3 backup tight ends the Philadelphia Eagles should sign in free agency

Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) reacts after catching a pass against Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) and free safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the first half in the AFC Wild Card game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) reacts after catching a pass against Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) and free safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the first half in the AFC Wild Card game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles Jared Cook
Dec 6, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook (87) makes a catch in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver (26) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Jared Cook

2020 Team: New Orleans Saints

Released from the Saints this offseason as a cap causality, Jared Cook is still a very good tight end. He caught 37 passes for 504 yards in 2020, recording seven touchdowns as well. The year prior, Cook racked up 43 catches for 705 yards and nine touchdowns.

Cook turns 34 years old in April, so he’s definitely not the type of player the Philadelphia Eagles would be looking to build around longterm, but he would provide a much needed “veteran presence” to a locker room that’s almost exclusively made up of young receivers at the moment.

Cook has 12 years of productive NFL play to his name, making trips to the postseason on three different occasions.

Outside of his veteran leadership, Cook would also seamlessly take over Ertz’ high-target role in the offense should the Eagles continue to lean on 12-personnel moving forward.

The obvious sticking point with Cook is that he’ll likely garner interest from a handful of teams looking to make a run at a Super Bowl in 2021. Additionally, Cook would probably prefer signing with a contender as he starts to wind down his NFL playing career.

With that said, this year’s offseason process is going to be a wonky one due to the lowered salary cap. If Cook can’t find himself a realistic suitor this spring, the Eagles could easily sell him on the idea of being a focal point in their offense alongside Goedert.