Tennessee Titans: 8 Free Agents and Their Potential Replacements

Finally, the NFL lockout has come to an end, and with that will come unprecedented action in the free-agency market this week.

The Tennessee Titans have their fair share of notable free agents that have played huge roles in the success the Titans have had over the past several seasons.

Losing valuable players through free agency is part of the game, and the great organizations know how to replace those lost players.

The Titans will have to do the same thing if any of these eight players end up going elsewhere. Otherwise, fans might have rather had the lockout extend through the regular season.

If the Titans decide to promote from within, then these current Titans will be the replacements of the lost free agents.

David Thornton Replaced by Colin McCarthy

All signs point to David Thornton not returning for a sixth season with the Titans

Thornton was sidelined the entire 2010 season due to injuries, and the Titans clearly are ready to part ways with him after they drafted two linebackers in the NFL Draft.

Since Thornton wasn't a major piece in the group of Titans linebackers, it would make sense for rookie Colin McCarthy to move in as a backup in 2011.

McCarthy was a smart draft pick simply because in college he showed great versatility by being skilled at both underneath coverage and stopping the run.

The Titans were horrible at covering tight ends last season, so McCarthy may be the answer in the future.

Donnie Nickey Replaced by Myron Rolle

Donnie Nickey has been one of the better players on special teams for several years now.

Despite being with the Titans for eight seasons, Nickey has rarely seen the field unless it's on special teams coverage.

The Titans could be willing to see him walk if he expects too much money. After all, they need to make room for their sixth-round draft pick from 2010, which is Myron Rolle.

Rolle didn't see the field at all last season, but they will most likely change this season. He's a stand-up guy that deserves a chance to possibly be the future replacement of the aging Chris Hope.

For now, he could end up being a key special teams contributor.

Justin Gage Replaced by Lavelle Hawkins

For one reason or another Justin Gage always got plenty of opportunities from Jeff Fisher and company despite being an average wide receiver.

Unless the Titans make a move for another free agent wide receiver, then Gage's departure will free up room on the roster for Lavelle Hawkins.

Hawkins has been with the organization for a while, but his playing time has been very limited. He's shown glimpses of being a solid receiver, but at worst he's a solid backup.

That's one of the major mistakes Fisher made during his tenure with the Titans. He never gave all of his young talent enough chances to produce.

However, Hawkins still wouldn't be a main piece at wide receiver, but he would still receive more opportunities than he has in the past.

Bo Scaife Replaced by Jared Cook

This may be one free agent that the Titans find a way to hold onto just because of the simple fact that Bo Scaife has always given 100-percent at the position.

However, just because you want to keep a guy doesn't mean you will.

Scaife could end up getting lured away by another team and the Titans have a few guys that are worthy of taking his place.

It comes down to Jared Cook or Craig Stevens, and I think you have to choose the more athletic of the two.

That player would be Cook.

Cook has the ability to use speed at the tight end position much like a wide receiver would.

The tight end position will be a very important one for the Titans with a new quarterback running things, especially if that quarterback does indeed end up being Jake Locker.

Jacob Ford Replaced by William Hayes

This is another player that the Titans should do everything they can to retain.

Jacob Ford has progressed into a great player over his three seasons with the Titans.

If Ford leaves, then the Titans will have to figure out a way to replace a player who was clearly trending upwards and could have a great NFL career ahead of him.

William Hayes could be the answer to this problem.

Hayes also has played three seasons for the Titans, and his numbers really aren't that much lower than Ford's despite playing fewer games.

In a way Hayes wouldn't really be replacing Ford, and would instead just get an even bigger chunk of playing time at the position.

Hayes started most of last season, so he should be a safe bet at starting at defensive end in 2011.

Leroy Harris Replaced by Troy Kropog

Leroy Harris is one player the Titans absolutely can't afford to lose.

Protecting the quarterback is going to be of the utmost importance this season if Jake Locker is the starter.

In addition to pass protection, Chris Johnson's role will be expanded even more than last season, so a strong offensive line is vital.

Expect former offensive line coach, and new head coach Mike Munchak to hold onto Harris.

If for some crazy reason Harris is let go, then the next best replacement is the unproven Troy Kropog.

Inexperienced offensive linemen protecting an inexperienced quarterback is a recipe for disaster, so hopefully this won't happen.

Jason Babin Replaced by Derrick Morgan

As great as Jason Babin was in 2010, his asking price might be too high for the Titans to gamble with.

Who's to say last season wasn't a fluke? You can't take that risk if Babin looks to break the bank.

The Titans have a much younger and promising replacement for him in Derrick Morgan, their first-round draft pick in 2010.

Morgan looked great in the preseason and his brief playing time in the regular season before getting injured for the remainder of the year.

If Morgan can live up to his first-round potential, then the Titans will be much better off letting the much older Jason Babin go.

Stephen Tulloch Replaced by Akeem Ayers

Losing Stephen Tulloch could end up stinging the most out of all the free agents the Titans will lose this offseason.

We've all watched Tulloch rise up to be one of the better linebackers in the AFC, and with that comes a high price tag.

Since the Titans drafted a linebacker as early as the second round, it seems that they expect Tulloch to move on.

Akeem Ayers has the talent to start right away in the NFL. He may not be as productive as Tulloch right out of the gate, but over time he could become even better.

You have to remember that Tulloch also struggled to cover tight ends last season like the rest of the team.

Ayers on the other hand is known for using his athleticism to drop back into coverage.

The time has come to rebuild nearly this entire team from the coaching staff all the way down to probably the water boy, and Ayers could end up being a cornerstone of the defense in the future.