The Advocate/Rod Walker

Finally, it happened.

After days of speculation, the Saints have agreed to a deal with free agent tight end Jared Cook.

The 31-year old Cook previously visited with the Saints on March 14 and agreed to a two-year $15.5 million deal, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The contract includes $8 million guaranteed.

The veteran Cook has played 10 seasons in the NFL, including the past two seasons with the Raiders.

“It gives us a threat opposite of Mike (Thomas),” Sean Payton said. “A lot of times where Mike lines up is opposite the tight end. We feel like we have some good tight ends in the building that we have roles and visions for. But we feel like Jared has a unique skill set and we saw a lot of good tape from him.”

Cook caught a career-best 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns this past season for the Raiders and was named to his first Pro Bowl. His best game came against the Los Angeles Rams when he had 180 receiving yards, setting a Raiders’ franchise record for tight ends.

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