NFL.com's Ian Rapoport has reported that at least seven teams have an interest in Tennessee Titans tight end Jared Cook now that he's escaped the franchise tag. One of those teams will be the Chicago Bears.
Another is the Miami Dolphins. A source told the Sun-Sentinel on Sunday that Cook is high on Miami's list of possible "tier one" free-agent targets, along with wide receiver Mike Wallace.
The Dolphins reportedly have been talking to the representatives of several tight ends in case they lose out on Cook. General manager Jeff Ireland is determined to add more firepower to an offense lacking it since he arrived from the Dallas Cowboys in 2008.
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Cook certainly qualifies as a pass-catching upgrade on Anthony Fasano. Respected NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell recently compared Cook's movement skills to those of Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, adding that he has "big-time ability" with the chance to be a "very explosive receiver" if he continues to learn.
Reports on Cook's asking price have been all over the map, starting at $6 million per year and going as high as the $8 million to $10 million range.
In addition to the Titans, Bears and Dolphins, we have seen Cook's name connected to the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. Expect his market to spiral out of control.
UPDATE: League sources tell The Plain Dealer that the Brownsindeed have expressed interest in Cook, who would be an ideal fit in the tight-end friendly offenses of new coordinator Norv Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.