Titans tight end Jared Cook may want a trade, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to get one.
Titans coach Mike Munchak said he’s not interested in moving Cook, who he sees as part of the team’s plans.
“I am not going to comment on that. That is not my decision to make, but I don’t see that happening, no,” Munchak said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. “I don’t see why we would do that. I don’t follow that. The agent is calling to stir the pot. This is not the time for those things.
“Jared is a big part of our team. Jared has made a lot of great catches for us this year. Jared’s our [third] leading receiver. We know for us to win games we need him making plays for us, so for me it’s not something I’ve thought about at all, so I am hoping it is not on his mind either.”
What may be on his mind, and the mind of his agent, is that he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal, and it’s time to get paid.
But playing time is also a factor, as Cook has been on the field for fewer than 50 percent of the Titans offensive snaps in six of eight games, including two he was limited in because of a shoulder injury.
Munchak said they want to get him more involved, which could help smooth things over.
“We are all frustrated. I am frustrated, too. I hope everyone is frustrated. I hope we all think we can do more, because we all can do more, every one of us, the coaching staff on down. We’re 3-5, and that’s not good enough. And that includes every one of us,” Munchak said. “Frustration means work your way through it and let’s find a way to turn this around and get to 5-5, that is where the frustration should be used.”
Cook has 28 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns, a similar pace to last year’s 49-759-3 line. Since the beginning of 2011, only Rob Gronkowski has more receiving yards by a tight end.