Source: Titans increase offer to Haynesworth in 'productive' meeting

INDIANAPOLIS - The Tennessee Titans and Chad Speck, the agent for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, had a "productive" meeting last weekend at the NFL Combine that resulted in the Titans increasing their offer to Haynesworth, according to a league source.

Neither Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt nor Speck could be reached for comment. Haynesworth will become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, unless and he and the Titans can agree on a contract extension before then.

Haynesworth is believed to be seeking a deal that could make him the highest paid defensive player in the league, with guaranteed money that could reach $35 million. It is believed, according to a source, that the Titans are probably unwilling to meet such a figure.

According to reports, the initial offer was for four years and a reported $36 million. According to a source, approximately $20-25 million of that would have been in guarantees. How much the Titans have increased their offer is not yet known, but speculation is that if Haynesworth reaches the open market some team will likely come close to meeting his demands.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher also said Friday that they have not given up on signing Haynesworth, and that even if he gets to the open market, they would still try to retain him, even as other teams bid for his services.

Earlier this week, the Atlanta Falcons, one of the teams Haynesworth had previously said he would be interested in playing for, all but bowed out of the sweepstakes as their general manager Thomas Dimitroff told The City Paper that his club would not be a big player in free agency, despite Haynesworth's talent and credentials.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one team believed to be interesting in Haynesworth if he gets to unrestricted free agency.