Titans likely to franchise Cook

With Monday's deadline looming regarding the franchise tag for NFL clubs, the Tennessee Titans are still expected to use it on Jared Cook.

The Titans are likely to apply the $6.07 million tag for a tight end, but there is the widely reported and speculated belief that Cook's agents might challenge that by claiming Cook is actually a wide receiver and should be given a tag worth $10.54 million for 2013.

If such a grievance is filed by the NFL Players Association on Cook's behalf, expect plenty of other tight ends around the league to take notice and follow the proceedings closely.

Cook had 44 catches last year before missing the final three games with a shoulder injury, and the Titans, if they apply the tag, would do so with a two-fold purpose in mind. It would give them more time to negotiate a long-term contract, and if no deal is done, would give them a better idea of Cook's value on the open market with one more season and in a more tight end-friendly offense being installed by Dowell Loggains in Tennessee.

Follow me on Twitter @TerryMc13

Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com