Tennessee Titans Trade Rumors

Aging, ailing Peyton won't get Tennessee encore
February 5
Tennessean
 columnist David Climer
"If recent Super Bowls — this one included — have taught us nothing else, it is that you're not even in the conversation if you don't have a star quarterback. Are you listening, Tennessee Titans? Granted, the Titans are lacking elsewhere. They need a pass rush, need a secondary, need a running game. Considering those shortcomings, Matt Hasselbeck's arrival was a godsend. Where would this team have been without him? But going 9-7 is one thing. Making a Super Bowl run is another. And with all due respect to Hasselbeck, he's taken one team (Seattle in 2005) to the Super Bowl. He's not taking another. With that in mind, some of you want a quick fix. And the quickest fix is Peyton Manning. Think"
Cortland Finnegan still thinks Tennessee Titans won't re-sign him
January 21
Tennessean
 
"The Titans shuffled their front office earlier this week, but cornerback Cortland Finnegan isn't sure the moves will change anything. He remains pessimistic about his chances of returning to the team in 2012. Mike Reinfeldt was promoted from general manager to senior executive vice president, Ruston Webster was promoted to GM and Lake Dawson replaced Webster as vice president of player personnel. Finnegan, who said he hasn't heard from the Titans since the end of the season, suspects all three men think along the same lines. "I hope it changes things, but I don't know," Finnegan said. "All those guys work closely together. You see all of them — Lake, Ruston and Mike — together all the"
Titans re-sign Craig Stevens
January 14
Tennessean
 
"Craig Stevens still drives the same vehicle he had in college — a white, 2003 Ford Ranger. It's a little more beat-up now, with dents and more than 83,000 miles on the odometer. Rewarded with a new four-year, $15 million contract from the Titans on Friday, the veteran tight end can certainly afford to upgrade his wheels. But it doesn't sound like he will. "Yeah, I've had some issues with it," Stevens said. "It's been squeaking real loud lately. Everybody gives me a hard time about it. … But I'm not getting rid of it. I'll probably drive it to 100,000 miles. I just like driving the thing. I'm comfortable in it. I've always had it." The Titans are clearly comfortable with Stevens, who could"
Titans need to hold onto Chris Johnson
January 13
Tennessean
 columnist David Climer
"It is an $8 million gamble. By mid-March, the Titans must decide whether to keep or cut Chris Johnson. If he's on the team's roster on the fifth day of the league year, Johnson gets his base salary of $8 million. If the Titans cut ties with him, Bud Adams doesn't have to write that check. Since it's Bud's money and not mine, I say pay the man. Look, you've already given him the keys to the vault so what's another $8 million among friends? Look, we're not talking about balancing the federal budget here. We're talking about compensating a player around which much of your offense is built. Is he worth it? Based on what happened this season, no. But this is where it gets tricky. Given the"
Rams interview second GM candidate in Titans' Dawson
January 10
NFL.com
 
"All eyes around the NFL are on the St. Louis Rams, a team in the midst of dual searches to fill two key front office positions. While the Rams have completed their courtship of Jeff Fisher and wait for his final decision, Tennessee Titans vice president/football operations Lake Dawson is interviewing with the organization this week to fill the general manager role, league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Tuesday. Dawson spent one season in his current role for the Titans, his fifth overall with the team after joining the organization as the director of pro scouting."
Titans safety insists he'll help a team in 2012
January 7
Tennessean
 
"Titans safety Chris Hope lost his starting job in 2011 and is one of 18 players scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. As of right now, he's not sure what his NFL future holds. But the 10-year veteran plans on playing in 2012, and at a high level. "When I am healthy, I've always felt like I'm one of the best at my job,'' Hope said. "And I still feel that way. I still feel good, and I can still run. And I don't have a doubt in my ability and what I can bring to a team. Whoever gets me next year is going to get a healthy veteran that can play the game at a high level." Hope dealt with shoulder and forearm injuries in 2011 and missed six games as a result. When he returned"
Titans coordinator Gray says he has interview with Bucs
January 5
Tampa Tribune
 
"Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jerry Gray finished up his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993. Now there is a chance he may start his head coaching career with the same team. Gray, who spent last season serving as the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, was expected to meet with the Bucs regarding their head coaching vacancy today or Thursday, according to an ESPN report. Bucs officials would not confirm the report, but Gray told ESPN he talked to the Bucs on Tuesday and was scheduled to fly into Tampa today and would meet with the team later in the day or Thursday."
Source: Mike Munchak's 'heart is torn'
January 1
ESPN.com
 
"Penn State has not given up hope it can lure Mike Munchak for its coaching vacancy, a persistence grounded in the belief the Titans coach may listen to the Nittany Lions after all, sources said Saturday. Munchak has repeatedly stated he would remain at Tennessee, but a source close to him said Munchak is struggling with the concept that he can "fix and make right" his alma mater. "He loves his school and his heart is torn," the source said Saturday. "He really fits what they want and need to a tee." The source said Munchak's situation should be resolved within a week. The Titans end their season Sunday against the Texans in Houston."
Mike Munchak denies interest in Penn State job
December 29
Tennessean
 
"Mike Munchak tried the politically correct route, hoping to disconnect from the persistent rumors linking him to Penn State without insulting his alma mater. On Wednesday, however, the Titans coach was left with no choice. With speculation intensifying in his home state, and his team to trying to focus on its quest for a playoff spot, Munchak had to make himself clear. He's staying in the NFL, he said. "I love my alma mater, but I have no interest in being the head coach at Penn State. I never want to leave Tennessee," Munchak told The Tennessean. "I have a great deal of respect for Penn State, and I hope they find a great coach there. But I am happy where I'm at. "It is not like I'm"
Munchak, Clements among Penn St. committee's top picks
December 28
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Fifty days after Penn State fired Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno, the school finally may be getting close to naming his successor. Sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday night that first-year Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak is the top pick of the search committee. Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, a native of McKees Rocks, appears to be the second choice in case Munchak opts to remain in the NFL. Munchak, 51, is a former Nittany Lions offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer who has spent his entire professional career, as a player and coach, with the Titans/Houston Oilers franchise after leaving Penn State after the 1981 season. Former"
Tennessee Titans expect Chris Johnson to play vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
December 20
Tennessean
 
"The Colts limited Titans running back Chris Johnson to 55 yards on 15 carries, but his best run of the game — a 35-yarder in the fourth quarter — resulted in a sprained ankle. Tests on the ankle were negative, Coach Mike Munchak said Monday, but Johnson is sore and could miss some practice time heading into Saturday's game against the Jaguars. "He'll be questionable this week, but we saw him (Monday) and we don't think there's any reason he'll be out for the game," Munchak said. "But he is definitely sore, so we'll see how he is this week.""
Johnson's sprained ankle not serious, Munchak says
December 19
Tennessean
 
"Titans running back Chris Johnson had another difficult game on Sunday against the Colts. His best run, a 35-yarder in the fourth quarter, came with a price — he suffered a sprained ankle. Coach Mike Munchak said tests on the ankle were negative, but Johnson is sore and could miss some practice time heading into Saturday's game against the Jaguars. "He'll be questionable this week, but we saw him (Monday) and we don't think there's any reason he'll be out for the game," Munchak said. "But he is definitely sore, so we'll see how he is this week.""
Cortland Finnegan believes Tennessee Titans won't re-sign him
December 16
Tennessean
 
"Cortland Finnegan is known for his in-your-face style of play and not-backing-down attitude. Yet the Titans cornerback was in a reflective, almost subdued mood as he sat at his locker after Thursday's practice. He's excited that the Titans are in the playoff hunt with three games to play, but he can't keep a more sobering thought out of his mind. He thinks his days with the Titans are numbered. "I thought having a daughter was one of the most emotional times in my life," Finnegan said. "But the thought of not being able to put on a Titans uniform again … it is finally starting to hit me that the end is probably near. "It is like you have three weeks left and they say you are going to be"
Tennessee Titans wonder which QB will start
December 15
Tennessean
 
"Matt Hasselbeck didn't practice Wednesday and Jake Locker was too sore to throw, leaving third-string quarterback Rusty Smith to run the show. The rest of the Titans were left wondering who would lead them in Sunday's critical game against the Colts. "I could just throw a name out there," wide receiver Nate Washington said. "But to be honest, I don't know who it is going to be." Coach Mike Munchak remained optimistic that Hasselbeck's calf injury, suffered during Sunday's loss to the Saints, would improve enough to allow the 13th-year pro to start."
Tennessee Titans' Matt Hasselbeck expected to start
November 22
Tennessean
 
"Matt Hasselbeck will take it easy the next few days with his injured throwing arm. By the end of the week, however, the Titans believe their veteran quarterback will be back on the field practicing. Barring complications, they expect he will start Sunday's game against the Buccaneers at LP Field. "I think Matt is smart enough to know if he is comfortable in playing," Coach Mike Munchak said Monday. "You know if you can help the team win, and if he feels there is anything in question, I think he'll be smart enough to tell us." Hasselbeck had to leave the loss to the Falcons in the third quarter. His right arm was wrapped in ice, and the team called the injury a sprained elbow."
No structural damage for Hasselbeck
November 21
Tennessean
 
"Tests on Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's right elbow revealed no structural damage, according to sources. Hasselbeck's availability for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay will be determined by his arm strength and ability to grip the football during practice this week, but indications are he is expected to play."
Munchak not prepared to join Team Jake camp
November 21
Tennessean
 columnist David Climer
"Repeat after me: There is no quarterback controversy, there is no quarterback controversy, there is no quarterback controversy. I'm glad we got that straightened out. Titans head coach Mike Munchak made it crystal clear on Sunday night that the offense will be back in the hands of veteran Matt Hasselbeck as soon as his injured right elbow heals, leaving rookie Jake Locker to return to his role as apprentice. "If Matt's fine, he's our quarterback," Munchak said. "There's no doubt about that." Silly me. Of course that's the case. These are the Titans, after all. They're right in their comfort zone with .500 football — 5-5 after the 23-17 loss to Atlanta. With a two-game deficit to Houston in"
Penn State job holds no interest for Munchak
November 11
Tennessean
 
"Don't bother throwing Mike Munchak's name into the hat of potential replacements for Penn State Coach Joe Paterno. The Titans coach, who played for the Nittany Lions from 1978-81, silenced such talk on Thursday. "I am not worried about that. That is not going to be something I'll be focused on," he said. "I have a full-time job here. I'll be very busy doing what I am doing. I'm sure they'll work it out." If Penn State wanted his input about potential replacements for Paterno, Munchak said he would help. "Sure I would help in any way, if they were even to do that," Munchak said. "I guess it is new to them; for me there has been one coach since I have been around, too. It is strange to even"
Teams wonder whether Chris Johnson will be a free agent
November 6
Pro Football Talk
 
"As teams prepare their list of potential free agents in 2012, there's a fairly big name that some currently are putting in the "maybe" category. Per a league source, several teams believe that the Titans could release running back Chris Johnson before the fifth day of the 2012 league year, at which time his base salary of $8 million becomes fully guaranteed."
Agent: Titans looking at T.O. but wouldn't hold private workout
October 26
NFL.com
 
"Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Terrell Owens, said the free-agent wide receiver's Tuesday media workout stemmed in part because the Tennessee Titans wouldn't commit to a private session. Rosenhaus said he had spoken to the Titans about Owens, but when Tennessee balked at seeing the 37-year-old receiver, his team believed a media workout at a suburban Los Angeles high school was appropriate to showcase his readiness. No NFL team sent a representative to observe Owens, whose surgically repaired knee looked fine during the hour-long workout. Owens is recovering from anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his left knee, and Tuesday's workout was his first in public since his June operation."
Tennessee Titans won't bench Chris Johnson to jump-start run game
October 25
Tennessean
 
"The Titans need to change the ugly results in their running game, but Coach Mike Munchak doesn't plan on changing his lineup, at least not now. The Titans will focus on fixing the problems without swapping out linemen or benching Chris Johnson, the coach said on Monday. Johnson was held to 18 yards on 10 carries during Sunday's 41-7 loss to the Texans. The Titans (3-3) are averaging an NFL-worst 64.3 rushing yards per game, and Johnson is averaging 2.9 per carry. "We are not running the ball the way you'd like," Munchak said, "but when you change the offensive line, it can't be a one-week thought. You may mess up more things. … In the passing game, those five guys are doing a really good"
Titans may 'take a look', but won't chase Owens
October 20
Tennessean
 
"Titans Coach Mike Munchak downplayed the likelihood of signing Terrell Owens, even as agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted Wednesday that the veteran wide receiver was healthy and ready to work out for teams. Owens suffered a knee injury last season with the Bengals and had surgery in the offseason. During his weekly radio show on Tuesday, Munchak said that if Owens was healthy and "if he has a way of helping our team win, then for sure you're going to take a look at him." After practice on Wednesday, Munchak said the Titans had no specific plans to look at Owens, but didn't rule out the possibility of adding another wide receiver at some point. The Titans signed Donnie Avery on Sept. 28 after"
Tennessee Titans' defense ranks No. 1 in NFL
September 27
Tennessean
 
"Three games don't make a season, but it has provided the Titans defense a chance to climb atop the NFL rankings. Coordinator Jerry Gray's unit is now first in total defense (261 yards allowed per game) and second in points allowed (43). The Titans have allowed a total of six points in the second half. "He has a great approach to the game," Coach Mike Munchak said Monday. "He has kept it simple. They have learned one concept at a time. … Guys are making plays, the defensive line is coming together very well."
Titans dig deep for heroics
September 26
Tennessean
 columnist David Climer
"This just in: Chris Johnson, the Titans' $53.5 million man, has run for a grand total of 98 yards in three games. And they're 2-1. You're kidding, right? Not at all. The Titans continue to defy logic, with their 17-14 victory over Denver on Sunday the latest example of a team that is at its best when in survival mode. "We always believe we can come back and win the game," defensive end Jason Jones said. "This just shows it's not all talk. We can do it.""
Two Titans turn on each other after personal-foul penalty
September 26
Tennessean
 
"Tennessee Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan downplayed his verbal altercation with teammate Shaun Smith on the sideline during the win over the Broncos. Coach Mike Munchak was vague on whether it led to Smith, a veteran defensive tackle in his first season with the Titans, being benched during crucial stages of the game. "It is an emotional game," Munchak said. "Guys are playing hard, trying to make plays. (Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray) talked to them; I talked to them. It was just one of those things that happened, and we just wanted to make sure it didn't get out of hand.""
Touchbacks hamper Tennessee Titans
September 23
Tennessean
 
"Titans return man Marc Mariani has no problem recalling the moment he introduced himself to the NFL. It occurred early in the third quarter of last season's game against the Broncos, when he gathered a kickoff at the 2-yard line and sprinted 98 yards into the end zone. "The biggest thing I remember is that once I broke through, it was nothing but green grass and an open stadium in front of me," Mariani said. "I heard the crowd explode. It was pretty thrilling, definitely a moment I will never forget.""
Sore ribs sideline Chris Johnson from Tennessee Titans practice
September 22
Tennessean
 
"Chris Johnson probably needs as many reps as he can take these days to get on the same page with his linemen. The Titans running back did not practice Wednesday, however, because of sore ribs. Johnson said he would practice Thursday and expects to play Sunday against the Broncos. "I am just a little sore," he said. "I got a lot of mental reps. I'll be OK. … I am anxious to get back on the field and play games." After missing training camp and all four preseason games because of a contract holdout, Johnson is averaging just 2.3 yards per carry through two games."
Mike Munchak sees expanded role for Titans running back Javon Ringer
September 20
Tennessean
 
"Tennessee Titans running back Javon Ringer will get more carries in the coming weeks, but not because Coach Mike Munchak is down on Chris Johnson. Munchak doesn't want to overwork Johnson, who led the NFL in attempts in 2009 and was sixth last season. But the coach also likes Ringer, who had 21 yards on five carries against the Ravens and scored the go-ahead touchdown. "We all have confidence that when he is in there, something good can still happen. It is not, 'C.J. is not in the game, we can't run the ball,' " Munchak said Monday. "I have always been a big Javon Ringer fan. I think he runs hard, he is smart, he can play third down for us and is a good blocker." Through two games, Johnson"
Titans may be without safety Chris Hope
September 16
Tennessean
 
"Safety Chris Hope (shoulder) missed practice Thursday and his availability for Sunday's game is in serious doubt. Hope's shoulder popped out last week against the Jaguars, Coach Mike Munchak said. "He took a good shot on it, it popped in and out. And when that happens it's just a matter of getting it strong again so it won't happen again," Munchak said. "It's a confidence thing, too." Hope has 49 straight starts. Jordan Babineaux would start in Hope's place."
Tennessee Titans vote Cortland Finnegan a captain
September 9
Tennessean
 
"Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan has been called all kinds of things, from instigator to Pro Bowler to dirty player. He can add "captain" to the list. Defensive teammates voted the sixth-year pro their captain for 2011. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be captain of the offense, linebacker Tim Shaw the special teams. The designation is humbling, Finnegan said. "This has been my greatest accomplishment and achievement so far, and that comes with a lot," he said. "I don't want to let these guys down.""
Tennessee Titans excited to get running back Chris Johnson back in the fold
September 2
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Hours before kickoff of Thursday night's exhibition finale against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome, the Titans had already registered a victory. The bank account of longtime owner Bud Adams, however, will be far lighter as a result. The Titans came to terms with holdout running back Chris Johnson on a four-year, $54 million contract extension, $30 million of that guaranteed according to numerous news outlets. That ensures Johnson's presence for Tennessee's regular-season opener next Sunday at Jacksonville. The additional four years will be added to the two years Johnson had remaining on his existing contract. The agreement ended what had become an acrimonious 35-day holdout, with"
Titans, Chris Johnson agree to contract
September 1
Tennessean
 
"The TItans have agreed to a four-year, $53.5 million contract with running back Chris Johnson, according to sources familiar with the situation. The deal, reached on the 35th day of his holdout, includes $30 million guaranteed. Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, met with Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and Vice President of Football Operations Vin Marino last week in Nashville, but after that meeting Johnson admitted the two sides didn’t see “eye to eye” and Reinfeldt said there was work to be done. On Wednesday, however, the two sides finally had a breakthrough in negotiations."
Tennessee Titans, Chris Johnson making progress in contract talks
September 1
Tennessean
 
"After weeks of butting heads, the Titans and holdout running back Chris Johnson are finally making progress toward a new long-term contract, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Titans and Johnson's agent, Joel Segal, exchanged ideas and proposals on Wednesday, and for the first time made positive movement in negotiations."
Work continues on new deal for Titans' Johnson
August 30
NFL.com
 
"The Titans and Chris Johnson continue to negotiate a long-term deal, according to league sources. The sides remain in close contact and are working towards a deal that would end the Pro Bowler's holdout in time for him to participate in the regular-season opener on Sept. 11. The sides were at a stalemate after a face-to-face meeting last week but continue conversations on a new deal and are in regular communication to the point where momentum toward a new deal could build considerably by the weekend, if not sooner."
Ringer likely to miss third straight preseason game
August 29
Tennessean
 
"Running back Javon Ringer is likely to miss his third straight preseason game when the Titans visit New Orleans on Thursday. The top backup to holdout Chris Johnson is still recovering from a hip injury he suffered in the first preseason game. He may be improving enough to return to practice on Monday. "I think we'd probably just be happy to have him back in practice this week, working back in the drills, getting back into game-like speed — and then probably not play him on Thursday night," Coach Mike Munchak said."
Trade request could be next step for Chris Johnson
August 25
Pro Football Talk
 
"So with the Titans and running back Chris Johnson still at an impasse regarding his value, the next step could involve some other team paying Johnson what he's worth. Per a league source, a trade request could be coming soon from Johnson. The Titans surely will claim they won't trade him. But if there's a team or two that will pay him what he wants, that team or two possibly would be willing to give the Titans a modern-day Herschel Walker-style package."
Titans, Chris Johnson remain far apart on contract terms
August 25
Tennessean
 
"Almost everything about Chris Johnson is fast, from his 40-yard dash time to his recent trips to Nashville. The holdout running back's face-to-face meeting with the Titans on Wednesday was also over in a hurry — less than two hours. One thing about Johnson that's slow: the pace of his contract talks with the team. They're moving at snail's speed. Johnson and agent Joel Segal met with the Titans for the first time during the almost month-long holdout, and finally got a contract offer. They didn't stick around to mull it over, however, with Johnson jetting back to Orlando, Fla., and Segal heading home as well. That left Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt to explain via press release that"
Tennessee Titans report no progress with Chris Johnson
August 24
Tennessean
 
"The Titans and Chris Johnson met as scheduled on Wednesday to discuss the holdout running back's contract situation, but General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said there was no significant progress. Johnson and agent Joel Segal arrived in Nashville on Tuesday night. Reinfeldt released a statement after the meeting, which ended before lunchtime. "We had a meeting today with myself, Vin Marino (Titans VP Football Administration), Chris Johnson and Joel Segal. It was important for us to have a face-to-face meeting so that everyone could have a voice and understand the perspective of the other side. "I'm not sure there was any progress made, but I do think it was beneficial to meet. We were able to"
Chris Johnson arrives for meeting with Tennessee Titans
August 24
Tennessean
 
"Getting Chris Johnson to come to Nashville was tough. Convincing him to stay could be even tougher. The holdout running back and his agent arrived Tuesday night for a meeting with Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt on Wednesday. Indications are the two sides remain far apart about the parameters of a new contract for the three-time Pro Bowler, however. The meeting could close the gap or it could create even more separation. Johnson is seeking a deal that would rank with the NFL's elite playmakers, while the Titans have offered to make him the highest-paid running back. Flanked by media, Johnson had little to say as he arrived at Nashville International Airport. Asked if he thought a"
Titans' Kenny Britt upbeat after meeting with Roger Goodell
August 24
Tennessean
 
"Titans receiver Kenny Britt met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in New York on Tuesday as an earthquake hit the East coast. The seismic activity wasn't the result of Goodell putting the hammer down on the third-year pro, however. The meeting went well, Britt said, and he expects to learn this week whether he will be punished for some run-ins with the law during the 4½-month NFL lockout. "He didn't scold me or anything. He was happy — not happy that I was in there for those situations — but he's a nice type of guy, a very likable guy,'' Britt said at Nashville International Airport. "We'll find out sometime later this week what he decides to do.""
Johnson wants to bypass running back market
August 17
National Football Post
 
"There are over 2800 NFL players presently under contract and in training camps – a number that will be reduced by roughly 900 within a couple of weeks. Then there is one player who is under contract but not in training camp: Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans. Johnson's holdout is about what every holdout is about – money – and trying to leverage a new and improved contract. Interestingly, I have heard much support for Johnson in his decision to not honor his contract. Many say to me "Normally I side with management, but this is different." Background Johnson is not one of these stories of a player making very little money due to being drafted late. He was the 24th pick in the first"
NFL's Supplemental Draft postponed indefinitely
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"The NFL informed its 32 teams in an email this evening that the supplemental draft has been postponed, according to a source within the league. The draft, which had been set to take place Wednesday, has not yet been been rescheduled. The email circulated simply didn't provide a date, according to the source. The postponement was presumably made to give the league more time to determine whether or not Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor should be found eligible and to allow he and other players time to conduct a Pro Day workout of sorts for scouts."
Johnson has sights set high, but not Manning or Brady high
August 16
Tennessean
 
"Chris Johnson wants to be paid like one of the NFL's "elite" players. That doesn't mean, however, the Titans running back is looking to be compensated along the lines of quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Sure, Johnson would like the $18 million per year average of those guys. Who wouldn't? But it's not realistic. Johnson knows it, and you can be sure the Titans wouldn't be willing to go down that road. The Titans are offering to make Johnson the highest paid running back in the NFL, but it's safe to assume Johnson thinks the team is trying to hide behind contracts of players not in his category. Johnson believes he's in a different class than Carolina's DeAngelo Williams,"
Reinfeldt elaborates on Titans' position regarding Chris Johnson
August 14
Pro Football Talk
 
"Titans G.M. Mike Reinfeldt and running Chris Johnson played P.R. ping-pong on Thursday, with Reinfeldt contending that the Titans are willing to make Johnson the highest-paid running back in the league and Johnson claiming that he has never received an offer from the team. Reinfeldt took to the radio waves Friday to talk in further detail about the team's position. Appearing on 104.5 the Zone in Nashville (via MusicCityMiracles.com), Reinfeldt admitted that the two sides agree on something. No offer has been made, yet. "I think that's accurate," Reinfeldt said. "We have kind of set the parameters of what the deal is going to be. We know it is going to be about this much guaranteed, and"
Chris Johnson continues holdout from Titans camp
August 9
SB Nation
 
"Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson has not reported to training camp yet in protest of his contract which carries him through the next two seasons. There's no doubt he's underpaid, still playing off of his rookie deal, so his only leverage at this point is to hold out and pressure the Titans to give him a new deal. When he didn't show for training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 9, he officially forfeited an accrued season to free agency. Players can't become unrestricted free agents until their fourth season so, technically, CJ will be considered a third year player next year. The reason that isn't a very big deal is because he's under contract for two more years. So even if he showed up this week"
Mason deciding between Jets, Ravens, Titans: report
August 6
New York Post
 
"Derrick Mason will choose between the Jets and his two former teams. According to reports, Mason got a contract offer from Jets on Thursday after passing a physical but returned to his Nashville home to decide on his future. The Carroll County Times reports that the veteran receiver will take several days to pick between the Jets, Ravens and Titans. "I'm sure he'd have to leave money on the table to come here," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday. Mason, 37, was drafted by Tennessee and played with the Titans for the first eight years of his career before joining the Ravens for the past six seasons. Mason was released by the Ravens earlier this offseason. The Jets cut Jerricho Cotchery on"
Chris Johnson's agent in Nashville; no meeting planned
August 5
Tennessean
 
"The agent for holdout running back Chris Johnson was spotted in Nashville on Thursday morning, according to sources. Yet while agent Joel Segal is in town, indications are no meetings with the Titans and GM Mike Reinfeldt are currently planned. The person Segal was with was not related to the team. Efforts to reach Segal and Reinfeldt were not immediately successful. Reinfeldt said last week he wouldn't negotiate with Johnson, who has missed the first six days of training camp, until the three-time Pro Bowler comes to town. Indications are Johnson remains in Orlando, and has not received any offers from the Titans on a new long-term contract."
Report: Babineaux to sign with Titans
August 5
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"Former Seahawks safety Jordan Babineaux will sign a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean tweeted Thursday. Wyatt reported that Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray was a big factor in Babineaux's decision. Gray was the Seahawks secondary coach last season. Babineaux, who spent seven seasons with the Seahawks, reportedly turned down better offers to reunite with Gray. Babineaux earned the nickname "Big Play Babs" early in his career after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He was released by the Seahawks after training camp before last season, but re-signed before the season began. Babineaux, 28, joins longtime Seahawks quarterback Matt"
Randy Moss 'retirement' may be brief
August 3
The Wall Street Journal
 columnist Jason Gay
"What week does Randy Moss come out of retirement? Is he on the field for somebody's final preseason snoozer, or does he take a few months off, splurge on a vacation, visit the fjords of Iceland, see the Northern Lights, thrill to the final season of "Entourage," take a cooking class (how about "Seven More Ways with Chicken," at the Institute of Culinary Education), finally get a henna tattoo and find his way to a contender in late October? Instinct says this is a faux-tirement, that Moss stormed out of football the way toddlers storm out of pizza parlors when told they can't have any more quarters for the stuffed animal forklift game. Not long ago, Moss's agent, trying to goose interest"