Report: Patriots 'aggressively courted' Cook

For the second time during the 2019 free-agency period, the New England Patriots took a big swing and missed.

The Patriots "aggressively courted" Jared Cook prior to the tight end signing with the New Orleans Saints. Uncertainty regarding Rob Gronkowski's future was largely the motivation for New England's pursuit, a source told ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Gronkowski retired from the NFL on Sunday.

The team previously missed out on signing receiver Adam Humphries, who opted to stick with his agreed-on deal with the Tennessee Titans instead of defecting to the reigning Super Bowl champions, despite the Pats increasing their offer.

Aside from running back, the Patriots face a lot of questions at skill positions and are now especially thin at tight end.

Meanwhile, Julian Edelman is the lone established receiver on the roster - but he turns 33 in May - and Phillip Dorsett, Bruce Ellington, and Maurice Harris are set for supporting roles.