Kearse Wants New Deal Before Season Opener

Agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Tennessean he expects defensive end Jevon Kearse to have a brand new long-term contract by the time the season opens on September 7, or his days in a Tennessee Titans uniform could be numbered. Rosenhaus sent the Titans a proposal last week that is believed to be in the range of contracts signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Simeon Rice and New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan. On Wednesday, Titans General Manager Floyd Reese sent a counterproposal to Kerse's agent.

If the two sides are unable to come to an agreement before the free agency period at the end of the season, the Titans could place the franchise tag on Kearse, which would keep him in Tennessee at least through the 2004 season.