Monday, February 4, 2013
Where will Titus land?
By Tim Kavanagh
UPDATE: Well, the speculation proved true this time around: according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com, the Detroit Lions have elected to release Titus Young. So now what?
Young is subject to the NFL waiver process, so if anyone wants to offer him his second chance, they can place a claim. Of the teams that place a claim, the team with the highest waiver priority (by 2012 record, meaning the Chiefs are No. 1) will be awarded Young at his current contracted rate. There are many teams that need WR help, but Young's issues seem to be fairly deep-seated, and could be difficult to get him back on track. If he clears waivers, he'll be an unrestricted free agent.
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It won't be surprising if the Lions elect to release Young this offseason. The Boise St. product has had some issues with his teammates -- including a fight with S Louis Delmas -- and coaches, as was the case when he lined up in the wrong position during a contest against Green Bay in Week 11. Recently, on his Twitter account, Young has made thinly veiled remarks that refer to his being released, so it's almost as though he realizes what's happening, and he's okay with it.
However, even though the Lions can officially start releasing players under contract as of Monday, Mike O'Hara of DetroitLions.com doesn't believe that this is the right tactic:
"His issues have been well documented. He was banished from the team for allegedly punching Delmas during the offseason and again after a loss to Green Bay in the 10th game for deliberately lining up in the wrong position because he wanted the ball thrown to him. He did not play again after the Green Bay game. Young wound up on injured reserve. Really, it's not that hard to decide what to do with Young, who has made it known via Twitter that he wants to play elsewhere. The offseason workouts don't begin until mid-April, so Young is not a distraction to the rest of the team.
"The Detroit Lions should do nothing with Young until the trade deadline on March 12. From then until the end of the draft April 25-27, they should make the best deal possible, however minimal. And if there's no deal, then release him. After the draft and free-agency, most teams have their rosters set for the start of training camp. That becomes Titus Young's problem. Nothing personal. It's only business."
Harsh. We'll see if GM Martin Mayhew proceeds in the way that O'Hara has suggested.
