Fantasy Upside
Jared Cook agreed to terms with Los Angeles on a one-year deal worth $6 million (with $4.5 million in fully guaranteed money) this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Saints. Cook has played for five teams in his 12 years in the NFL, catching 505 passes for 6,673 yards and 41 touchdowns, carving out a very solid professional career. 2020 saw Cook post his lowest receptions and yardage totals since his one-year stint in Green Bay in 2016, lending some justification to the thought his best days might be behind him. Still, over the last four seasons, Cook has produced 8-plus yards per target and a better-than 60 percent catch completion rate. Beyond that, Cook will bring a veteran presence and professional experience to the Chargers, where he'll be expected to serve as second-year quarterback Justin Herbert's best friend as a pass-catcher and security blanket.
Fantasy Downside
Cook's advanced years -- he turned 34 in April -- and career-long inability to produce on a consistent week-to-week basis are of some concern.
2021 Bottom Line
Cook goes from one productive offense to another, landing with the NFL's sixth-best passing offense in 2020 and joining promising youngster Donald Parham Jr. to give the Chargers a strong pair of red-zone threats at the position. Adding to the positive vibe, Cook is plenty familiar with new coordinator Joe Lombardi's plans after working with him in New Orleans the last two seasons.
