Titans likely to cut Henry Saturday
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:53 pm
Titans likely to cut Henry Saturday
By PAUL KUHARSKY
Staff Writer
The Titans appear likely to wind up in position to cut running back Travis Henry Saturday in order to avoid an $8.3 million roster bonus that’s due Monday.
Indications are talks between General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and agent Hadley Engelhard have not progressed enough for the team to sidestep the bonus.
The contract, not Henry’s play or production, is the issue.
While Reinfeldt said he remains optimistic as long as the two sides are talking, he allowed for the possibility that an exploration of free agency by Henry might be good for both sides.
“I still would be optimistic that he would return,” Reinfeldt said. “Sometimes you need to look at the market and see what all is out there. I’m not sure that’s a terrible thing…”
“It’s one thing to sit back and say ‘If I were a free agent, people would offer me this.’ It’s a different thing when they actually become a free agent and find out what people are willing to offer them. Sometimes that’s not a bad thing.”
Engelhard could not be reached for comment.
Henry emerged as the starter early last season and keyed what wound up to be the NFL’s fifth-ranked rushing attack with 1,211 rushing yards, seven touchdowns and six 100-yard games.
If the Titans cut Henry and he lands elsewhere, they’ll be left with LenDale White as their feature back unless they sign another free agent or address the position again in the draft.
Chris Brown became a free agent today and reportedly has a long list of suitors. It’s doubtful he would re-emerge as an option for the Titans after falling out of favor last season.
