July 18, 2008

More from PFW • Report: Dolphins send QB McCown to Panthers, 8/29/2008 7:04:12 PM • Vikings OT McKinnie gets four-game suspension, 8/29/2008 6:30:28 PM • Week One return in doubt for Broncos SLB Bailey, 8/29/2008 5:24:38 PM • Rookie RB Hightower making strong impression, 8/29/2008 4:09:45 PM • Titans sign DE Hayes, 7/21/2008 5:52:03 PM Related Topics • Jevon Kearse • William Hayes • National Football League • Tennessee Titans • American Football Conference • AFC South Division • Philadelphia Eagles • National Football Conference • Travis LaBoy • Antwan Odom

Jevon Kearse has not posted double-digit sacks since 2001, which was also the last time he played a 16-game season. So what Kearse, who will be 32 as of Week One, can still bring to the Titans' defense is a matter of debate. Nevertheless, he will get first run at the starting DLE job, one shared by Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy a season ago. That tandem combined for 14 sacks a season ago, but both players left via free agency. Kearse, back for a second stint in Tennessee after a disappointing four-year stint in Philadelphia, will be spelled by rookie William Hayes, a fourth-round pick out of Winston-Salem (N.C.) State. The Titans' hope is that Kearse can recapture his old form and that the leap from college to the pros won't be too much for Hayes, 23. The way we hear it, second-round pick Jason Jones is also expected to get a handful of snaps at left end, but the plan is for Kearse and Hayes to get most of the work outside.