Report: Taylor Lewan, Titans Make 'Progress' in Contract Negotiations

The Tennessee Titans and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan have reportedly made "progress" in discussions over a contract extension ahead of the 2018 season.

On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the positive nature of the talks increases the chances Lewan—who skipped the team's mandatory minicamp while seeking a new deal—participates in training camp as the sides attempt to finalize an agreement.

The 26-year-old University of Michigan product told Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com in June he was letting his agent handle the contract situation because he didn't want to "lose track of what is important, and that's playing football."

"If the contract is going to get done, it's going to get done. If not, I understand—it's a business," Lewan said. "It's cool to look at numbers and 'what if,' but at the end of the day, I've got to play ball. I've got to be the best left tackle I can be, the best left tackle in the NFL."

He faces immense financial incentive to attend camp and play in preseason games.

Cory Curtis of WKRN noted the Titans could fine Lewan up to $40,000 per day if he engaged in a holdout, and he'd have the potential to lose $549,470—one game check—if he missed an exhibition contest.

The tackle is set to earn $9.3 million in the final year of his current contract. He'd be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, but Tennessee could also use the franchise tag to keep him for another year if no extension is reached.

Lewan has developed into one of the league's top offensive tackles since the Titans selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2014 draft. He's earned a Pro Bowl selection in each of the past two seasons and ranked 18th among tackles in Pro Football Focus' grades for 2017.

Dennis Kelly and Tyler Marz would likely compete to fill the void if Lewan ended up missing any action.