Are you ready for some football? If not, get ready, because the NFL has rocketed back from the lull that was the NFL lockout. Just like the 80s movie, Spinal Tap, the NFL has turned it up to 11 and will not be looking in the rear-view mirror anytime soon.
In fact, last week set a record for the most NFL transactions (players cut/signed/traded) ever recorded in one week, and the Tennessee Titans certainly accounted for many, posting 51.
For the last several years, the Tennessee Titans’ front office has been beleaguered by claims that they act too slow and are inefficient when it comes to off-season activity. Fortunately, General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and his staff rose to the occasion and brought in several additions to offense and defense, all while doing a little housekeeping in the process.
The week began with the Titans signing Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to a three-year, $21 million offer. This will provide the Titans with a veteran quarterback ready to play immediately, leaving rookie Jake Locker a chance to refine his game for the foreseeable future.
Following the signing of Hasselbeck, the Titans cut two players who have been staples of the franchise for the last several years. Vince Young, the troubled but talented third-overall choice from the 2006 NFL Draft, was cut after alienating himself from the team and front office.
Defensive Tackle Tony Brown, who signed a three-year contract last offseason, was cut after being placed on injured reserve last season.
Following the cuts were a slew of signings that included inking the entire Titans’ draft class to four-year contracts, as well as the additions of free agents Shaun Smith and Barrett Ruud.
Smith, a 6-foot-2, 325-pound defensive lineman, was signed to a three-year, $7.25 million contract.
Ruud, a 6-foot-2, 241-pound middle linebacker, was signed to a one-year deal worth close to $4 million. Ruud will replace recently departed Titans’ free-agent Stephen Tulloch.
Left Guard Leroy Harris re-signed a two-year deal with the Titans and by doing so keeps intact the entire offensive line from last season.
Finally, the Titans signed Tight End Daniel Graham to a three-year contract worth up to $8.5 million.
The Titans have also re signed the only team captain from last years squad to a new deal. Fullback Ahmad Hall will still be wearing Titan blue next season.
The Titans will likely add several players in the coming days and have been linked to veteran receivers including Braylon Edwards and Derrick Mason.