Peyton Manning: Predicting Titans' Next Moves Following Broncos' Haul

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams wanted his team to go all-in for Peyton Manning, but now the front office must move on.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN first reported that Manning has decided to play for the Denver Broncos, leaving the Titans to pick up the pieces.

The pursuit of the veteran quarterback can prove to be costly for the franchise.

First, the team prioritized Manning to the point that it could not land any other notable free agents that could help the team, like defensive end John Abraham. 

Second, Tennessee has two quarterbacks that have spent the last two weeks reading news stories about how much the team wants to replace them with a player that missed all of last season.

Adams is already working on repairing those relationships, saying in a statement released today:

"

I like our quarterback situation moving forward and we will continue to build the team through free agency and the draft with that goal in mind.

I also want to commend Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker. They were thrown into a very difficult situation. Matt was very good for us last year; and at some point, we expect Jake to be our future franchise quarterback.

"

This is a good step, but coach Mike Munchak needs to make sure that his quarterbacks will be ready to focus on the season. 

Matt Hasselbeck is a veteran, but Jake Locker is a young player going into his second year in the NFL. He had decent numbers, but players at this stage need confidence to succeed.

If the Titans want Locker to become the quarterback of the future and possibly take over this season, the organization needs to show that they believe in him.

Once that is settled, the front office needs to look at the few remaining free agents, in order to improve the defense.

If the team cannot land linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who is visiting, they need to look in the draft to improve the pass-rush.

The offense is on its way, with talented position players and an improved line. If they can add a few more key parts, the Titans can go from 9-7 to legitimate AFC contenders.

Missing out on Peyton Manning will end up being a good thing for Tennessee, but hopefully pursuing him does not hurt the future of this franchise.