2012 NFL Free Agents: Why the Tennessee Titans Should Sign Mike Tolbert

As I watching videos of the 2010 Tennessee Titans yesterday, looking for the monster hit Jason Jones laid on Kevin Kolb that turned the Philadelphia Eagles game around, I noticed one thing. There were lots of insane runs by Chris Johnson. In 2011 we didn't see a lot of his open-field moves, bouncing off guys and finding a top speed that no one on the field could match. Whether that was a product of the blocking, the holdout, or the shortened offseason is unknown.

Johnson could use some help. Better blocking up front: check. An upgrade at fullback: check. A running back who can spell him with a completely different skill set that would tax a defense: check.

Enter Mike Tolbert. He's a guy I've noticed more for his fantasy football prowess than his real NFL skills. For the past two years, he's been the player the San Diego Chargers used when first-round pick Ryan Mathews couldn't quite play through pain.

The Chargers do not hold onto their running backs. In the past few years they've let Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles leave in free agency.

The Chargers didn't know what to do with the Coastal Carolina product his first two years, as he shifted between fullback and running back. In 2010, with heralded rookie Mathews struggling, Tolbert came in and gained almost 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns. Last year, he scored 10 touchdowns again despite getting fewer carries. He became the team's primary third-down back and excelled in the role with 54 catches for 433 yards and two touchdowns.

He's a free agent, and the Chargers aren't interested in re-signing him. The Titans need to make a move.

Tolbert is built like a Hummer with his 5'9", 243-pound frame. In short yardage, he's close to impossible to bring down. Unlike Chris Johnson, who has hands of steel, Tolbert can catch the ball.

Mike Tolbert isn't taking Chris Johnson's job. Today's NFL is about showing the defense different looks. I don't think Tolbert could be the full-time fullback, not that the Titans use one 100 percent of the time, but imagine him as an occasional lead blocker, short-yardage back and third-down specialist.

He could take 100 carries, 40 to 50 catches and probably end up with six to eight touchdowns. That's a huge upgrade from what Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper can do. He's not going to break the bank, either—offer him a three-year, $10 million deal. That's a scary one-two punch.