Titans Playing a Waiting Game With Franchise Tag

With Albert Haynesworth, Kerry Collins, Rod Bironas and Bo Scaife all less than two weeks away from free agency, it appears that the Titans are not close to re-upping any of them.

But Mike Reinfeldt told the Tennessean that the Titans are considering franchising either Scaife or Bironas. The franchise tag for either of them would not be that expensive--only $4.46 million for Scaife or $2.48 million for Bironas. In comparison, it would cost $14.65 million to franchise Collins.

Given the choice, it seems the wise pick would be to lock up Scaife. There aren't many quality tight ends on the free agent market this year, so if Scaife hits the market, there is a decent chance that he won't be back. And if Scaife leaves, the Titans will struggle to fill that void especially when you consider that they already are in need of receiver help. With $33 million in cap room, paying Scaife $4.46 million won't make a big dent in their cap room.

On the other hand, Bironas is very good but kickers are a little easier to find than tight ends, and wiht few teams looking to upgrade at kicker, there would be a better chance of retaining him if he hits the free agent market.

But whatever the Titans decide, it's going to be a very busy next couple of months.

Tracking NFL Free Agents

Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll likely spend at least one more season in New York because of that.

Bill Kostroun, AP

Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - 4 years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.

Paul Sakuma, AP

Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 14 starts, 51 tackles (41 solo), 8.5 sacks
The Latest: Haynesworth could be the biggest prize to hit the unrestricted free agent market. He's said he would prefer to stay with Tennessee, but the Titans promised not to franchise him again, so they'll have to pay.

Mark Humphrey, AP

Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 16 games played (15 starts), 2,676 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 80.2 QB rating
The Latest: Despite his age (36), Collins feels he is in line for a big contract -- comparable to whatever Kurt Warner receives. If Tennessee does not deliver, the Brett Favre-less Jets are a potential home.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Ray Lewis, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 117 tackles (85 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs
The Latest: The franchise tag rules mean that Lewis would become the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history at more than $11 million if the Ravens went that route. Baltimore would prefer to re-sign Lewis.

Rob Carr, AP

Terrell Suggs, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 68 tackles (53 solo), eight sacks, two INTs
The Latest: Suggs suggested that he, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott all take hometown discounts and stay in Baltimore, so he wants to be there. He's a cheaper franchise tag option than Lewis.

Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 82 tackles (61 solo), 1.5 sacks
The Latest: Is there room for Scott in Baltimore? With the franchise tag likely landing on Terrell Suggs and the Ravens doing all it takes to sign Ray Lewis, it doesn't look like Scott is a priority.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 92 catches for 904 yards, four touchdowns
The Latest: The only way Housh returns is if the Bengals franchise him. Otherwise, he'll sign a lucrative contract elsewhere -- possibly with Philadelphia, where he's already expressed interest in playing.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 40 tackles (33 solo), one interception
The Latest: Asomugha's numbers are skewed by opponents' fear of throwing anywhere near him. The Raiders will use the franchise tag on him if they need to.

Greg Trott, Getty Images

Leroy Hill, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Regular Season Stats: 12 starts, 84 tackles (63 solo), missed four weeks with two separate injuries.
The Latest: Hill was arrested in January on marijuana possession, possibly cooling some interest in him. Seattle has yet to offer Hill a new contract.

Ted S. Warren, AP