There had been plenty of speculation about Jake Locker's future with the Tennessee Titans. After the starting quarterback suffered a Lisfranc injury during a season of down statistics, was Locker the future of the franchise? Things are becoming a bit more clear with the Titans as Tennessee might be moving on from the third-year pro.
The Tennesseean is reporting that right now, the Titans are not looking to pick up the option on Locker's contract. As a result, the quarterback will enter a make-or-break season with the Titans. If locker comes back healthy and improves after a down season, the team will likely negotiate a contract extension. However, Tennessee is not ready to make that call and will see if Locker can prove himself in 2014.
The coaching staff and ownership of the Titans have voiced their support for the quarterback despite the rumors of doubt surrounding him. According to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Locker brings a lot to the Titans offense and he is positive the quarterback will prove to be the starter the team needs for the future.
"I am excited about finding out what he can do with our offense and trying to make things that he does well, have success with that," Whisenhunt said, via the Tennessean. "I know I have liked what I've seen from Jake, and I am excited about seeing him advance in this offense."
Team CEO Tommy Smith backed the words of Whisenhunt. He told reporters that he supported Locker as the team's competitor and he predicts good things for the starter in the future. However, that apparently does not include picking up his 2015 option which would cost the team $13 million.
As a result, the Titans are keeping a close eye on the rookies in this year's draft class. Right now on the roster, the Titans have Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyler Wilson and Charlie Whitehurst. One of the last two will likely get released. Whisenhunt has been very active at several quarterback's Pro Days this year. He took heavy interest in Teddy Bridgewater who has seen his draft stock drop after the scouting combine.
Bridgewater is no longer being considered a top five pick which could mean the Titans stand a chance at drafting him in the first round if that is the route the team opts to go in. The Titans draft No. 11 overall which puts them in prime position for the Louisville star. If Bridgewater is around when the Titans draft, he might be too good to pass up.