 2009. He caught 44 passes for 523 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games last year before a torn rotator cuff ended his season.

Something to consider about Celek is he is scheduled to make $3.2 million in base salary next season while carrying an $4.5 million cap figure. That's a steep price considering Celek's production the last two seasons – 96 catches for 1452 yards and six touchdowns. Celek's contributions as a blocker – a factor in his production as a receiver – and his locker room presence make it harder to imagine the Eagles cutting him in a cost-saving move, especially considering all of their available cap room. Attempting to restructure his deal is much more likely, and that could put them in better position to spend money on another tight end like Cook.

Adding Cook could be a nice complement to Celek in the passing game and would give the Eagles an athletic pass-catching tight end they have been lacking.