Former Tennessee Titan Drew Bennett said Monday he is fine with being a contributor and filling a role if he re-signs with the team.
Bennett visited the Titans on Monday, took a physical and met with the coaching staff and director of pro personnel Lake Dawson. Bennett will remain in Nashville through Tuesday.
“I feel like if something gets done here that I can come in and help complement the guys they have,” said Bennett, who was released in March by the St. Louis Rams. “I know I wouldn't be coming in as a No. 1 guy. They have a lot invested in guys like Nate [Washington] and Justin Gage and also the first-round pick [Kenny Britt]. But I think I could come in and compete and complement those guys, maybe fill in some holes and work in certain packages.”
If he re-signs in Tennessee, Bennett would likely compete as the No. 3 or No. 4 receiver to start out, behind Washington and Gage, and in the mix with Britt and second-year man Lavelle Hawkins.
Bennett, 30, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career as a Titan, signing as an undrafted free agent from UCLA in 2001 and eventually working his way into the starting lineup. His best year came in 2004 when he caught 80 passes for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns. He departed after the 2006 season as a free agent, signing with the Rams for six years and $30 million with $10 million in guarantees.
A spokesperson for Gary Uberstine’s office, which represents Bennett, termed Monday’s meeting, “a very good visit.” The possibility remains that the two sides could begin talks on a potential contract.
Bennett played in just one game and caught only one pass for the Rams last season, but said his injured foot is healthy once again and a visit with Titans team physician Dr. Burton Elrod apparently did not produce any red flags during his physical.
“I met with Dr. Elrod and the staff and there was nothing [wrong]. They didn’t indicate to me anything that might be cause for concern,” Bennett said. “Actually, I’ve been running for a couple of months now, running routes and everything. And the rest of my body, except for the foot, got a chance to rest last season because of the injury, so I’m probably healthier than I’ve been in a while.”
Bennett’s best success came under the tutelage of Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who returned last season after three years away himself.
Bennett said he remembered how scared he was when he first played for Heimerdinger, a stickler for detail, especially when it comes to receivers running routes and blocking downfield in the running game.
“It’s funny. I was telling Craig Johnson [quarterbacks coach] how strange it is to maybe be coming back here to work with ‘Dinger. When I was a rookie, I was scared to death of him, and didn’t even want to pass by him in the hallway, but I had my best success under his coaching,” Bennett said.
Bennett previously had visits with Atlanta and Cleveland last week, and said those visits went well, but have not yet produced contract offers from either club.