Drew Bennett:
"It would take something strong for me to not test the market. That's not saying we can't get anything done before March 2. But yeah, it would take a very strong effort on their part for me after three years not to wait the next two weeks."
Let's hope so. If he wants to have nothing but lousy stats and be the whipping boy for Vince Young's primitive throwing skills, then he should stay with the Titans. Otherwise get the hell out of town!
<H1>Bennett likely to test market as free agent</H1>
Smith's agent is ready for talks with new GM
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer
Titans wide receiver Drew Bennett is disappointed to lose his position coach, excited that a new general manager is in place and intrigued by the idea of pending unrestricted free agency.
Bennett is set to hit the open market when the NFL calendar year starts on March 2. General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and the Titans need to determine if they want to make a play for Bennett or any of the team's other free agents to-be before then.
And even then, it could be hard to lock up Bennett, defensive tackle Robaire Smith, quarterback Kerry Collins or wide receiver Bobby Wade.
With the salary cap up to $109 million per team and 19 teams expected to have more than $20 million in space under the cap, many players will want to get a full sense of their value around the league.
"It would take something strong for me to not test the market," Bennett said Wednesday. "That's not saying we can't get anything done before March 2. But yeah, it would take a very strong effort on their part for me after three years not to wait the next two weeks."
Smith's agent, Michael Harrison, said he anticipates a great market for his client if he gets to free agency, but he could just as easily re-sign with the Titans before March 2.
Harrison said he spoke with Titans Coach Jeff Fisher and director of player personnel Rich Snead in recent weeks and that both said they want to retain Smith. Now Harrison anticipates a talk with Reinfeldt.
"We're wide open right now," Harrison said. "Robaire would like to stay in Tennessee but at the same time it's got to be a fair deal for him obviously. If that were to happen for him the day before free agency, that's fine."
Attractive option
Bennett could be an attractive option for some teams.
Sports Illustrated recently included him on a list of the top 20 potential free agents.
He said he hopes he's a priority for the Titans, but is in no hurry to do anything.
"My agent (Gary Uberstine), I think he expects now that there is a GM to have some conversations and kind of see where that leads," Bennett said.
The Titans signed the 6-foot-5, 206-pound Bennett as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He signed a three-year deal in 2004 worth roughly $6 million with guaranteed bonuses totaling $2.55 million.
Bennett ranks eighth in franchise career receiving yards (4,033) and ninth in receptions (273). He is regarded as a quality route runner, but has worn down some in the latter stages of recent seasons.
There's also been consistent debate about whether he's a No. 1 receiver, but Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow has said he doesn't need one receiver designated as the primary threat.
Looking ahead
Bennett led the Titans with 46 receptions for 737 yards last season as veteran free-agent addition David Givens dealt with injuries and missed all but five games. Bennett was the veteran leader of a young group that struggled to be consistent as rookie quarterback Vince Young settled in.
Givens is unlikely to be ready to return from knee surgery for the start of the regular season. With or without Bennett, the Titans are expected to add receivers through the draft, free agency or both.
If Bennett re-signs with the Titans, he will have his third position coach in four years. Ray Sherman, wide receivers coach last season, told Fisher on Tuesday he's leaving to join the Dallas Cowboys' staff.
"He did well with all the players, the guys that were considered tougher to coach, the guys that were easier to coach," Bennett said. "It's a shame that we're losing him."
Reach Paul Kuharsky at 615-259-8024 or
pkuharsky@tennessean.com.
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