Will the Tennessee Titans Bring Jared Cook Back?

Oct 21, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Jared Cook (89) is chased by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Nick Barnett (50) during the second quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

This question has been hanging over the Tennessee Titans like a dark cloud all season. They had contract talks early in the season, but that died off as the season went on and never picked up again. Now at the season end, both TE Jared Cook and K Rob Bironas are looking at free agency, with no contract talks in sight yet.

It’s an interesting situation for a few reasons. One of those reasons is that the Titans had said they drafted TE Taylor Thompson in hopes of making a duo similar to the New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With Cook possibly leaving, that idea seems to go out the window. It also leaves the Titans without anything truly special at the position.

TE Taylor Thompson had a quiet season, which was to be expected. That being said, I think he’ll have a fairly quiet sophomore year as well. Cook is the big, fast, athletic guys who can make plays for the Titans at TE. I’m Craig Stevens biggest fan because he’s a great blocker and has soft hands, but he can’t match the speed or athleticism that Cook has.

I know Jared Cook didn’t have the season we all thought he would, but neither did the rest of the Titans offense. He’s still a big weapon that has yet to be completely utilized. If the Titans lose to in free agency, they’ll have trouble filling the hole he’ll leave. His last game of the season in which he injured his should can attest to that. He had a great diving touchdown. It’s plays like those that make him valuable. He can really stretch out and get the ball.

Hopefully the Titans don’t let him get away in free agency, but who knows what’s going to happen with this team in the offseason. Cook’s contract could be lying in the hands of some yet to be hired offensive coordinators hands.

I hope Cook gets brought back. Locker needs all the help he can get and I think Cook is instrumental to that.

Here’s to the waiting game…

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart