McCareins signs with Titans

by Jim Wyatt Tennessean Staff Writer

In his first stint with the Titans, wide receiver Justin McCareins learned the NFL ropes with help from some of the team's veterans.

After agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with the Titans on Wednesday, he envisioned himself in a different role this time around thanks to his familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger.

"I think I could be a help to a bunch of the receivers who haven't had a chance to play with him,'' McCareins said. "It will give me a chance to step into the leadership role and help guys prepare each week. ... And I look forward to doing that.''

The Titans drafted McCareins in the fourth round in 2001 out of Northern Illinois and in 2004 traded him to the Jets for a second-round pick. McCareins had his best seasons with the Titans under Heimerdinger, who was also offensive coordinator from 2000-04.

It remains to be seen what role McCareins, 29, will have on the field this time around, but he'll certainly get an opportunity to contribute on a playmaker-starved offense. His one-year deal is worth roughly $1 million and includes a base salary of $730,000.

"I am excited to have him back," Heimerdinger said. "Justin gives us someone who can catch it, make someone miss and get yards after the catch. He also gives us some toughness in the run game, digging out defensive backs, and has the ability to help on special teams."

Last season McCareins appeared in all 16 games for the Jets but caught only 19 passes for 232 yards with no touchdowns, and New York cut him last month.

Heimerdinger was the Jets offensive coordinator in 2005, when McCareins caught 43 passes for 713 yards and two touchdowns.

"It is great for my family to get back to Nashville, where we had such great memories the first time around," McCareins said. "Getting back on this team, it is exciting to get back and contribute.

"No one has said what my role might be and that is fine. And I would prefer just to come in and be a part of the group and have a great offseason and get myself ready to play. ? I just look forward to getting a chance to be productive again and being the player I know I can be.''

Brown in Houston: Titans free-agent running back Chris Brown visited the AFC South rival Texans on Wednesday.

If Brown signed with the Texans, "it would be kind of interesting," his agent, Wynn Silberman, said. "Obviously both sides are pretty serious about it and we'll see what happens."

Silberman thinks a deal with the Texans could be reached as soon as today.

Brown rushed for 462 yards and five touchdowns on 102 carries in 2007. A third-round pick by the Titans in 2003, he rushed for 2,757 yards and 16 touchdowns in five seasons, but also fumbled 13 times, losing eight.

The Titans haven't expressed interest in re-signing him.

"It would be nice for Chris to finish his career in Tennessee, but that looks like it might not come to fruition," Silberman said. "At this point Houston looks like the best option."

Interest in Hill: Titans cornerback Reynaldo Hill, a restricted free agent, has drawn some interest from other teams, his agent said. The Titans put the minimum tender on Hill, so if another team signs him to an offer sheet and the Titans don't match it, Tennessee would get a seventh-round pick as compensation.

The deadline for signing restricted free agents is April 18.

Said agent Ian Greengross: "From the conversations I've had with a number of teams, there's definitely a good feel about Reynaldo. I would think as the time draws near, someone will make a run at him."

Blakley update: Tight end Dwayne Blakley, who visited the Titans on Tuesday, is also drawing interest from "nine to 10" other teams, his agent said.

Contract talks with the Titans haven't gone far.

"Something could happen. Dwayne likes it there,'' agent Gary Glick said. "But we'll have to see.''

Wilson update: The agent for free agent safety Eugene Wilson, who visited the Titans last week, said the former Patriot is "getting close" to signing with another team.

The Titans have not made a formal offer to Wilson. Several teams have expressed concerns about his injury history.