
The Titans prefer to build through the draft and then fill in the pieces, be it a starter or backup, through free agency.
Their biggest free agent "prizes" this offseason have been defensive tackle Jovan Haye, who will rotate with Jason Jones in an effort to replace Albert Haynesworth, and receiver Nate Washington, who is expected to start opposite Justin Gage and help solve the perpetual riddle at the position that has plagued the team for years.
Tennessee's latest free agent acquisition, quarterback Patrick Ramsey, is another example of an added role player. Ramsey comes in as the No. 3 quarterback, but could push Vince Young for the second spot if he has a strong camp and preseason, and Young does not sufficiently bounce back from last year.
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The Titans, despite their interest in Torry Holt, are now focusing on the draft almost entirely. Scouts will be in the week of April 13 to begin meetings and preparation for the April 25-26 draft, where Tennessee will have 10 picks.
Tennessee has no real glaring holes when it comes to needs in the starting lineup, but has depth issues in a few key spots. The draft should help address those places, and bolster the special teams units as well.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Wide receiver: The addition of Holt would certainly upgrade the look of this unit. However, signing him is no guarantee and a decision one way or the other might not come until after the draft. The Titans have plenty of receivers on their visit list, including Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey, North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks, Rutgers Kenny Britt, Florida's Percy Harvin, Georgia's Mohamed Massoquoi and Southern Cal's Patrick Turner. Look for them to take at least two receivers in the draft.
2. Cornerback: The addition of DeMarcus Faggins is more of a stop-gap than a long-term answer to the depth problem here. This is another area, where in terms of sheer numbers, the Titans are short. They could spend a couple of picks at this valuable position in the draft.
3. Outside linebacker: Tennessee is strong here in terms of starters, but has to have depth in case David Thornton or Keith Bulluck would suffer an injury. Backup linebackers also make up the bulk of coverage units on special teams, and the Titans are always looking to replenish themselves there.
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: TE Bo Scaife: Tendered at $4.462M.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--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 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.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--LB Colin Allred: ERFA; terms unknown.
--PK Rob Bironas: Potential UFA; $12M/4 yrs, $5M guaranteed.
--QB Kerry Collins: UFA; $14M/2 yrs, $4M SB/$8.5M guaranteed; 2009 cap: $6.5M.
--S Vince Fuller: FA; terms unknown.
--P Craig Hentrich: UFA; $1.8M/1 yr, guarantees unknown.
--DT Kevin Vickerson: Potential RFA; $535,000/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--CB DeMarcus Faggins: UFA Texans; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--DT Jovan Haye: UFA Buccaneers; $16M/4 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--WR/KR Mark Jones: UFA Panthers; terms unknown.
--QB Patrick Ramsey: UFA Broncos; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--WR Nate Washington: UFA Steelers; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--DT Albert Haynesworth: UFA Redskins; $100M/7 yrs, $41M guaranteed.
--CB/KR Chris Carr: UFA Ravens; $5M/2 yrs, guarantees unknown.
--WR Brandon Jones: UFA 49ers; $16.6M/5 yrs, $5.4M guaranteed.
--CB Eric King: UFA Lions; $4.25M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
--OT Daniel Loper: UFA Lions; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Chris Simms: UFA Broncos; $6M/2 yrs, $1.5M SB.