TITANS

TEST

MCNAIR, TITANS AND THE FUTURE

OK, what’s the deal with Steve McNair and the Titans? I’m trying to figure out what if any of it makes any sense. Here’s the way I see it. The Titans owe McNair $9-million this season, there is NO way they are going to give it to him. That leaves him with 2 alternatives, renegotiate or wait to be traded or released. Bus Cook has made it perfectly clear they won’t renegotiate, so what’s everyone waiting for?

Here are a couple of possibilities. First, the Titans genuinely think McNair will take less money for next season. Keep dreaming! Second, they’re waiting to see just what they can get for him in a trade. Everyone around the league thinks he’s going to be released, so why would they give Tennessee anything? Third, they’re playing him just like they did Eddie George. If they leave the ball in McNair’s court it makes it seem like his decision. They made Eddie look like the bad guy when he wouldn’t play for less and it looks like that’s exactly what they’re doing with Steve. They’ll go on and on “waiting” to reach a deal, when it doesn’t happen, they’ll throw up their hands in frustration, declare their disappointment, send Steve on his way and suddenly have $9-million to work with under the salary cap. Is this a fact, nope, just my opinion, but one I happen to feel pretty strongly about.

Do I agree with the way the Titans are dealing with number 9? No, but you won’t find me lined up in the McNair pity party either. Steve has been paid and been paid extremely well for a long time (including the first two seasons when he watched from the sidelines). Then consider this, is Steve McNair worth $9-million this season? Unless his play elevates, no and there’s no team in the lague that’s going to give him that much money for next season either. Sure the Titans would be better with him this year, however they are not going to win the Super Bowl this season (barring a miraculous turnaround) and the NFL is all about winning the big one. The way I see it they are a couple of seasons away from contending and Steve won’t be a part of the team then, so why not turn the page and use the money to load up for your next run. Yes, it’s painful and no, it’s not pretty but, the great teams always seem to find a way to say goodbye and reload.

Steve McNair’s been a great player, great member of the community and will go down in Nashville sports history. It’s up to him how that story ends, because the Titans have already written their version.