Jared Cook of the Tennessee Titans is a free agent this offseason, and he is challenging the Titans' ability to assign the franchise tag to him, according to Yahoo!
The Titans are considering using the franchise tag on Cook, listed as a tight end, which would pay him the average of the top five salaries at the tight end position last year. As a tight end, that would mean Cook would make $6 million under the franchise tag. Cook, however, argues that he lined up as a slot or outside receiver on almost 80 percent of the Titans' snaps. If Cook is to be franchise tagged, he believes it should be as a wide receiver which would be $10.5 million as opposed to the $6 million.
Cook's stats are not mind-blowing by any means (44 receptions, 523 yards four touchdowns in 2012) but his combination of size (6'4, 235 lbs.) and speed make him a tantalizing and versatile option in any passing attack.
Cook's challenge to the franchise tag system could make huge waves, especially in New Orleans where Jimmy Graham will become a free agent at the end of next season. Last year despite dealing with injuries, Graham compiled 85 catches for 982 yards and nine touchdowns despite leading the NFL with 13 dropped passes. For his career, Graham 2,648 yards receiving and 25 touchdowns. In the Yahoo! report, a source said that Graham could conceivably ask for a contract that pays him $12 million a year, which would blow away the six-year $54 million deal handed to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Titans general manager Ruston Webster is quoted saying to the Tenneseean"I don't anticipate it [being an issue]. He's been a tight end for us." He also said the Titans intend to keep Cook whether they apply the franchise tag or not.
According to league rules, however, Cook is likely in luck. The NFL collective bargaining agreement states "the tender will apply to the position in which the player participated in the most plays."
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