McNair understands cap shake-up

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McNair understands cap shake-up

By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer

News that his favorite receiver and one of his offensive linemen were going to be released by the Titans shook the quarterback, but didn't knock him down.

McNair said the team's decision to release six players — including wide receiver Derrick Mason and tackle Fred Miller — to help get below the NFL's salary cap didn't make his retirement decision for him either.

''I've said from the very beginning that this decision was about my health and my family and not the makeup of the team,'' McNair said yesterday. ''And that still remains the case.''

McNair, who continues to recover from sternum surgery, is reworking his contract to help the Titans get below the cap by the NFL deadline of March 2. His restructured deal will end up saving the team more than $5 million, though the Titans have opted to release six of his teammates to free up additional room.

Along with Mason, who has four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and Miller, the Titans are also parting ways with cornerback Samari Rolle, defensive tackle Kevin Carter, fullback Robert Holcombe and kicker Joe Nedney.

McNair said he hates seeing them go, especially Mason, who he spoke with on Monday. Mason and McNair have been teammates since Mason was drafted by Tennessee in 1997.

''I've been in this league for a long time and I understand that this is a business. They are doing what is best for the organization,'' McNair said. ''Unfortunately it is happening to people who are friends of mine who have given a great deal to this team. These decisions were not based upon their ability, it is all about the salary cap. All of these guys will continue to have productive NFL careers.

''I especially want to thank Mase. We grew together and he was a big reason for a lot of my success and the team success. He is a great friend, a great receiver and he will continue to be great.''

Coach Jeff Fisher has also talked with McNair since the six players were released. The Titans are left with only one proven receiver — Drew Bennett — although there are high hopes for Tyrone Calico, who missed last season with a knee injury after showing promise as a rookie in 2003.

The Titans also have a young tight end in Ben Troupe and third-year running back Chris Brown.

''(McNair) has been in this league for many seasons and understands the process,'' Fisher said. ''He is concerned and he wants to be surrounded by the best players, but I don't think this will be an issue.''

Until Monday, it had been a smooth offseason for McNair. According to teammates and coaches, he's been especially upbeat since sternum surgery in December, which took place not long after he began offering hints that he might retire this offseason.

But McNair said he still hasn't made a decision about his future, and will continue his rehab before having an answer.

''Overall, physically I feel good, and I am still healing,'' McNair said. ''I have started doing some upper body stretching and cardio work so that I can get in the best shape of my life to make an informed decision about my future.''

Anderson again?: With the release of Joe Nedney, the Titans don't have a kicker.

Will they call on Gary Anderson again?

''Gary's experience down there has been so positive, it wouldn't take very much persuasion to get him to come back,'' said Anderson's agent, Don Mark. ''He would be very interested in that. I don't think it would be a big stretch for Gary to come back again.''

The Titans called on Anderson the past two seasons to replace the injured Nedney. Last season the 45-year-old Anderson was 17-of-22 on field goals and 37-of-37 on PATs. He is the NFL's all-time leading scorer with 2,434 points.

The Titans have already worked out six kickers this offseason, including Bill Gramatica and Ola Kimrin.

''I hope the Titans have some interest because I think it would be reciprocal,'' Mark said.

Staying upbeat: The agent for released defensive tackle Kevin Carter remains convinced his client will re-join the Titans.

Lewis told The Tennessean on Monday he was optimistic Carter would return to the Titans. Last night he was even more confident.

''It is going to happen. He is probably going to stay 100 percent a Titan,'' Lewis said. ''Unless it's a blow-away deal for us to leave, we'll be staying in Tennessee.''

Carter was to earn a base salary of $6.75 million along with a $2 million roster bonus. It remains to be seen if the Titans are willing to offer Carter a contract he'd accept.

Lewis plans to meet with Titans GM Floyd Reese this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

''This is not necessarily going to be a case of he goes to the highest bidder,'' Lewis said.

''He wants to stay in Tennessee.''

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