It is time for the Titans front office to not only step up and re-sign key contributors in order to keep the franchise moving forward, but also to add potential playmakers at other positions, such as wide receiver and fortify places like cornerback with improved depth.

The Titans need a strong off-season in free agency (even if it's just keeping their own) and another solid draft to take the next steps toward being a Super Bowl team.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The biggest decisions facing the Titans front office obviously deal with Albert Haynesworth, who is seeking to become the NFL's highest-paid defensive player and at quarterback, where Tennessee hopes to re-sign both Kerry Collins and Chris Simms and must retain at least one of them heading into training camp next season.

With Haynesworth, everything on the defense runs through him at defensive tackle. His ability not only to occupy two blockers and still be effective against the run, but also to rush the passer from the interior (8.5 sacks) keys the whole defensive line. It was that play that allowed the Titans to blitz rarely and let linebackers make tackles and defensive backs play in coverage without worrying about holes caused by blitzes.

Offensively, Collins enjoyed a resurrection of his career and now says his options are to start somewhere (preferably in Tennessee, he says) or retire. The Titans want him back, and he will likely be re-signed. Simms is also a possibility to return, and could unseat Young as the No. 2. He might even win the starting job if Collins departs.

TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS

1. Wide receiver: The Titans have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2004 when both Derrick Mason and Drew Bennett accomplished the feat. Tennessee relies on its running game heavily, and Chris Johnson was a home run draft pick last year, but when he went out with an ankle injury in the playoffs, the Titans offense reverted to its old moribund self. Of the current crop of wideouts, only Justin Gage shows consistency. There is talk of re-signing Brandon Jones, but the Titans would be better off upgrading, even if Jones returned.

2. Defensive tackle: If Haynesworth departs, this obviously jumps to No 1 on the list. The Titans have nice complementary pieces in Tony Brown and Jason Jones, but they don't yet know how Jones would do with more responsibility on him. One more playmaker on the interior will be absolutely necessary if Haynesworth departs.

3. Defensive back: The starters at both cornerback and safety are solid with three of the four making the Pro Bowl. It is behind them where the issues lie. Nickel back/safety Vincent Fuller, and key backup corners Chris Carr and Eric King are all free agents. The Titans say they want to re-sign Carr and Fuller, especially, but they also need to bring in help at cornerback, probably in the draft, to groom as an eventual replacement for Nick Harper, who can be a free agent after '09.

MEDICAL WATCH: DE Dave Ball was scheduled to have back surgery to repair a disc problem. It is the second time in his NFL career that Ball has had to have back surgery to correct issues. He missed the playoff game because of the injury. ... C Kevin Mawae had surgery to repair a torn triceps tendon in his right arm and will need about four months recovery time. Mawae should be ready for training camp. ... DE Kyle Vanden Bosch returned from groin surgery and played in the playoff game, but could use a full off-season of rest to ensure that he is 100 percent by training camp. It was evident that Vanden Bosch was never close to 100 percent once he suffered the injury on Oct. 5. ... RB Chris Johnson suffered a high ankle sprain in the playoffs that kept him out of the Pro Bowl, but is expected to be fully recovered by the time the off-season program begins.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--K Rob Bironas has been arguably the NFL's best kicker over the past three seasons, and the Titans would like to keep him. Contracts talks have been slow, and there is the possibility he could be franchised this off-season.

--DB/KR Chris Carr wants a bigger role in the defense, but his main role is as a return man. The Titans are expected to try and re-sign him, as he has said he would take less money to stay in Tennessee.

--QB Kerry Collins wants to stay, and the Titans want to re-sign him, but he has said he wants to be a starter and will be looking for a two-year deal that will give him starter's money. He might be wise to see how the Kurt Warner situation plays out in Arizona and base a deal off that.

--DB Vincent Fuller is a valuable nickel back and special teams player, whom the Titans have interest in re-signing. Fuller, however, might want to look around for a starting safety position elsewhere.

--DT Albert Haynesworth is the biggest free-agent prize out there. Talks have been slow to this point, and he is believed to be seeking a deal that would make him the league's highest-paid defensive player (Think $35M guaranteed). Titans need to re-sign him before Feb. 27 when other teams can enter the fray.

--P Craig Hentrich, a valuable veteran punter and holder, has given indications that he could retire because of recurring back problems.

--CB Reynaldo Hill, a former starter who was shoved to the back of the depth chart the past two years, is probably best off finding a fresh start elsewhere.

--WR Brandon Jones is a player the titans have said they want to re-sign. Jones' agent will give them the chance. Had his best season in 2008 with 41 catches. The Titans hope he can build on that and blossom.

--CB Eric King, a key special teamer and backup corner, has been beset with injuries the past two years. Titans wouldn't mind keeping him, but he might be looking for a chance to start somewhere else.

--OT Daniel Loper can play either tackle spot or fill in at guard, but will test free agency this off-season in search of a starting job somewhere in the league.

--WR Justin McCareins came back to the Titans for a second tour of duty, but was injured and a bit of a disappointment. The Titans haven't ruled out his return completely, but they will probably look at other options first.

--CB Tyrone Poole, a veteran who signed on in November after a rash of cornerback injuries, was used sparingly and won't return. It could be his final NFL stop after 14 seasons.

--TE Bo Scaife, a steady and improving player, led the Titans with 58 catches. The Titan would love to re-sign him, but he will explore the free agent market and might find a bigger payday than Tennessee is willing to fork over.

--QB Chris Simms should draw some interest around the league as a No. 2 quarterback. The Titans have said they want him to return, where he could battle Vince Young for the second job here. Simms likes it in Tennessee and that could figure into his decision.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--LB Colin Allred.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--DT Kevin Vickerson: Potential RFA; $535,000/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST: None.