MOBILE, Ala. -- Raiders tight end Jared Cook had a career year in 2018. It didn’t come with many wins, but he was excellent as Derek Carr’s primary target in the passing game.
Cook either led or tied for the team lead in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. He was solid as an in-line tight end or in receiving spots outside and in the slot.
The 31-year-old was certainly worthy of a spot in the Pro Bowl, and wanted that honor for the first time in his career. He didn’t get in on the first ballot, but is now part of the team.
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Cook will replace Kansas City’s Travis Kelce on the AFC squad, the NFL announced on Monday. He will practice and participate in festivities leading up to Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Cook won’t receive the Pro Bowl bonus earmarked for him if he had made the first ballot, but the veteran tight end will be recognized among the NFL’s best at his position. That’s just after he had 69 receptions for 896 yards and six touchdowns.
The Raiders now have their first member of the Pro Bowl after a disappointing 4-12 season.