The Titans decided not to franchise Jared Cook as a tight end, wide receiver or anything else on Monday, which means he’ll become a free agent if the teams can’t agree on a new deal before March 12.
Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reports that they are trying to do just that. Per Wyatt, the team and Cook are talking about a contract and that they plan to continue talking about a new contract right up until the deadline. They’re reportedly far apart in money, however, and it’s awfully close to the point when Cook and his agents can do more than informally sniff around to see what kind of money might be out there from other teams.
Wyatt expects a robust market for Cook’s services on the open market, something that would stand to lower Tennessee’s chances of bringing him back. We’ve already heard that the Bears are thought to be interested in obtaining Cook’s services. The undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the way he’s been used in the offense could also be a stumbling block, although the fact that they’re talking suggests Cook would be open to the idea of remaining with the Titans.
The Titans are also reportedly far apart in talks about a new deal for defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks. Wyatt does think that their talks with kicker Rob Bironas will wind up with Bironas remaining with the Titans, though.
