3 worst free agent signings under Rams GM Les Snead

III: TE Jared Cook (2013) -5 years for $35.1 million

When the Saint Louis Rams agreed to terms with tight end Jared Cook, the team had several reasons for doing so. Cook had played for Rams HC Jeff Fisher when they were both with the Tennessee Titans. The second and perhaps more compelling reason for the two sides to come to terms is that tight ends were viewed as vital components of any NFL offense.

Tight ends Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker and John Phillips has already signed with NFL teams, and Cook was viewed by NFL analysts as the best of the bunch. Cook had become a free agent because the Titans opted not to apply a franchise tag on him. Some viewed Cook as having greater receiving skills than the Titans offense needed.

Jared Cook was viewed as a vital offensive weapon for QB Sam Bradford, a role he filled in 2013 by setting a franchise record by recording 671 receiving yards by a tight end. But the Saint Louis Rams could not find success, even with Cook's production. As such, the team found it necessary to shed salaries, and Cook was one of the big names on the roster to be cut.

While former HC Jeff Fisher's comments are no longer available on the team's website, they were recorded and preserved by Bleacher Report writer Joe Pantorno:

"Jared made an immediate impact when he joined the team in 2013. It’s been a pleasure watching him grow from the time I drafted him in Tennessee to seeing him set franchise records in St. Louis. Like Chris (Long) and James ( Laurinaitis), he’s been a mainstay in the community, and his contributions are commendable. We hope for the best for Jared and his family as he embarks on the next steps of his career."

- Rams HC Jeff Fisher

Cook was released after just three seasons with the Rams. It may be that the experience with Jared Cook has steered the team into short-term contracts with veteran free agents. Cook's best year with the Saint Louis Rams was 2013, his first year on the roster.

But there are other contracts that may have been less beneficial for the team.