Tennessee's nearly $30 million under the salary cap combined with the Titans inability to lasso Albert Haynesworth or Kerry Collins before the free agency period begins, has many Titans fans and onlookers around the NFL asking exactly what are the Titans doing with their money, and what sort of plan do they have this off-season.

Haynesworth appears to already have one foot out the door as free agency opens, and the backlash from that will be bad enough. Collins will likely come to terms eventually, but in the event he gets away, the strategy of drawing a line in the sand in negotiations will come under even more scrutiny.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Titans at least kept kicker and tight end from being major issues this off-season, signing Rob Bironas to a four-year, $12 million deal ($5 million guaranteed) and placing the franchise tag on Bo Scaife.

Beyond that, the Titans could have major needs at other positions. With Haynesworth likely head elsewhere to a gigantic payday, defensive tackle becomes a need area, as does wide receiver (a perennial issue with the Titans) and in the secondary, where no less than five players are poised to test the market.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive tackle: If Haynesworth departs, as expected, the Titans will elevate Jason Jones to the starting lineup and profess confidence that he can do a credible job. However, they will still have to add at the position in some shape or form, either with a veteran presence or a draft pick who can contribute immediately. Either way, it won't replace Haynesworth's impact.

2. Wide receiver: Brandon Jones and Justin McCareins are both free agents, and the Titans benefit here simply for the fact that a glut of receivers hit the market as cap cuts, plus the draft appears well stocked at the position. Don't rule out a bit of both, perhaps a player like Pittsburgh's Nate Washington or even former Titan Drew Bennett could fit, as well as a rookie draft choice like Hakeem Nicks for Darrius Heyward-Bey who could add a different dimension.

3. Defensive back: The Titans have a number of defensive backs, all backups, whose contracts are up. The most important of these are nickel back Vincent Fuller, whom they hope to re-sign, cornerback Chris Carr, who doubles as a return man, and dieback Eric King, who probably should look elsewhere for a bigger role.

MEDICAL WATCH: Cornerback Nick Harper underwent abdominal surgery to correct a problem that was causing pain in his leg. He is expected to be full-go by training camp.

--Defensive end Dave Ball had surgery to correct a back issue that cost him playing time late in the season.

--Center Kevin Mawae should be back full speed by training camp as he recovers from elbow surgery to repair a torn triceps tendon.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: TE Bo Scaife: Tendered at $4.462M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--CB Chris Carr is poised to test the market and has value as a return man. The Titans want him back, but Carr could be seeking more playing time as well as a bigger payday.

--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 deciding between playing a role (nickel back) in Tennessee or testing the market to start somewhere else as a free safety.

--DT Albert Haynesworth appears to be heading elsewhere in unrestricted free agency as perhaps the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL, something the Titans are not likely to match.

--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.

--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

--PK Rob Bironas: Potential UFA; $12M/4 yrs, $5M guaranteed.

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

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST: None.