Offseason Analysis: Tennessee Titans

The Titans are coming off an improbable 13-3 run, and even though they didn’t reach the promise land, you have to classify their 2008 season as a smashing success. Jeff Fisher is easily one of the best coaches in the league. 

Quarterback

Their top priority this offseason is to secure the services of quarterback Kerry Collins.  He wants to return and the team wants him to return, but they will have to narrow the gap on their contract differences. 

Chris Simms, meanwhile, is sort of twisting in the wind.  If Collins returns, Simms will likely be the backup as Vince Young may not be ready mentally.  If Collins doesn’t return, then Simms will likely be handed the starting gig.  Either way, the unrestricted free agent will almost certainly return. 

Running back

The Titans have one of the league’s best running back tandems in Chris Johnson and LenDale White.  It’s a contract year for LenDale and he’s actually going to stay in shape in the offseason. 

Receiver

Receiver Justin Gage finally gave the team the weapon at wide out they’ve lacked since Derrick Mason’s departure.  He has the tools to be a high-end WR in this league, but he has never been able to put it together.  The Titans will try to re-sign him. Justin McCareins is also a free agent, but I don’t see him coming back. 

Tight end

Bo Scaife was slapped with the franchise tag.  He’s quietly one of the better tight ends in the AFC.

Special teams

Punter Craig Hentrich, meanwhile, could retire, but kicker Rob Bironas just agreed to terms on a multi-year deal to remain with Tennessee.

Defense

On defense, Albert Haynesworth is their top free agent.  He’s going to command a huge payday, and one that the Titans won’t be able to swallow.  He’ll be playing elsewhere in 2009. 

Cortland Finnegan will not though, as the team locked him up to a four-year deal.  Chris Carr, Vincent Fuller, and Eric King will likely re-join him the secondary.  Reynaldo Hill will not.