Tennesse Titans: Why Hasselbeck Is Not the Right Choice to Mentor Jake Locker

With the retirement of Kerry Collins the Titans Choice seems clear, to some. Many fans and pundits alike are clamoring about the possibility of Matt Hasselbeck joining the Tennessee Titans. To me, however, this seems like the worst possible scenario for the Titans.

For one thing Hasselbeck's health is suspect. In four of his last five season he has missed games due to injury. Some of these injuries have included a second degree MCL sprain, broken fingers on his non throwing hand, a back injury, and a hip injury. In fact since 2006 Hassellbeck has missed thirteen games from injuries, that's almost a whole season's worth of games!

Another reason for the Titans not wanting to sign Hasselbeck is his performance over the past few years. Since 2007 the old veteran has not thrown more touchdowns than interceptions in a season. While he can obviously still play, he did have four touchdowns against the Saints in the playoffs, but I don't feel he can do it consistently over a full season.

I am not saying the Titans need the quarterback they get to be spectacular. No, they just need someone to play well until first round pick Jake Locker is ready. Which brings me to my biggest concern about Hasselbeck: he wants to be a starter and he wants starter money. He would not be happy if he was pulled for Locker if he struggles or if the Team pulls him for Locker if they are eliminated from playoff contention.

It has been speculated recently that all the publicity and quarterback drama negatively affected Kerry Collins and the Tennessee Titans locker room negatively. I personally would not risk a repeat by bringing in a guy who will not step down as the starter happily.

If the Titans want a guy to come in mentor Locker and play until he is ready that's great. It is the smart thing to do, But don't bring in Hasselbeck. He has a sketchy injury history, poor play recently, and wants starter money. Instead bring in someone like Kyle Boller or Marc Bulger, guys who will be happy to play until Jake Locker is ready and when the time comes step down and watch as their protege tears up NFL defenses, hopefully.