2015 NFL Free Agency: Testing The Chris Cooley Waters

Aug 5, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins former tight end Chris Cooley (L) talks with Virginia governor Terry McAulife (R) after joint practice with the New England Patriots on day eleven at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Given the current trends of the league, a pass catching tight end is considered more valuable than ever in a modern pro football offense. That is perhaps why 33-year old Chris Cooley is plotting a possible comeback via 2015 NFL free agency.

It’s important to remember that Cooley hasn’t played a down of football since 2012. A layoff of three years is practically an eon in NFL terms, but is it crazy? Not at all. Though his age would suggest he’s too old, his body hasn’t taken the typical punishment befitting it. The primary issue with Cooley before he left the game was injuries.

A recurring problem with his left knee continued to surface all throughout the 2011 season and by the time he had it fixed in 2012, it was too late. The new Washington Redskins coaching staff had a replacement coming in with Fred Davis and no other teams seemed willing to take a chance on him.

So he retired and went into broadcasting.

However, as so many players know, the itch never really goes away. Cooley likely has the desire to come back and go out on a higher note than he did three years ago when he made one catch for eight yards in eight games.

It’s not like the cost would be prohibitive. Cooley seems wide open to the idea of joining a team as a third tight end, making a minimum salary. His goal is to just get back and compete.

"“Two years ago, had I gone somewhere (other than Washington) and it didn’t work out, I would have had my feelings hurt. And now, I think it would just be fun.”"

Are there any teams out there who make sense?

Well given their ongoing pursuit of free agent Jermaine Gresham, both the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints can be considered possible landing spots. The Saints are on the lookout to help fill the void left by Jimmy Graham while the Cardinals simply lack playmakers at the position.

Another possibility is the Chicago Bears, who really have no offensive option behind Pro Bowler Martellus Bennett should he get hurt. They seem fond of signing player to one-year “prove it” deals. So Cooley fits that bill.

Time and the needs of team rosters will tell.

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL Free Agency