Hasselbeck, Locker on Cook’s likely departure

When it comes to the business side of football, not much surprises Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck after 14 years in the NFL.

But that doesn’t lessen his disappointment regarding the potential loss of tight end Jared Cook, who is likely to hit the free-agent market on Monday. Assuming that happens, the Titans will be left to fill a void, given the fact Cook posted 93 catches and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons.

“His position can be filled by a tight end or a receiver-type guy, but just speaking as a teammate and quarterback, he’s obviously an incredible talent,” Hasselbeck said. “He’s a really good teammate and good friend, so it’s hard to lose a guy like that. No doubt he’ll be successful no matter what happens, and the challenge will be just for our team to replace his productivity.”

One player whose responsibilities will likely increase is second-year tight end Taylor Thompson, who caught six passes last year after converting from a collegiate defensive end.

“He’s a guy that got a lot better, really improved as the year went on,” Hasselbeck said of Thompson. “(But) I don’t know that we have anyone that is really similar style-wise to Jared. Jared’s kind of in that (New Orleans Saints’) Jimmy Graham type of mold – like a former basketball player/tight end/receiver. Obviously we’ve got the big-play opportunity with him.”

Titans starting quarterback Jake Locker was still hoping on Thursday that the team might re-sign the 6-5, 248-pound Cook, a four-year veteran.

“Obviously he’s a very talented player and I’m hoping we find a way to get him back here,” Locker said. “At the end of the day, he’s a friend and you wish him the best no matter where he goes. You’ll be rooting for him.”

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Posted In: Team News

Source: Titans Insider

At least if he blows up somewhere, we should get a good compensatory pick out of it.

Unless we go bananas in free agency.

Yea he is an amazing teammate. Asking for a trade when the team struggled.

/end cheap shot


Before anyone starts bleeding..... I dont blame Cook for wanting to be on a better team.

I won't be rooting for him if he splits. He didn't cooperate well with our staff, challenges the TE tag, and asks to be traded. Screw that. He is a decent little player, but he won't be getting any praise from me.

He's one big ass WR

Wont catch me calling him a TE ever again

Apparently Cook's contract demands will be between 8 and 10 mil a season. Anything more than 7.4 will make him the highest paid TE in the league.

stop calling him a TE, he's too soft for that title

8-10 Mil BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Let him walk. He is a TE. Like someone else on here said, if he wants to be paid like a WR, we will pay him like a WR that catches 4 TDs and receives for only 500 yards. Than ain't anywhere close to 8-10 Mil per year. And he is CRAZY if he thinks anyone else will pay him 8 Mil to be their TE. His highest check would have been to take the 6 Mil Franchise tag.. idiot.

Absolutely let him walk. The sad / laughable part is, he's probably going to get that 8 - 10 mil demand met on the open market.

i really doubt it, he has made his career of potentially being able to break out. he wont get above 7 and he will be lucky to get that.