[Tennessee] Titans Release RB Eddie George

Reuters ^ | July 21, 2004 | Reuters

[tdadams]

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Sports Network) - The Tennessee Titans have released Eddie George just two days after the star running back rejected a contract proposal and requested a trade.

George is Tennessee's all-time leading rusher with 10,009 yards. The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner was under contract through the 2006 season and was due to earn $4.25 million this season. The team asked George in February to rework his contract and paid him a $1 million roster bonus in March.

George has said that Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Dallas are potential options and that he looks to move forward in a new situation where he can win a Super Bowl.

The 30-year-old recorded 1,031 yards and five touchdowns in 2003. George then had arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee and left ankle in the off-season.

George has 74 touchdowns in his career, including 10 receiving.

[tdadams]

You can chalk up Lewis' numbers in that game to a great defense.

Steven Davis was similarly shut down. He was held to only 8 (yes, eight) yards against the Titans. And this was when he was on a roll, averaging about 120 yards per game.

[mr.pink]

I'll grant you that....but the D Eddie was going against wasn't exactly chopped liver either.

I don't think George was even close to 100% healthy for that game as well.

[johnfrink]

I'll stick with Dick Vermeil's old aged, broken down, hard working has beens thank you!

Strangely enough, you just described his current Chiefs team!

[Rockiesrider]

Uhh...maybe the bears??

[Alberta's Child]

Paying big bucks to a running back is the worst move an NFL general manager could possibly make. Instead of spending $5-$7 million on a Pro Bowl runner who might rush for 1,500 yards in a season, you're better off using that money to get 2-3 solid (if unspectacular) offensive linemen -- and paying $500,000 to some nameless back who could run for 1,200 yards behind them.

Two rules in my "NFL General Manager Handbook" are as follows:

1. Never draft a running back in the first round.

2. Never pay your top salaries to your running backs or wide receivers.

[Tallguy]

Rushing for 1,000 yards in a season in the NFL doesn't really mean all that much anymore...

It depends on what type of offense the back in question is playing in and how many carries per game he can expect. But generally I would say the Season Standard is 1,500 yards. For greatness you'd need to get another 500+ yards receiving, too.

[Glenn]

What you say!

Eddie didn't ask for a thing. Blame his agent.

[commish]

Actually a very smart move by the Titans. Won't be very popular with the fans, but facts are - the Titans just saved a ton of money which they can now use to sign thier 13 (YES 13) Draft Picks.

Fan pride aside, Eddie George is 31 has lost a step to a step and a half. He can no longer hit the hole and run away from people, and he cannot consistently run over people anymore. His paltry 3.3 per carry average last year shows this.

Every team faces this moment - Dallas - Emmitt, Buffalo - Thurman, SF - Roger Craig. Bottom Line, Tennessee did what was best for thier team.

[Rockiesrider]

Lets see:
walter Payton
Barry sanders
Jim Brown
Emmit Smith
Gayle sayers
OJ (Killer) Simpson
Eric Dickerson
John Riggins


Yep no impact players there

[Alberta's Child]

Sure, there are plenty of impact players there . . . and remarkably few Super Bowl rings among them.

If you go back and look at all the Super Bowl champions over the last 25 years, you'll find that the teams with first-round "impact players" as their starting running backs were no more successful than teams with the following types of runners:

Non-descript players drafted in later rounds . . . Michael Pittman (Tampa Bay), Dorsey Levens (Green Bay), Tim Smith (Washington), Ricky Patton (San Francisco)

First-round draftees whose career numbers have been disappointing . . . Antowain Smith (New England)

Later-round draftees whose careers exceeded original expectations . . . Terrell Davis (Denver), Roger Craig (San Francisco), Joe Morris (NY Giants)

Aged veterns who won Super Bowl rings long after their best years were behind them . . . Ernest Byner (Washington), Ottis Anderson (NY Giants), John Riggins (Washington)

[blackdog]

I enjoy watching hard working, mature, non-felons who work damn hard day in and day out who also have diversified interests involving something productive and enlightening. Not the twenty million player who shoots his dog first, then his limo driver, or carries guns while drunk in his SUV, or has three kids he knows of from three wives.

My only joy this season will be if Bill Parcells brings some ethics to them Cowboys.

[pepsi_junkie]

The [Eagles] team has morphed into a collection of felons hall of famer's.

What are you talking about? Who is a felon? I recall someone got busted with pot (I believe he is now gone) and that is it. I cant think of anyone. In fact, the gripe about the Eagles has been that they have no fire. Andy Reid preferred a steady plodder over a flashy yet troublemaking player. Terrell Owens was a big change and signalled that Reid was finally giving in a little on his approach towards players. But though he has a bad attitude, he isnt a felon!

[secret garden]

He's been whining for months about taking a pay cut. When he got married last month, he was registered at Target and Neiman Marcus. I am not making this up. His jerseys have been selling for half price in the stores around here for weeks. He's a good guy and a hard worker but not worth what he thinks. I predict he'll end up in Philly.

[secret garden]

First-round draftees whose career numbers have been disappointing . . . Antowain Smith (New England)
Funny you should mention that. Antowain Smith has been to the Titans offices this week.