New Orleans Saints Offseason Preview: Is Jared Cook enough at tight end?

Will the New Orleans Saints look to add depth at tight end through free agency?  Will Taysom Hill be back in 2020? Is Jared Cook enough?

These are only a couple of questions that will factor into the number of active tight ends come week one. For the New Orleans Saints, it could range anywhere from two or four.

With Jared Cook and Josh Hill both under contract, Saints fans shouldn’t expect any big moves from New Orleans through free agency.  In fact, don’t be surprised if the Saints pass on the tight end position in the upcoming draft as well.

Jared Cook was the banner signing last season at tight end and proved to be a key piece of the Saints offense. Cook was able to record 705 yards on 43 receptions for 9 touchdowns after a slow start to the season.

Josh Hill has been with the team since 2013 and has been a consistent performer.  Hill ended the year with 25 catches, 226 yards (a career-high) and three touchdowns.  Many NFL teams can only dream of a capable duo like Cook and Hill.

Behind Cook and Hill are a mix of young, talented players and veteran experience.  Garrett Griffin and Mitchell Loewen are names Saints fans will find familiar while Jason Vander Laan and Cole Wick may be less noticeable.

Each of these players are under contract through at least 2021.  The third, and likely final, tight end position will be determined by injuries, development and coaching decisions.

Taysom Hill will also factor into the tight end rotation after lining up there last season and having an impact in both the pass and run game.  As a fan, I hope to see Taysom play football next fall rather than hold a clipboard.

If Taysom Hill is named QB2, expect Garrett Griffin to assume a bigger role next season.

Although the Saints off-season is sure to be active, expect the tight end position to remain stable and look to build off of an impressive 2019.