Is Stephen Tulloch on his way out?
Titans fourth-round linebacker Colin McCarthy (out of Miami) knows of Tulloch. Though they have not met, they share agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Tulloch is the Titans' incumbent middle linebacker. He made a ton of tackles but hardly a big play last season, when he was part of the team’s inability to slow tight ends. He stayed away from the team last offseason, upset over not getting a long-term deal. He got tendered at a first-round level and won’ be unrestricted if we’re under 2010 rules. If a new deal is struck where four years of service qualifies a guy for unrestricted free agency, he will be able to test the market.
But he won’t be happy if that’s all he can get. He and the team see his value very differently.
And McCarthy is the second new linebacker for Tennessee, which took strongsider Akeem Ayers in the second round and is looking to get bigger. I’d say outside linebacker Gerald McRath is no longer a guaranteed starter either.
The Titans and McCarthy both said he can play inside or out.
With or without Tulloch, the team has got increased flexibility.