Kearse Will Return To Titans With A Two-Year Deal
The Tennessee Titans and defensive end Jevon Kearse agreed to terms Thursday on a two-year deal for $6 million, with a $1.3 million signing bonus.
It brings the nine-year veteran back to the scene of his greatest success — he was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999 and went to the Pro Bowl three times in five seasons with the Titans.
But will the move be a cure-all for Kearse after four largely mediocre, injury-filled years with the Eagles? And will it solve a problem for the Titans, who let two of their young free agent defensive ends get away this week?
“I know the expectations are going to be there,’’ Kearse said during a press conference at Baptist Sports Park. “People on the street tell me, ‘You were everything when you played for Tennessee.’ Now that I am back, I wonder what they are going to say now?”
Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Mike Reinfeldt flanked the 31-year-old Kearse, who looked as happy as any player ever introduced at a Titans press conference. He kidded about wanting to wear No. 10, which belongs to quarterback Vince Young, instead of his old 90.
Of course it was Kearse’s second such happy gathering with the Titans, the first occurring in ’99 when he agreed to his rookie contract as the 16th overall pick.
“I need to point out that this is not only an opportunity to finish what he started, but he also has a lot left and this is not just a nostalgic thing, to bring back the old days,’’ Fisher said. “He is here to help us win football games and knock the passer down. We were very excited with the results of the physical and very excited to get this put together as quickly as we did.’’
Kearse’s health — particularly a torn left ACL in 2006 — limited him in Philadelphia. He missed 14 games in 2006 and two last season.
After recording 47.5 sacks in five seasons with the Titans, he had 15 in his first two years with the Eagles. He had only seven in the last two seasons, however, and the Eagles cut him last month in the middle of an eight-year, $66-million contract he signed in 2004.
“I feel really good physically,’’ Kearse said. “Last year I rushed getting back on the field, but it was part of my nature. I felt like I need to be on the field, helping the team win. I didn’t listen to my knee; I ignored it.
“My knee was telling me to back off, to chill out, and I was pushing through it. But by doing that I set myself back. … But everything is great and it is getting even better.’’
Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said he expects big things from Kearse, who’ll man the other bookend in the 4-3 defense. Vanden Bosch, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has had ACL surgery twice.
“It took me two full years both times to get back and I think once he gets all that behind him he will be a dominating defensive end again,’’ said Vanden Bosch, who spent some time with Kearse on Thursday. “When he was at his peak he was one of the most dominating defensive ends in the game and I think he still has it in him.
“Hearing him talk, I can see the desire and how much he wants to be here and succeed. And speaking from experience, sometimes it is nice to get out and get a new start, a fresh start. I am extremely excited. He is a big-time playmaker.’’
With the Titans, Kearse started his first 49 games. Over five seasons he missed 14 games, including 12 in 2002 because of a fractured foot.
The Titans needed help at defensive end after losing free agents Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, who combined for 14 sacks last season, and Reinfeldt said he felt the Kearse contract made sense financially.
Kearse admitted he had to tell his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who had tried to work out a restructured deal with the Eagles, that this situation wasn’t all about money.
“Drew’s job is to be an agent, to get his player as much money as he can,’’ Kearse said. “I had to remind him, ‘this is a good situation. I hate to pass this up.’ Outside the money and everything, this is the type of organization I need to be in.’’
So Kearse canceled his scheduled visit to Minnesota and stayed. Where he started.
“We had a player who wanted to be here. And you have an agent who likes to make deals and we had a chance for it to be a win-win situation. I think everybody compromised a little bit and it worked out,’’ Reinfeldt said.
“It’s a deal that makes sense at this point and time, from both sides. He is an exciting player, and has some unique traits. He can be part of the solution at defensive end.’’
- Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
