The upcoming NFL season is going to be a big one for Jake Locker. (USATSI)
It sounds like Jake Locker is going to get at least one more year to prove that he's Tennessee's quarterback of the future. New coach Ken Whisenhunt said this week that he's 'excited' to see what Locker can do.
On Tuesday, Titans CEO Tommy Smith added to Whisenhunt's comments, saying that Locker is 'absolutely' the team's starting quarterback. In an interview with the Tennessean, Smith was asked specifically if Locker would be given the chance to remain the team's starter going forward.
"Absolutely," Smith said. "I do like Jake... and I think Ken is going to be very good for Jake. Jake is a competitor. He is a smart guy. I think he has the ability. He is the quarterback. That's what I have told him every time I see him. And that's the way it is."
The upcoming season will be a big one for Locker. The eighth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft needs to prove he can stay healthy. Locker has missed 14 of 32 games since being named the team's starter before the 2012 season.
Locker missed the final seven games of 2013 after suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 10 against Jacksonville. The third-year quarterback is under contract through 2014, and after that, the Titans have a $13 million option for 2015. The problem there is that Tennessee can't wait to see what Locker does in 2014 to decide on the option. The Titans have to make the decision to pick up the option by May.
If the Titans don't pick up the option, then Locker would play the 2014 season knowing that he's going to be a free agent and a big year could earn him some serious money. On the other hand, if the Titans don't pick up the option and Locker has a big year, Tennessee could just hit him with the franchise tag after the 2014 season.
Either way, Locker will have a lot on the line in 2014.
NFL Hot News
Broncos WR Decker looking to 'do what's best for my family' in free agency
Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker, who is projected to be one of the most coveted targets on the market when all the crazy cash starts getting slung at free agents, said that money isn't the only factor in his decision. He did, however, make it clear that money IS a big part of the equation. "If we can get on the same page, I will welcome a call from the Broncos, but I need to do what is best for my family," Decker stated in an interview on Sirius XM's NFL Radio Tuesday.Decker benefitted from being a member of the league's most historic offense from a statistical perspective this season. With the better Manning brother throwing him the ball, Decker snagged 87 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns. It was his second season in Denver with Manning running the offense and he's gone over 85 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each.Decker had nothing but praise for the Broncos franchise, saying, "this is an organization that any player wants to come to. I mean, they treat you first-class. It's a winning organization. They've built a culture here that is phenomenal. I would love to play here". But, he followed that up with the reminder that it is not all about fun and games, and the NFL is still a business. "Unfortunately, that's something that isn't always in my control. You've just got to take it in stride and again, have those conversations, see what the next couple of months will bring."Open season on unrestricted free agents starts March 11.
Decker has emerged into a top-notch wide receiver and has earned the right to get paid. He's obviously been one of Manning's favorite targets, especially in the red zone, catching double digit touchdowns each of the past two seasons. Some are quick to say that is a product of having Manning as his QB. However, rewinding to 2011 (his first season as a starter for the Broncos), Decker managed to catch eight touchdowns. That was with a couple of guys named Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow throwing the ball in his general direction.At 6'3" and possessing a great pair of hands, Decker is the type of wide receiver that any quarterback would love to throw to. Regardless of where he ends up, Decker's fantasy numbers should remain solid. In Denver, he was one of four big-time targets. Almost anywhere else, he'll be one of the top two targets, so his numbers will probably stay about the same, as long as he lands somewhere with a capable quarterback.If Decker does sign elsewhere, expect Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas to get a slight boost to their fantasy stock. Manning's numbers should still be all-world.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment