The Titans are meeting with free agent quarterback Peyton Manning at Baptist Sports Park this afternoon.

Coach
Mike Munchak, General Manager Ruston Webster and Chief Operating
Officer Mike Reinfeldt flew to Raleigh-Durham this morning, picked up
Manning and returned to Nashville at around 2:10 p.m.

The group
entered Baptist Sports Park a little after 2:30 p.m. without stopping to
speak to media or a gathering of fans outside the team’s MetroCenter
facility.

The Titans’ private plane left Nashville this morning
originally bound for Atlanta, but the flight quickly diverted to North
Carolina. Manning has spent a lot of time working out at Duke University
near the Raleigh-Durham airport.

The Titans are the fourth team the four-time NFL
MVP is known to have met with. He met with the Broncos, Cardinals and
Dolphins earlier this week. On Sunday, Titans owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean that he wanted his front office to aggressively pursue the former University of Tennessee star.

The Titans also hosted another free agent with local ties, center Scott Wells.

Wells,
who attended Brentwood Academy and the University of Tennessee, has
been with the Green Bay Packers for the past seven seasons. He earned a
Super Bowl ring in 2011 when the Packers defeated the Steelers.

On
Tuesday the Titans hosted seven-time Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson,
who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings in a salary-cutting
move.

Hutchinson, 34, has played 11 years in the NFL. He
finished the past two seasons on injured reserve – with a thumb injury
in 2010 and a concussion last year.

If the Titans were to sign
Hutchinson, he’d likely replace of Jake Scott, a four-year starter who
was flying to Arizona on Tuesday night to visit the Cardinals.

The
Titans offensive line was one of the best in the league when it came to
pass protection last year, allowing the second-fewest sacks. But the
running game was surprisingly poor, second-worst in the league despite
the presence of Chris Johnson.

Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are considered safe, but the Titans wanted to re-assess the interior line positions.

A person familiar with the situation says the Tennessee Titans will be visiting with four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning in his search for a new team.

ESPN.com first reported Titans coach Mike Munchak will meet with Manning after a session with Miami coach Joe Philbin.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday about Manning’s meeting with the Titans on the condition of anonymity because the location and time of that meeting remains confidential.

Titans owner Bud Adams made it known Sunday he will do whatever it takes to sign Manning to get back to the playoffs and win his team’s first Super Bowl. Adams told The Tennessean he had talked to Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, asking for a visit with the quarterback.
Manning has plenty of connections to Tennessee.

He starred at the University of Tennessee, leading to his first name becoming a popular choice for newborns in this state. His wife is from Memphis, and Manning already knows the Titans’ facility a bit, having practiced against Tennessee a few years ago when the Colts came to town for some joint practices.

Munchak also was a teammate of Archie Manning in 1982 and briefly in 1983 with the then-Houston Oilers. Munchak just hired Dennis Polian — son of former Colts general manager Bill Polian — as his assistant.
But the biggest key is Adams, the 89-year-old billionaire who wants back in the playoffs. His Titans have been only twice since 2004 with both trips in 2007 and 2008 lasting only one game each. A meeting with Manning could come in Houston where Adams still lives after relocating his Oilers
to Tennessee in 1997.

“I want Manning,” Adams told The Tennessean. “I’d love to see him in
Titan blue after watching him so many years with the Colts. … I want him. I am ready to do what it takes to get him aboard, and I think he’d be the guy to get us into the playoffs.”

The Titans already have veteran Matt Hasselbeck, signed to a three-year contract last July, and Jake Locker picked with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2011 draft. But Hasselbeck is due $5.5 million in salary this year after getting a chunk of his deal last season.
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says the Tennessee Titans will be visiting with four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning in his search for a new team.

ESPN.com first reported Titans coach Mike Munchak will meet with Manning after a session with Miami coach Joe Philbin.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday about Manning’s meeting with the Titans on the condition of anonymity because the location and time of that meeting remains confidential.

Titans owner Bud Adams made it known Sunday he will do whatever it takes to sign Manning to get back to the playoffs and win his team’s first Super Bowl. Adams told The Tennessean he had talked to Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, asking for a visit with the quarterback.

Manning has plenty of connections to Tennessee.

He starred at the University of Tennessee, leading to his first name becoming a popular choice for newborns in this state. His wife is from Memphis, and Manning already knows the Titans’ facility a bit, having practiced against Tennessee a few years ago when the Colts came to town for some joint practices.

Munchak also was a teammate of Archie Manning in 1982 and briefly in 1983 with the then-Houston Oilers. Munchak just hired Dennis Polian — son of former Colts general manager Bill Polian — as his assistant.

But the biggest key is Adams, the 89-year-old billionaire who wants back in the playoffs. His Titans have been only twice since 2004 with both trips in 2007 and 2008 lasting only one game each. A meeting with Manning could come in Houston where Adams still lives after relocating his Oilers to Tennessee in 1997.

“I want Manning,” Adams told The Tennessean. “I’d love to see him in Titan blue after watching him so many years with the Colts. … I want him. I am ready to do what it takes to get him aboard, and I think he’d be the guy to get us into the playoffs.”

The Titans already have veteran Matt Hasselbeck, signed to a three-year contract last July, and Jake Locker picked with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2011 draft. But Hasselbeck is due $5.5 million in salary this year after getting a chunk of his deal last season.

So far, Manning has met only with the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.

He was expected to be heading back to Florida, but did not show at the Dolphins’ headquarters Monday despite reports he would meet with the team.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross arrived at the team complex at midmorning, and several players — including quarterback Chad Henne — showed up around the same time to work out. Henne is a free agent and not expected back this season.

A media stakeout at the complex began when a local TV station camera crew arrived at 4 a.m. Half a dozen TV cameras and a handful of reporters eventually gathered across the street. They weren’t allowed on the team’s property, but a Dolphins official brought out water, pizza and napkins.

Curious motorists occasionally pulled up to ask for an update.

Manning spent nearly 6½ hours at the Arizona Cardinals’ headquarters and training facility on Sunday in meetings designed to lure the superstar to the desert.

The session followed a meeting of nearly six hours Manning had at the Broncos’ facility in Denver on Friday night. The two sessions were evidence that, for the time being at least, Arizona and Denver appear to be the top two contenders.

___

AP Sports Writers Steve Wine in Miami and Bob Baum in Tempe, Ariz., contributed to this report.

MANNING LEAVES MARK vs. titans

With the Colts, Peyton Manning faced the Titans in 18 regular-season games, posting a 13-5 record. He was 409-of-579 passing (70.6 percent) for 4,559 yards, with 31 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a passer rating of 102.2, according to profootballreference.com. Here are some of Manning’s more memorable games against the Titans:

Jan. 16, 2000

Titans 19, Colts 16
Manning 19-of-42, 227 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 62.3 rating
Manning’s first game against the Titans just happened to be his first postseason game, as the Colts played host to a divisional-round game. The Colts didn’t get into the end zone until less than two minutes remained, when Manning ran 15 yards for a touchdown. The Titans moved on to the AFC Championship and then the Super Bowl.
Dec. 8, 2002

Titans 27, Colts 17
Manning 26-of-42, 297 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.3 rating
Manning’s first trip back to Tennessee as a pro was a rough one. The three interceptions tied his season high as the Colts lost for the seventh time in eight meetings with the Titans. His final interception was in the end zone, stifling a third-quarter drive as the Colts tried to rally. Indianapolis had won four straight entering the game.
Sept. 19, 2004

Colts 31, Titans 17
Manning 24-of-33, 254 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 115.0 rating
In a duel of the NFL’s reigning co-MVPs, Manning and the Colts got the better of Steve McNair and the Titans. The Colts trailed 10-3 at halftime, but Manning guided second-half touchdown drives of 75, 80, 80 and 54 yards. He threw touchdown passes to Reggie Wayne and Marcus Pollard.
Oct. 2, 2005 and Dec. 4, 2005

Colts 31-10 and Colts 35-3
Manning on Oct. 2: 20-of-27, 264 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, 144.1 rating
Manning on Dec. 4: 13-of-17, 187 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 151.2 rating
Manning scorched the Titans as the Colts rolled to two wins by a combined score of 66-13. In the first meeting he completed 17 consecutive passes. In the second meeting, he threw only 17 passes but completed 13 — three for touchdowns.
Dec. 9, 2010

Colts 30, Titans 28
Manning 25-of-35, 319 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 118.6 QB rating
In what would be his last game against the Titans as a Colt, Manning posted the 63rd 300-yard game of his career, tying Dan Marino for the NFL’s all-time record. The Colts handed the Titans their sixth straight loss, all but eliminating them from playoff contention.
—John Glennon

MANNING LEAVES MARK vs. titans

With the Colts, Peyton Manning faced the Titans in 18 regular-season games, posting a 13-5 record. He was 409-of-579 passing (70.6 percent) for 4,559 yards, with 31 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a passer rating of 102.2, according to profootballreference.com. Here are some of Manning’s more memorable games against the Titans:

Jan. 16, 2000

Titans 19, Colts 16
Manning 19-of-42, 227 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 62.3 rating
Manning’s first game against the Titans just happened to be his first postseason game, as the Colts played host to a divisional-round game. The Colts didn’t get into the end zone until less than two minutes remained, when Manning ran 15 yards for a touchdown. The Titans moved on to the AFC Championship and then the Super Bowl.
Dec. 8, 2002

Titans 27, Colts 17
Manning 26-of-42, 297 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 61.3 rating
Manning’s first trip back to Tennessee as a pro was a rough one. The three interceptions tied his season high as the Colts lost for the seventh time in eight meetings with the Titans. His final interception was in the end zone, stifling a third-quarter drive as the Colts tried to rally. Indianapolis had won four straight entering the game.
Sept. 19, 2004

Colts 31, Titans 17
Manning 24-of-33, 254 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 115.0 rating
In a duel of the NFL’s reigning co-MVPs, Manning and the Colts got the better of Steve McNair and the Titans. The Colts trailed 10-3 at halftime, but Manning guided second-half touchdown drives of 75, 80, 80 and 54 yards. He threw touchdown passes to Reggie Wayne and Marcus Pollard.
Oct. 2, 2005 and Dec. 4, 2005

Colts 31-10 and Colts 35-3
Manning on Oct. 2: 20-of-27, 264 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, 144.1 rating
Manning on Dec. 4: 13-of-17, 187 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 151.2 rating
Manning scorched the Titans as the Colts rolled to two wins by a combined score of 66-13. In the first meeting he completed 17 consecutive passes. In the second meeting, he threw only 17 passes but completed 13 — three for touchdowns.
Dec. 9, 2010

Colts 30, Titans 28
Manning 25-of-35, 319 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 118.6 QB rating
In what would be his last game against the Titans as a Colt, Manning posted the 63rd 300-yard game of his career, tying Dan Marino for the NFL’s all-time record. The Colts handed the Titans their sixth straight loss, all but eliminating them from playoff contention.
—John Glennon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)

The Tennessee Titans have tagged safety Michael Griffin as their franchise player.

The Titans announced the move Monday a couple hours before the NFL deadline to use the tag. That means the Titans decided not to tag cornerback Cortland Finnegan before free agency begins March 13.

The move to tag Griffin still allows the Titans to work on a long-term contract before July 16 with the safety who was their top draft pick in 2007 out of Texas. Griffin was due to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13.

Another team could sign Griffin to a contract, but the franchise tag allows the Titans to either match the contract or be awarded two No. 1 draft picks.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have tagged safety Michael Griffin as their franchise player.

The Titans announced the move Monday a couple hours before the NFL deadline to use the tag. That means the Titans decided not to tag cornerback Cortland Finnegan before free agency begins March 13.

The move to tag Griffin still allows the Titans to work on a long-term contract before July 16 with the safety who was their first-round draft pick in 2007 out of Texas. Griffin was due to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13. Another team could sign Griffin to a contract, but the franchise tag allows the Titans to either match the contract or be awarded two No. 1 draft picks.

”Tag your it,” Griffin wrote on Twitter after the Titans’ announcement. Finnegan called Griffin next up as 2012 captain and congratulated him on Twitter.

By tagging Griffin, the Titans are on target to return both starting safeties. The Titans have been talking with Jordan Babineaux but can’t sign the veteran to a new deal until after free agency opens.

The Titans have much more depth at cornerback with Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner having started and Chris Hawkins, Ryan Mouton and Tommie Campbell also at the position.

The 6-foot Griffin is a two-time Pro Bowler, the last in 2010 when he led the team with four interceptions and ranked second on the team with a career-high 153 tackles. In 2011, he ranked third with 96 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. For his career, Griffin has started 73 of 80 games played, and he has 17 career interceptions with seven forced fumbles and four fumbles recovered.

The Tennessee Titans might be looking for help at safety early in the draft. Could an injury that kept a prime prospect out of the combine help that prospect slip to the Titans at No. 20?

Alabama safety Mark Barron looks to be a player who could solve a big issue in Tennessee. He’s a big (6-foot-1, 213 pounds), rangy playmaker who should be an opening day starter. He played both free and strong safety for Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.

“Big safety, athletic, smart, rare size and frame,” a scout told me at the combine. “Runs the show in a difficult defense to absorb. Very good kid. No issues. Coaches love him and trust him. Immediate starter wherever he goes. Injury is the only way he is available at 20.”

Barron underwent double sports hernia surgery after the Crimson Tide won the national championship, so he’s still in a rehab stage and didn’t work out at the combine.

“I feel good,” he said. “As far as me working out, I’m just doing rehab. I feel good, I feel like I can do whatever I need to do. I just haven’t been cleared to do certain things. That’s where I’m at right now…

2012 NFL Draft

Round 1: Thurs., April 26
Rounds 2-3: Fri., April 27
Rounds 4-7: Sat., April 28
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Rd. 1 order | Draft home

Titans stand behind Morgan despite lack of…

Posted on 26 February 2012. Tags: change-the-game, create-problems, derrick-morgan, game, misses-at-sacks, morgan, munchak, nfl, offseason, take-the-game, titans, want-the-right, wants-the-same

Titans, Finnegan considered far from a deal after…

Posted on 24 February 2012. Tags: agent, cornerback-more, finnegan, general-manager, houston, houston-texans, indianapolis, newspaper, nfl, ruston-webster, terry-watson, titans

The Tennessee Titans and the agent for cornerback Cortland Finnegan met Friday at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but moved no closer to a long-term deal, according to The Tennessean.

Brooks: Combine game plans

Finnegan’s agent, Terry Watson, met with Titans general manager Ruston Webster and vice president/football administration Vin Marino, the newspaper said. Webster and Marino could not be reached for comment. Watson was brief in telling the newspaper via text that they “had a good visit.”

Finnegan wanted an extension last offseason on a contract that paid the All-Pro cornerback more than $3.7 million in 2011. He briefly left training camp over a contract dispute and is now set to become a free agent next month.

Though unexpected, the Titans could use the $10.6 million franchise tag on Finnegan before the March 5 deadline.

Finnegan, 28, turned down a four-year, $28 million deal before last season, according to The Tennessean. According to the report, Finnegan is seeking more than the five-year, $48.75 million contract cornerback Johnathan Joseph signed with the Houston Texans last July, a deal that included $23.5 million in guarantees.

Earlier this week, when asked what kind of deal Finnegan is looking for, Watson told The Tennessean, “one that makes him one of the top-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.”

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Posted in titans-newsComments Off

Tennessee Titans taking time with franchise tag…

Posted on 23 February 2012. Tags: agent, general-manager, jordan, mario-williams, michael-griffin, munchak, nfl, ruston-webster, said-the-titans, time, titans, topics, webster

« Newer Entries

Older Entries »

Sign Up To Blog!

Tennessee Titans Tickets

Recent Posts

• Titans want to build stage at LP Field
• Titans put a rush on linebacker's learning…
• Tennessee Titans want Akeem Ayers to improve pass…
• Titans ready to install new defense
• Tennessee Titans' Nate Washington: It's…

NFL Blogs

Atlanta Falcons Blog
Arizona Cardinals Blog
Baltimore Ravens Blog
Buffalo Bills Blog
Carolina Panthers Blog
Chicago Bears Blog
Cincinnati Bengals Blog
Cleveland Browns Blog
Dallas Cowboys Blog
Denver Broncos Blog
Detroit Lions Blog
Green Bay Packers Blog
Houston Texans Blog
Indianapolis Colts Blog
Jacksonville Jaguars Blog
Kansas City Chiefs Blog
Miami Dolphins Blog
Minnesota Vikings Blog
N.E. Patriots Blog
New Orleans Saints Blog
New York Giants Blog
New York Jets Blog
Oakland Raiders Blog
Philadelphia Eagles Blog
Pittsburgh Steelers Blog
San Diego Chargers Blog
San Francisco 49ers Blog
Seattle Seahawks Blog
St. Louis Rams Blog
Tampa Buccaneers Blog
Tennessee Titans Blog
Washington Redskins Blog

Friends

Online Betting
Sports Betting
Online Sports Betting
Football Betting
Super Bowl Betting

Copyright © 2012 TitansNation.com & JCFan - Tennessee Titans Blog