Memo to the Titans: Give Alge Crumpler a look

Big names continue to drop like flies as teams make cuts to improve their salary cap flexibility in preparation for the onset of free agency. Earlier this week, perennial Pro Bowler Zach Thomas was a victim of Bill Parcells’ purge in Miami.
Joining Thomas in the NFL unemployment line is four-time Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler, who was released yesterday by Atlanta. Similar to the Dolphins, the Falcons are moving in a new direction as they continue to navigate the stormy waters of the post Michael Vick era. With a new general manager and head coach in place, the Falcons are initiating the rebuilding process by jettisoning big names such as Crumpler, Byron Leftwich, Wayne Gandy and Rod Coleman.
The Falcons’ loss should be the Titans’ potential gain.

The tight end position has been anything but a position of strength as of late. Bo Scaife caught 46 passes last season but only averaged barely over nine yards per catch. Despite athletic gifts, Ben Troupe has been a colossal disappointment and may be shown the door this offseason. Needless to say, the days of Frank Wycheck appear to be a very distant memory for Titans’ fans.
Crumpler would provide the Titans with a proven commodity at the tight end position. Since 2003, Crumpler has averaged 51 catches, 685 yards and 5 TDs per season. Playing in an offensive environment similar to Tennessee, Crumpler was surrounded by a less than stellar WR group in Atlanta while catching passes from a mobile quarterback (Michael Vick) who was known more for his running abilities. Despite being the major focus of opposing defensive coordinators, Crumpler was able to consistently make plays for the Falcons.
The Titans’ dreadful performance in the redzone is another reason why the team should take a look at Crumpler. In 2007, the Titans finished the season as the league’s worst team in touchdown percentage in the redzone, scoring on only 36 % of their attempts inside the opposition’s twenty.
Crumpler would give Vince Young an excellent threat to throw to in the red zone. His mere presence would open up more opportunities for Titan receivers, who would benefit from the attention an Alge Crumpler receives from opposing defenses.
Here’s hoping Crumpler and his agent will be receiving a phone call from Mike Reinfeldt and Jeff Fisher at the start of the free agent signing period.