Nov.11, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Tennessee won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Hasselbeck has been released by the Tennessee Titans according to The Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt. The two parties apparently couldn’t come to terms on numbers. Hasselbeck was scheduled to make $5.5 million in 2013 as a backup to starting QB Jake Locker.
BREAKING: The #Titans have informed veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck he’s being released, according to sources.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 18, 2013
It’ll be interesting to see who the Titans find to back up Locker. Rusty Smith should by no means be looked at as a 2nd string QB. Last year Locker missed five games due to injuries. He’s also coming off a shoulder surgery he had after the season ended and is expected to be healthy and ready to go for the 2013 season.
One also has to wonder if this is the end of Hasselbeck’s NFL career. As a 37, soon to be (September) 38 year old QB, he doesn’t present much worth to many NFL teams. His arm strength isn’t getting any better and there’s just not many teams looking for a vet who’s on his last legs.
Here’s Titans GM Ruston Webster’s statement on their release of Hasselbeck, courtesy of the Titans Twitter account:
Statement from #Titans GM Ruston Webster: “I want to thank Matt for his contributions to our team over the last two years…
— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) March 18, 2013
… “He was an important part of the transition process – he was a pro at every turn and he provided an example to the rest of the team…
— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) March 18, 2013
… “I know that we are a better team for his being here and we wish him the best.”
— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) March 18, 2013
Looks like our very own Josh Gunnels was on to something this morning with his post about the Titans possibly cutting ties with Hasselbeck.
Well, add QB to the list of Titans needs.
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Justin is a photojournalist with a BA in Film & Photography. He has been a Titans follower for over a decade and loves the game. He often has trouble pulling himself away from Twitter and his e-mail.
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