Titans look for bargains in ‘second wave’

Free agency in the NFL has now reached that “second wave” that Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt often refers to in the period.

That is the time where a lot of the big-name, big-money players have already signed their deals, and the market is beginning to stabilize enough that bargain deals can be made and useful players can come aboard to help fill a hole in the starting lineup or provide needed depth.

It was during that time last year that the Titans agreed to terms with players like Jevon Kearse, Josh Stamer, Justin McCareins, Jake Scott and Chris Carr a year ago.

And though they don’t have as many needs as they did last year at this time, expect Reinfeldt and the Titans to still go bargain shopping with this year’s class of free agents.

Some of that has already taken place with the visits of defensive backs Justin Miller, Eric Green and Jarrett Bush last week.

Depending upon what happens with their attempt to re-sign Carr, look for the Titans to likely add at least one of these players, and perhaps make a serious run at two of them, if Carr winds up accepting an offer in New England, Detroit or Cleveland, rather than returning to Tennessee. Karl Paymah, a free agent from the Denver Broncos, might also be a potential option for cornerback depth.

The Titans have a handful of other positions where they need to replenish the depth.

Obviously, the secondary is one area of concern with the loss of Eric King to Detroit and the likelihood that Reynaldo Hill and Tyrone Poole will not return.

Despite the addition of Nate Washington, the Titans still would like to add at least one more wide receiver to the mix.

And while the Terrell Owens rumors on Friday were a hoax, the Titans would like to grab another veteran wideout to what they already have.

A report had the Titans potentially having interest in New Orleans Saints restricted free agent Lance Moore, but that isn’t likely to materialize given that the Saints tendered Moore at the second-round level. Such a price (the 62nd pick in the draft) would be far more than the Titans are willing to pay at that position, especially given the depth of this year’s draft at the wideout position.

However, don’t rule out a run at Torry Holt if (when?) he is released by the St. Louis Rams. At 32, Holt is nearly four years younger than Owens, and is the type of smart upgrade the Titans have tried to make when looking to add to experience to a position. Holt is due a roster bonus on March 17, which could precipitate his release. Would the Titans be willing to part with a late-round pick to land him before he gets to the open market?

There is also the chance Tennessee will add a veteran quarterback after Simms signed in Denver. Kerry Collins is entrenched as the starter, and while Vince Young is the No. 2 quarterback, signing a veteran to come in at No. 3 and to push Young for the second job is possible. If the Titans can’t find the right quarterback in free agency, then the draft might be a possibility.

Elsewhere, it is not out of the question for Tennessee to add one more player either on the offensive line, where Daniel Loper left for Detroit, or on the defensive line to compete for a spot in the back end of the rotation.