PLAYERS
QUARTERBACK JAKE LOCKER
Entering his third season, quarterback Jake Locker looks to rebound from a disappointing 2012 campaign. During the 2012 offseason, Locker won a "quarterback competition" that some believed was weighted in his favor and assumed the starting role over incumbent Matt Hasselbeck. He went into 2012 with high expectations.
Locker suffered an injury to his left non-throwing shoulder in the first game against the New England Patriots in the 4th quarter but returned to action in game 2 against San Diego. His shoulder was re-injured in game 4 (it was later revealed to be a separated shoulder) with the Houston Texans when he took a punishing blow from Glover Quinn. He returned to action in game 10 versus Miami. Overall, 2012 was a tough season for the young quarterback not only due to his own injury but to injuries to the offensive line. The offense was generally ineffective even when veteran Hasselbeck was under center.
Locker underwent offseason surgery to repair his left shoulder and is projected to be ready for training camp. Locker is under contract through 2014 and his salary is fully guaranteed (2013: $1,519,182, 2014: $2,091,273) per Rotoworld. The Titans exchanged Hasselbeck for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick during the offseason but if Locker struggles in 2013 you would expect the Titans to hedge their bets. Analyzing the Ryan Fitzpatrick Move
Jake Locker bio
RUNNING BACK CHRIS JOHNSON
WIDE RECEIVER KENNY BRITT
While troubled wide receiver Kenny Britt appears to have survived continuing offseason issues, an ACL injury in 2011, and an on the field disappearing act in 2012 to remain on the roster in 2013 his days as a Titan are likely numbered. Britt is incredibly talented and seems to be a likeable guy but he just doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. Britt is also entering a contract year and is slated to make $1,347,500.00 in 2013. Regardless, Britt is playing for his next contract no matter the source and 2013 is a huge year for him.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER COLIN MCCARTHY
When healthy, middle linebacker Colin McCarthy is a force on the field. A 4th round draft pick out of Miami in in 2011, McCarthy became a started as well as a leader on the defense his rookie year. Sadly, injuries since then have marred what appeared to be a very promising beginning for the young linebacker. He appeared in only 7 games in 2012, losing time first to a high ankle sprain and later to a concussion. The Titans defense really suffers when McCarthy isn't on the field. He is signed through 2014 but if he can't stay healthy and produce in 2013 you can expect the Titans to start looking at their options.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER AKEEM AYERS
Former UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers has played every game since his rookie season in 2011 and he immediately became a reliable and at times impact player for the Titans. Along with fellow linebackers McCarthy and second year man Zach Brown, they form an exciting and promising trio. For Ayers however, the new rookie salary scale means he is playing for his next contract sooner than those in previous years and he is under contract only through 2014. So while not on the hot seat, I added him here because 2013 is definitely a key year for him as he enters "playing for your next contract" territory.
SAFETY MICHAEL GRIFFIN
Many expected the Titans might part ways with safety Michael Griffin after an up and down 2012 season but the Titans opted to pick up his roster bonus and absorb his $3,500,000.00 salary during the offseason. However, the Titans also signed safety George Wilson to a two year deal. Like Britt, Griffin is a gifted athlete who has shown flashes of greatness but with his salary escalating to $6.2 milly in 2014 this is a make or break year for the young safety.
CORNERBACK ALTERRAUN VERNER
Former UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner is entering the final year of his rookie deal and will be a free agent in 2014. A 4th round pick in in 2010 and a solid player for the Titans, Verner has watched the Titans draft competition since his rookie year and has still retained his starting role. However, during the offseason and prior to the draft the Titans expressed an interest in adding a cornerback who can play press coverage and they drafted UConn defensive back Blidi Wreh-Wilson in round 3 of the 2013 draft. Verner seems headed to the slot where he will likely compete with second year man Coty Sensabaugh who had a solid rookie campaign.
DEFENSIVE END DERRICK MORGAN
Defensive end Derrick Morgan enters 2013 under high hopes that he can continue the promise and progress he showed in 2012. A first round draft pick (#16 overall) in 2010, Morgan's season was cut short by an ACL injury. He returned to action in 2011 playing 15 games but only showed flashes of the ability he showed while playing at Georgia Tech. Morgan had an underrated 2012 where he registered 9 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 42 quarterback hurries.. He also batted down 4 passes. Morgan is under contract through 2015, but that is a voidable year. While his salary in 2014 is certainly reasonable at $1.4 million he is definitely entering "playing for your next contract territory."
DEFENSIVE END KAMERION WIMBLEY
Frankly, I hated adding Kam Wimbley to this list as he also had a very underappreciated 2012 along with fellow defensive end Derrick Morgan. Yet, first and foremost the NFL is a business and you have to wonder what the Titans will do as Wimbley's contract figures for 2014 through 2016 continue to escalate. Is it too early to add Wimbley to this list? Maybe so but with a salary of $6,000,000.00 it isn't out of the question to think that 2013 is a key year for him.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE JURRELL CASEY
Add Jurrell Casey to the list of Titans playing for their next contract. Casey has been outstanding and is entering the third year of a 4 year deal. The addition of Sammie Lee Hill should help Casey as he typically faced double and at times triple teams in 2012 and still managed to be an impact player. If Casey has the year you expect him to have, I look for the Titans to begin negotiating to extend him if the team plays well and there isn't a change in management/coaching. If there is, he could be playing for his next contract with another team if the new staff decides to go in a different direction.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE KARL KLUG
Another guy playing for his next contract is 3rd year defensive lineman Karl Klug. Despite a solid rookie campaign where he led all rookie defensive tackles in sacks at 7, Klug saw limited playing time in 2012. The addition of Mike Martin and a general change in philosophy toward bigger DTs clearly affected Klug's stock and he has to find a way to get back on the field because he is also only signed through 2014 and is playing for his next contract.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE DAVID STEWART
David "Big Country" Stewart is a popular guy who is well liked and he has been a solid and dependable player since being drafted in the 4th round by the Titans in the 2005 NFL draft. Stewart broke his right leg in game 13 of the 2012 season but it appears he will be ready for training camp. The Titans picked up his $1,000,000.00 roster bonus during the offseason and all appearances indicate they will absorb his $5,000,000.00 salary. Stewart is slated to earn $6.4 million in 2014 but it is a voidable year and he will be 32 years old.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE MICHAEL ROOS
Mike Roos bio
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN FERNANDO VELASCO
When the Titans tagged Fernando Velasco I truly expected he would be considered a lock at center. Velasco had an outstanding 2012 in his first year starting for the Titans. An undrafted free agent who spent 2 years on the practice squad before making the 53 in 2010 Velasco is a versatile lineman who can play both center and guard. Given that the Titans selected one of the best centers in the 2013 draft in Brian Schwenke, Velasco will be competing at center and guard for a spot on the roster in 2014.
Fernando Velasco bio
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