As first reported on Twitter by CB Ryan Mouton, the Tennessee Titans announced today they re-signed free agent linebacker and special teams star Tim Shaw to a multi-year contract. Shaw’s agent, Scott Smith, indicated it was a three-year deal. Financial terms have not been disclosed that I’ve seen, but I’d expect the deal to be similar to the three-year, $3.3 million deal LB Patrick Bailey signed.
After re-signing Bailey last month, I honestly wasn’t expecting Shaw back with the Titans. While both Shaw and Bailey were needed and valued special teamers, I’m a little surprised the Titans didn’t look to just re-sign the first of them to pop and fill the other role with a younger, cheaper player. Then again, my recent draft trends post indicated the Titans haven’t drafted a linebacker after the fourth round in the past five seasons, where they used to find many core special teams players. With two starting linebackers who were rookie in 2011, I’m not going to begrudge the Titans relying on veteran depth.
Shaw was officially Colin McCarthy’s backup at middle linebacker and played in some four linebacker packages. As long as McCarthy remains healthy, I’d expect him to see a role similar to that he played in 2011: lots of special teams work and spot package work on defense. Assuming the financial terms are reasonable, this is a good conservative signing that knocks off another item on the offseason checklist.
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