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Kelly Herndon is officially in the fold with the Tennessee Titans, but the team might not be finished tinkering with its roster before training camp opens in late July.
“We’re still looking at ways to improve our roster, whether it be defensive ends or wide receivers or whatever the case may be,” Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said. “We’re trying to improve this team’s depth from top to bottom.”
The Titans are still somewhat inexperienced at both those positions.
At defensive end, Kyle Vanden Bosch anchors one spot, but Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are both coming off injuries. Odom played in just four games last year because of knee problems, while LaBoy had surgery on his knees during the offseason and returned back to the practice field for the first time at the end of the May organized team activities.
One player who is potentially available that could interest the Titans is Alex Brown of the Chicago Bears. Brown is attempting to force a trade from the Bears, though Chicago thus far has been somewhat reluctant to accommodate him.
The former Florida Gators star has 27 sacks in a five-year NFL career, including seven last season for the NFC champions.
Reinfeldt could not comment regarding players who are under contract with other NFL squads.
As for the wide receiver position, the Titans might have interest in reacquiring Justin McCareins, though he is still the property of the New York Jets. The Jets might be now leaning toward keeping McCareins and his $2.9 million salary this season.
“I think the Jets may have decided to keep him now,” McCareins’ agent Cliff Brady said. McCareins, according to reports, has performed well during the Jets OTAs.
As for Herndon, he gives the Titans more versatility in their defensive backfield and NFL starting experience at the position, having started every game for the Seattle Seahawks last season and also being a starter on the Seahawks Super Bowl team from 2005.
“We’ll try to create as much competition as possible,” Reinfeldt said. “Kelly is a physical player and an aggressive player who started 16 games last year. He makes us a better team. And he is pretty versatile in what he can do playing both outside and in the slot.”
Herndon joins veterans Reynaldo Hill, Nick Harper, Andre Woolfolk, Eric King and Michael Waddell, as well as rookies Michael Griffin and Ryan Smith in the battle for cornerback positions on the roster this fall.