Titans release tight end Kinney; Bennett to test market

Updated: March 1, 2007, 7:15 PM ET
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans released veteran tight end Erron Kinney on Thursday and offered a contract to starting left guard Jacob Bell, but receivers Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade, and defensive tackle Robaire Smith are leaving as free agents.

Kinney missed all of last season because of a knee injury early in training camp and had microfracture surgery on the knee. But he was due a $300,000 roster bonus, and the Titans released him. He had 178 catches for 1,750 yards and 10 touchdowns in 83 games.

"We want to thank Erron for his play through the years and I think he understood where we were coming from with this move," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement.

The Titans tendered contracts to restricted free agents including Bell, tight end Ben Hartsock, linebacker Robert Reynolds, defensive tackle Randy Starks and center Eugene Amano. That means the Titans can match any offer from another team or receive a draft pick as compensation.

They also tendered offers to defensive tackles Tony Brown and Marcus White, and tight end Casey Cramer. They are exclusive rights free agents and cannot sign with other teams. Tennessee also agreed to a contract with guard Justin Geisinger.

Bennett likely won't be back because he is considered one of the top receivers available in free agency. He has 273 catches for 4,033 yards and 25 touchdowns. Running back Chris Brown also isn't expected back after he lost his starting job to Travis Henry.

Other unrestricted free agents include linebackers Peter Sirmon, LeVar Woods and Colby Bockwoldt; quarterback Kerry Collins; defensive tackle Rien Long, who missed last season with a torn Achilles tendon; safety Donnie Nickey; and tackle Seth Wand.


Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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