P-Rez25

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is the Titans most-pressing concern heading towards free agency. While there are concerns about his ability to stay healthy for 16 games, Tennessee was a far better team with him on the field than without him.



So the Titans are expected to pin a franchise tag on him by Feb. 21, meaning they'd pay him $7.25 million in a one-year contract and be assured that if he signed an offer sheet they are unwilling to match, they'd get two first-round picks in response.


Haynesworth said if the tag comes as a means of buying time to negotiate a long-term deal, he'd be fine with that.


"That would be great, that's what happened to (Indianapolis defensive end) Dwight Freeney last year and he got a deal worked out," Haynesworth said before he went to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl. "I hope that happens. If that's the case, if they want to do it that way."


But if it's merely a way for the Titans to keep him for another season before he can test free agency in 2009, he'd be upset.


"I'd be disappointed because that would mean they don't really want me here long-term," Haynesworth said. "If they franchise me, I feel like they don't really want me here long term, then I'll prepare myself to play like that, (expecting to play elsewhere in 2009)."


Ideally the Titans would retain Haynesworth and bolster the interior defensive line in free agency or the draft.


But the interior isn't all they'll have to address.


Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, who combined for 14 sacks at left end playing opposite of Kyle Vanden Bosch, are both heading for unrestricted free agency and it appears unlikely the team will manage to retain either with a deal before they hit the market.


In an offseason when the Titans have said their focus will be on finding players who can score touchdowns and making them a more dynamic offense, they don't need a hole to fill on defense.


With the clock ticking, however, it appears as though they won't have a choice.


Notes, Quotes
• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told The Tennessean at the Super Bowl that he was "disappointed" in Pacman Jones, indicating he wouldn't soon lift the cornerback's suspension.


Jones was accused of being involved in a strip club incident in January, accusations that were quickly withdrawn. Still, that Jones was at a strip club in the middle of the night yet again was an issue with Goodell.


"I am disappointed in that," he said. "I have often said that it is actions that speak louder than words, and that you control those actions. And I don't think Adam has demonstrated that he understands the message clearly and that he is making the correct decisions.


"That is part of what I have to review. We also have to make sure that he is going through the counseling and the programs that we asked him to do. ... If he needs more time to understand what we expect of him, then I'll accommodate that."


• Sherman Smith, the Titans running back coach since 1995, was offered the offensive coordinator job with the Washington Redskins on Feb. 13.


Smith is long-time friends with new Washington coach Jim Zorn. The two played together as Seattle Seahawks. While Zorn will call plays in Washington, the post would still be a significant expansion of responsibilities for Smith.


• The Titans have had some contract discussions with the agents for kicker Rob Bironas and right tackle David Stewart, players who are en route to restricted free agency.


• Former Titans first-round pick Andre Woolfolk, a cornerback who was out of the league last year, recently worked out for the Houston Texans.


Quote To Note: "It's going to be real hard for them to re-sign him... But based on what Antwan and his wife want to do, he is going to give them an opportunity. He likes it in Tennessee. If something doesn't go down prior to free agency, if we can't get to a deal everybody is comfortable with, then so be it, and he'll go into the open market." -- Richard Rosa, agent for Titans defensive end Antwan Odom, who's heading toward unrestricted free agency.


Strategy And Personnel
For the Titans to lock up one or two of their own free agents to be before they hit the market, they'd have to put together an attractive deal that anticipates values. Based on how the worked last year in Mike Reinfeldt's first season as general manager, that seems unlikely. IN 2007, the Titans sat back and were observers in the early stage of free agency, choosing to see how the early market played out before becoming active.


That's probably not going to help their cause as the look to retain defensive end Antwan Odom, receiver Justin Gage or defensive end Travis LaBoy. They're expected to let guard Jacob Bell walk without resistance if he gets a big money deal. Another important unrestricted, tight end Ben Hartsock, is less likely to be at the top of anyone's list and could remain on the market a bit longer.


TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY


The Titans are expected to use their franchise tag to ensure they get at least one more season out of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. His franchise number will be $7.250 million. Two other defensive lineman who keyed the Titans resurgence in 2007, left ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy who combined for 14 sacks, are heading for unrestricted free agency.


Meanwhile, the Titans have pressing concerns on offense that need to be solved form the outside. While they'd like to re-sign Justin Gage, who cost them only $1 million last season while leading the team in receiving yardage, they need dynamic receivers who can stretch the field and a two-way tight end who can become a reliable outlet for quarterback Vince Young.


1. Wide receiver: The Titans have been wary of using first-round picks on the position, long a problem spot for the franchise. Odds are a draft pick won't have the immediate impact they need. The free agent crop isn't what they'd like, but Donte' Stallworth is likely to be on the market because of $8 million on bonuses the Patriots will want to avoid, and the Titans were big suitors for him last season. He would add a speed dimension they lack.


2. Tight end: A two-way tight end who can be a reliable target for quarterback Vince Young will help take pressure off receivers and open things up for the run game.


3. Defensive end: Either they need to re-sign their own -- Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy -- or they need to find suitable replacements for a tandem that produced 14 sacks in 2007


Medical Watch: SS Chris Hope (neck) is working his way back on a timetable that's unknown, but the team and his agent say he'll be ready for the 2008 season. Other players who had surgery after the end of the season: DT Tony Brown (knee), DB Vincent Fuller (shoulder), CB Nick Harper (ankle), P Craig Hentrich (knee and shoulder) and RB LenDale White (knee). The Titans are not forthcoming about the timetables for their recoveries.


FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• G Jacob Bell is a good player who could get a big deal elsewhere and the Titans would be OK with losing.


• RB Chris Brown need to find a different situation as the Titans don't believe he's tough enough to be relied on.


• WR Justin Gage was a good find who should sign a friendly deal but could draw interest in a thin market.


• LB Gilbert Gardner was the team's second most productive special teams tackler, but not a great backup.


• TE Ben Hartsock ranks as a solid blocker and can be a quality piece in a run-first offense.


• DT Albert Haynesworth's ripple effect on the defense was hard to believe; he should be franchised.


• CB Chidi Iwuoma ranks behind a lot of cornerbacks on the roster.


• DE Travis LaBoy's concussion history could make teams wary of him.


• WR Eric Moulds was a very good leader, but his production and lack of separation may not be enough to warrant a contract anywhere.


• S Donnie Nickey is getting expensive for a backup/ special teamer.


• DE Antwan Odom is likely to be a hot commodity when he hits the market.


• LB Rich Scanlon played hard, but upgrading the reserve linebackers will be an offseason project in Tennessee.


• DT Randy Starks is about to find out what lackluster effort equates to financially.


• TE Ben Troupe never caught on to what the Titans wanted him to do to be a long-term contributor; a change of scenery is his only chance.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS


• K Rob Bironas was an All Pro and should get a long-term deal.


• TE-FB Casey Cramer will probably get a low tender.


• DB Vincent Fuller showed he can be a quality nickel back.


• CB Reynaldo Hill amounts to affordable, experienced depth.


• T Daniel Loper scored big with playoff performance at guard.


• TE Bo Scaife is key guy who needs role reduced a bit.


• RT David Stewart should be targeted for a long-term deal.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS:


• DE Sean Conover is a role player will have more competition.


• FB Ahmard Hall ranks as a quality blocker and he is also good with ball in hands.



http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...pe=team_report

__________________