Report: Cleveland Browns interested in Titans free agent TE Jared Cook

As the new league year draws near, 4:00 pm Tuesday, the time free agents can officially sign with other teams, reports and rumors continue to fly around in light of the tampering period that began midnight Saturday morning.

Among the latest is that the Cleveland Browns have "expressed interest" in Titans free agent tight end Jared Cook, according to a report by Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer, citing league sources.

The Browns are one of at least a half dozen teams eyeing the premier tight end, who caught 44 passes for 523 yards and four TDs last season. The Dolphins and Bears are also reportedly in the mix.

Question is, will the Browns be willing to pay the huge salary Cook will command?

That is indeed the big question surrounding any of Cook's potential suitors. Are they willing to pay or, more specifically, how much are they willing to pay?

A related rumor out of The Miami Herald puts that number between $8-$10 million per year.

Here are a few questions for fans to consider: Is that too much for a tight end that's never produced more than 800 receiving yards in a season? Or was that more due to a Titans' problem at quarterback?

Consider that Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis are averaging just about $7 million per year. Should that matter given the Browns significant cap space and the potential of a tight end in head coach Rob Chudzinski's offense?