The Titans continued doing business on Thursday, re-signing return man Darius Reynaud to a one-year deal. Jim Wyatt indicated Reynaud will make roughly $1 million.
Reynaud did a pretty good job on punt and kick returns in 2012, leading the league in Football Outsiders’ punt return value metric. I covered his effect on field position in some detail, so I won’t rehash that. He played a very modest role on offense under Chris Palmer as a running back/slot receiver, but once Dowell Loggains took over almost never saw the field (9 snaps in 5 games). Approximately all of his value to the 2013 Titans would be as a return man.
I’m not convinced Reynaud will be a member of the 2013 Titans, though. While he had a fine year as a return man, it was not so great that he is clearly superior to any other option. The likely financial implications of any cut would not be too hard to handle. I believe the Titans, like most teams, would prefer that their return man do something of value beside return kicks. Marc Mariani would at least be a fourth or fifth receiver, which unlike Reynaud gives him some added value. Reynaud is probably the favorite to win any return man competition in training camp, but I expect there to be a competition.
In other Titans news, wide receiver Brandon Gibson is still scheduled for a visit after not yet signing elsewhere. Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, who would be a nice fit on early downs and has some pass rush ability, is now also on the schedule. I would be fine with either player at the right price.
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