A ton of focus has been devoted to obvious Titan needs, such as upgrading the wide receiver position, replenishing the DE spot and bringing in veteran help at guard.
In Toms Reading the Tea Leaves post, Titan GM Mike Reinfeldt talks about the desire to add a running back via free agency, presumably to replace Mr. Fragility himself, Chris Brown. As recently as last week, free agent RB Julius Jones made a visit to Nashville. However, Jones decided to go northwest, signing a multi-year deal with Seattle.
Jones decision to sign with the Seahawks creates a logjam at their running back position. Jones and fellow free agent signee T.J. Duckett have joined incumbents Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris in a crowded Seattle backfield.
Considering the Titans desire to add a running back and Reinfeldts history with Seattle, could Shaun Alexander or Maurice Morris be a possible addition if the Seahawks decide to part ways with either of the veterans?
As recently as a couple of seasons ago, Shaun Alexander was regarded as one of the leagues best backs. Running behind a powerful Seattle offensive line consisting of Pro Bowlers Steve Hutchinson and Walter Jones, Alexander ran for 1,880 yards while scoring 27 touchdowns during the Seahawks 2005 Super Bowl run.
Since that season, injuries have plagued Alexander. In the last two seasons, Alexander has missed nine games while averaging less than four yards per carry. At thirty years of age, Alexanders best days may be behind him.
The Titans have a recent history of rejuvenating the career of a running back. Replaced in Buffalo by Willis McGahee, in 2006, Travis Henry got his career rolling again with a 1,211 yard performance for the Titans.
Alexanders days of carrying the full load as a primary back may be over, but in Tennessee, he wouldnt have to shoulder the entire load. Love him or hate him, LenDale White is the guy in Tennessee. The combination of running behind a strong Titan offensive line and limited opportunities could benefit Alexanders career and Tennessees running game, if Alexander is released.
Maurice Morris has been Alexanders backup over the last few seasons. Morris gained 628 yards last year, averaging 4.5 yards per scamper while also catching 23 passes out of the backfield.
Morris shifty and elusive style of running conforms to Reinfeldts desire to add a third down back to the Titans offensive arsenal. Alexanders salary may prevent the Seahawks from letting him loose, which could lead to Morris being the odd man out in Seattle.
Alexander and Morris are running backs with different styles that could be available this offseason. Considering Reinfeldts Seattle roots, I wouldnt be surprised to see one of them land in Nashville.
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