TE Jared Cook moving on from Titans

Tight end Jared Cook has a new team, and is leaving the past behind.

Cook was introduced as a press conference in St. Louis Thursday morning after signing a five-year, $35.1 million deal with the Rams. Cook said the Titans made attempts to keep him even after opting to use the franchise tag on him.

The Titans never rose to the $7.02 million per year he received from the Rams, and the team eventually signed former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker.

“There were negotiations, they made offers,’’ Cook said of the Titans. “But obviously it didn’t work out too well. I feel like I am in a great organization and in the right position to make me a better player and for a great future. .. I am blessed to be here. ”

The Titans opted not to place the franchise tag on Cook because of a fight that would have taken place had they franchised him as a tight end. Cook’s agents were ready to take challenge the designation, arguing he should be paid as a receiver because he mostly lined up off the line of scrimmage. The case would have gone before an arbitrator.

After first planning to use the tag on Cook, the Titans changed their minds.

“I wasn’t really surprised because my (agents) were prepared, and we were ready and we knew the obstacles we had in front of us. So it really wasn’t a surprise to me,’’ Cook said. “I think it was more of a surprise to them. I didn’t get franchised and I am here, and it’s a great thing.”

So did Cook have a case?

“The statistics show it,’’ he said. “But that’s neither here nor there. We’re not there any more.”

Rams Coach Jeff Fisher, formerly of the Titans, said he’d hoped things would play out like it did.

“We had our eye on Jared throughout the offseason, not knowing whether he was going to be available,’’ Fisher said. ”When we found out he was going to be available, we got right to work. The coaches are very excited. I, personally, am very excited. Obviously I know Jared very well and know he is going to be a big part of our offense.”

Cook said on Thursday he’s “ecstatic” to be with the Rams.

He talked with confidence.

“I see the word potential as you really haven’t done nothing, and I don’t see that as myself,’’ said Cook, who had 131 catches for 1,717 yards and eight touchdowns in four seasons with the Titans. “I am the elevator going up, and I don’t see me looking back at all.”

He was also very clear with his plan on succeeding with the Rams, even if his words might’ve been a little too graphic for some.

“If you are a football player, you love every aspect of the game. That’s what you play for. You play to line up on Sundays. You play to kill the man in front of you, and just murder him, embarrass him, pretty much. That’s what you line up for,’’ Cook said. “You play for the love of the game, and that is what I am here for. I am here to play and get better and be a great tight end, and look good doing it.”

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Posted In: League News, Team News

Source: Titans Insider