The Tennessee Titans concluded their search for a proven backup to tailback Eddie George on Thursday, with ESPN.com learning that the club reached an agreement with veteran Robert Holcombe, an unrestricted free agent.

	Holcombe

A four-year veteran, Holcombe had played his entire previous career with the St. Louis Rams, appearing in 58 games and starting 25 of them. The former University of Illinois star played both at fullback and tailback for the Rams, logging most of his starts at the former position.

With the Titans, he will be primarily utilized at tailback, could return some kickoffs, and is also expected to play on special teams.

Holcombe, 26, will sign a four-year contract worth about $4.4 million. The deal does not include a signing bonus, but the Titans will guarantee $150,000 of his 2002 base salary of $700,000. There is an option bonus of $750,000 payable March 1 of 2003. Holcombe can enhance the value of the contract with fairly substantial incentives.

"He brings a great deal of versatility to our backfield as a pure runner, blocker, receiver and special teams player," said Titans general manager Floyd Reese.

The Titans earlier this week extended offer to both Holcombe and last year's backup tailback, Skip Hicks, hoping to attract one of them. It is not yet known if Tennessee will end its pursuit of Hicks, who rushed for 341 yards in 2001.

Holcombe was the Rams' second-round pick in the 1998 draft after a superb career at Illinois, but most often found himself in Marshall Faulk's shadow in St. Louis. His plight will not be much better in Tennessee, but Holcombe has flourished as a roleplayer and is a veteran who won't make waves.

Part of the Titans' interest in him, in fact, was because of his well-documented leadership skills in the locker room. Holcombe had been sought by at least four other teams, and the Rams also wanted to re-sign him.

In four seasons, he has rushed 210 times for 636 yards and 10 touchdowns. Holcombe also has 29 receptions for 301 yards and two scores.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.