According to reports, Bo Scaife will attempt to gage his value by testing the potentially lucrative waters of free agency later this month.
With over $30 million in cap room, the Tennessee Titans have the resources to bring Scaife back into the fold next year. However, once he hits the open market, there is no guarantee that the usually fiscally conservative Titans would be willing to overpay for the former Texas Longhorn’s services.
From Bo’s standpoint, it’s very prudent of him to aim for the financially-appeasing fruits of free agency. Coming off a career-best 58 catches for 561 yards, there will likely be some demand from teams looking for a receiving threat at TE. Considering the rather weak class of UFA tight ends this year, it’s a pretty safe bet that Bo will be one of the top players available at his position when the clock strikes 12:01 AM on February 27th.
While Bo dreams of free agency riches, the Titans will have an interesting decision to make. If the team decides to pass on re-signing Scaife, that will leave only veteran Alge Crumpler and last year’s 3rd round draft pick Craig Stevens at TE.
I love his blocking and veteran leadership, but Algernon’s best days as a pro have long since passed. Stevens has the potential to be a contributor down the road but I’m not sure that he’s ready to replace Scaife as a starter in 2009.
If the Titans let Bo go and acquire his replacement via free agency, color me not too enthusiastic about the aforementioned subpar class of UFA tight ends. L.J. Smith couldn’t catch a cold if stranded in Siberia with a pair of shorts on, Desmond Clark is ancient and Jerramy Stevens has too much baggage.
Slim pickings, to say the least.
As for drafting a guy to take Bo’s place, a kid like Shawn Nelson could be available somewhere around the 3rd or 4th round.
Last year, I had no qualms with the Titans’ decision to let Ben Troupe venture elsewhere. However, I’d be mildly upset if they allow Scaife to follow in Ben’s footsteps by escaping via the free agency route.
Unlike the enigmatic Troupe, Scaife is a hard-worker who has continued to improve throughout his Titan career. He’s well-deserving of a pay raise and hopefully, that contract extension will be courtesy of the Tennessee Titans.
So what do you guys think? Should Bo stay or go?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
