Titans Kick Off Free Agency by Signing 3 of Their Own
The Tennessee Titans resigned three of their own players with expiring contracts this past week heading into the start of free agency. The Titans resigned safety Bernard Pollard, running back Jackie Battle, and defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua. Bringing back 2 starters and a key depth player in Battle really got the Titans started off in the right direction under new head coach Ken Wisenhunt.
Bernard Pollard
Bernard Pollard signed a 1 year deal prior to last season with the Tennessee Titans after being released by the World Champion Baltimore Ravens. After proving his worth, the Titans resigned him to a 2 year deal, keeping him in Nashville through the 2016 season. Pollard is a great fit alongside teammate Michael Griffin and both performed well last season.
Jackie Battle
Battle joined the team late last offseason as depth at the position. Following an injury to high priced free agent Shonn Greene, Jackie Battle stepped up into the primary backup and short yardage roll early in the season. In addition to being a bigger back providing a change of pace to starter Chris Johnson last season, Battle also showed good hands and proved to be solid in pass protection, allowing him to assist on 3rd downs as well. He was resigned to another 1 year deal.
Ropati Pitoitua
Pitoitua was signed to be a run stopping force along the defensive line last season, and turned out to be more versatile than originally anticipated. His ability to close the pocket in pass rush as well as stuff gaps in the run game made him a valuable commodity last season. Pitoitua was a key contributor in the emergence of young defensive tackle Jerrell Casey and an improved secondary as a whole last season. His contributions earned him a 3 year deal with the Titans heading into free agency.