Titans Sign Schlottmann as Unexpected Center

0:00On March 10th, the Tennessee Titans needed a new starting center, at the letting go of Lloyd Kuschenberry earlier this off-season. With young quarterback Cam Ward still recovering from a shoulder injury, they moved fast in free agency. Reports say they signed Austin Schlappmann, a former New York Giants Center, to a one-year deal. The Titans went on a spinning-spree Monday during the legal tampering window. They picked a wide receiver Wann Dale Robinson, defensive lineman John Franklin Myers, and cornerbacks, Cordale Flot, and Alentay Taylor. But as center, they chose this unexpected low-key option, instead of chasing bigger names. Schlappmann started last season as the Giants back up, but stepped in when the starter got hurt. He played 362 snaps at center, and earned strong marks from Pro Football Focus, with a 70.8 overall grade. He allowed just three quarterback pressures, no sacks, and only three penalties. This signing brings Schlappmann back together with the Titans' new offensive coordinator, Brian Dayball, his old head coach in New York.

1:01That should help him pick up the scheme quickly. Still, fans and analysts wonder if he's ready to start, or just the depth piece. For now, the Titans see him as a smart, affordable bet. But with war's health in play, they'll likely keep looking for more help up front, to protect their quarterback.