The Titans would prefer to sign tight end Jared Cook to a long-term deal.
But if they can’t, they still want to keep him.
According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean, the Titans are expected to use the franchise tag on the tight end, since it doesn’t appear likely that a long-term deal is getting done soon.
The tag would be for just under $6 million, but would preserve a quality receiving threat that they’ve underutilized. He’s been grouchy about that in the past, and when looking for financial security, a tag probably wouldn’t help that outlook.
But as they try to insulate quarterback Jake Locker, keeping Cook (and actually using him more often) might be the prudent play.