NFL Trade Rumors: 4 Ideal Landing Spots for Jared Cook

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Jared Cook of the Tennessee Titans has asked for a trade.

According to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean:

Indications are a trade has been requested for #Titans TE Jared Cook. The NFL trade deadline is tomorrow. Cook's in last year of deal

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 29, 2012

This, to a certain extent, comes as no surprise since Cook has just 28 receptions for 373 yards and two scores through eight games. In addition, he caught only five passes for 82 yards over the past two contests.

That said, Cook is Tennessee's second-leading receiver in terms of yards and average yards per catch. Still, if Cook ends up in a new uniform this season, let's check out where he fits best.

Chicago Bears

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A constant pass-catching tight end threat is one area where the Chicago Bears could improve.

Right now, Kellen Davis is Jay Cutler's most productive receiving end with 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores. Yes, that minimal impact is certainly due to the presence of Brandon Marshall, Devin Hester and Earl Bennett.

Include rookie Alshon Jeffery for the future and the Bears are basically set at wide receiver. Still, every team needs a reliable tight end to go over the middle, and Cook is well-established.

He also fits Chicago well in regard to being a run blocker, because Chris Johnson's career success could not have happened without Cook contributing in the trenches. Well, the Bears present arguably the NFL's best running-back tandem in Matt Forte and Michael Bush, so it's a win-win.

Plus, the Bears are looking like Super Bowl contenders, which only adds to the appeal.

Cleveland Browns

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By no means are the Cleveland Browns appealing when it comes to postseason hopes and fielding an explosive offense.

However, Cleveland does offer Cook the opportunity to be the featured tight end. After all, Benjamin Watson will be 32 years old by season's end, and he has just 19 catches for 160 yards and one score this season.

Also, Brandon Weeden is proving to be a solid quarterback with over 1,900 yards in eight games. Cleveland has a balanced offense that has only improved through each week. Cook would standout in the passing game.

The Browns are developing receivers in Josh Gordon and Greg Little, so include a dependable tight end and Cleveland will become more consistently explosive. Not to mention, the impact of Trent Richardson will keep Cook from seeing a zoning safety gearing toward him in coverage.

Here, Cook can simply become even more productive and be the main tight end for the future.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are similar to the Browns regarding appeal, but on a much more exciting level.

For one, the Bucs play in a weak division, which helps regarding postseason implications.

Looking at the offensive balance, Tampa suits Cook quite well. Josh Freeman possesses a strong arm and solid mobility to keep defenses honest, while Doug Martin has made an impressive impact since the preseason.

Include veteran tight end Dallas Clark being 33 years old, the Buccaneers will need a younger end sooner than later. Count the NFC South being a pass-oriented division and lacking in overall pass defense, Cook's numbers would immediately inflate.

Just from the perspective of seeing more targets to make plays, the Buccaneers are the most appealing for Cook.

Miami Dolphins

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Although Anthony Fasano is one of the NFL's most reliable and complete tight ends, the Miami Dolphins only help themselves by adding depth to the position.

Think about the impact and success the New England Patriots have seen with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Dolphins can implement an eerily similar offense with Cook and Fasano. First and foremost is about surrounding Ryan Tannehill with as much talent as possible.

Currently, Miami is solid with Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, Reggie Bush and Fasano. Bringing in Cook allows for bigger four-wide sets and/or a two tight-end set connected to the line with receivers at the wing.

Cook's presence would make the Dolphins' ground game more effective and provide Tannehill another big target against single coverage. Miami is 4-3 and on the cusp of really hitting an elite rhythm this season.

Another weapon to present to a defense only gives the Fins a stronger competitive advantage.

 

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