NFL Free Agency Rumors: Latest Jason Babin Rumors and Speculation

One of the few bright spots in the Titans 26th-ranked defense was Jason Babin, who was playing on his fifth team in six seasons.

The current lockout may be keeping players put for now, but Babin will become a free agent sooner or later, and it's very likely the Titans won't be willing fork out the money for a long-term contract.

Rumors are swirling all around this situation, and it's time to try to break it all down.

What Babin Brings to the Table

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Drew Brees, #9 of the New Orleans Saints, looks for an open receiver while Jason Babin, #93 of the Tennessee Titans, defends during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NFC won 55-41 over

Jason Babin has a great motor and exceptional speed. The problem that has plagued him over the early part of his career is durability.

Last season was Babin's first full season of action since his rookie season in 2004. That has to be a major factor in whether or not the Titans decide to sign him to a long-term deal.

Babin had 12.5 sacks last season.

However, it could be that the Titans captured lightning in a bottle last offseason by signing a guy that will produce several sacks each season if in the right defensive system.

The big question is was last year a fluke or a sign of things to come?

The Titans Are Reportedly Showing Interest to Keep Him

During the brief time the lockout was lifted, it was reported by the Tennessean that the Titans reached out to Babin in hopes of retaining him.

Since the period was so brief, nothing came close to being reached. The Titans will have to be willing to tie up a lot of money on Babin if they want to keep their Pro Bowl defensive end.

Other Teams That May Be Interested in Babin

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Im

One team that could really use a player like Jason Babin is the Cleveland Browns. One of their biggest post-draft needs is defensive end.

Their offense is on the way up with Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis, but their defense is lacking a major playmaker. Babin could be the answer they're looking for.

Another possible destination for Babin is with the Eagles now that his former defensive line coach is in Philadelphia. Babin already had one brief stint with the Eagles in 2009.

Babin Isn't Completely Against Re-Signing with Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Jason Babin #93 and Michael Griffin #33 of the Tennessee Titans pressure quarterback Dennis Dixon #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Gra

Babin has expressed recently to the Tennessean that he believes he would be a good fit in new defensive coordinator Jerry Gray's system.

However, the whole lockout situation has him unsure of whether or not the two sides will reach a deal. He's keeping all of his options open, and who could blame him?

“I expressed early to them my intentions and we’ll see what happens when they can legally speak to me. If they want a guy who can get some sacks and they’ll let me do what I did last year, I’d love to be back," Babin recently told the Tennessean.

Babin does thrive off of a 4-3 base defense, and it's expected that Gray will keep that system in place.

Babin Is Keeping Busy in the Meantime

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch under pressure from Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson

By keeping busy during the offseason with such activities as MMA and hunting, he could be indirectly helping his image to potential suitors. Don't think for a second that interested teams aren't keeping an eye on his offseason activities.

Babin has also expressed the possibility of leaving for the UFL or CFL if a bargaining agreement is not reached.

Obviously this shows Babin is dedicated to the game of football, and that could be very desirable for NFL teams. He'll get plenty of interested once the restrictions of the lockout are finally lifted. But will Babin already be checked out to a different league?

If Babin Leaves, Who Replaces Him?

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 02: Tory Humphrey #84 of the New Orleans Saints ties up Derrick Morgan #90 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an exhibition game at LP Field on September 2, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/

Remember the Titans' first-round draft pick from the 2010 NFL Draft? If memory isn't serving you well at the moment, then you should be reminded of Derrick Morgan.

Morgan suffered a season-ending injury early last season, but looked solid in his short amount of playing time.

He's the most probable replacement if Babin walks, and he could very well end up being a better situation for the Titans anyway.

The Titans didn't draft a pure defensive end in this year's draft, so that shows that the Titans are prepared to replace Babin with what they have. That replacement has to be the player they drafted in the first round just one season ago.