TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Haye Lands With Titans

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 2, 2009

TAMPA - The Bucs missed an opportunity to sign Albert Haynesworth and passed on a chance to re-sign defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

Only days after Haynesworth decided not to sign with Tampa Bay to play for Washington, the Bucs did little to prevent Haye from signing with Tennessee on Monday.

Haye inked a four-year deal worth $16.2 million ($7 million this season) with the Titans, who also signed Pittsburgh free-agent receiver Nate Washington, a player the Bucs were interested in.

"It's just one of those things where I didn't get that feeling I would be part of their Bucs future," Haye said. "I don't have any hard feelings. They found me when I was on the practice squad in Cleveland in 2006. They gave me a great opportunity to make a name for myself."

Haye, 26, started 16 games in 2007, compiling 97 tackles and six sacks. Last season, Haye started 14 games and was slowed by a knee injury. Haye's run-stopping presence was missed when Tampa Bay traveled to play Carolina on "Monday Night Football" and allowed 299 rushing yards during an early-December loss.

The following week, Haye was limited during Tampa Bay's 13-10 overtime loss against Atlanta. Although Haye played in Tampa Bay's ensuing two losses, he was not at 100 percent as the Bucs finished 0-4 in December and missed the playoffs.

Tampa Bay lost interest in Haye after Jim Bates was hired as its new defensive coordinator. Bates wants defensive tackles who weigh more than 300 pounds, which is why the Bucs re-signed Ryan Sims (6-foot-4, 315 pounds), but passed on Haye (6-2, 285).

Now Haye, who played at Vanderbilt, must replace Haynesworth, one of the NFL's best defensive players.

"There are no shoes to fill. Haynesworth is Haynesworth," Haye said. "He's a great player, but I have to bring what Jovan Haye has to offer. ... Hopefully, I can become a great player for the Titans, too."

BUCS SIGN KOUTOUVIDES: Tampa Bay signed Denver free-agent LB Niko Koutouvides. He was drafted by Seattle (fourth round) in 2004 and played mostly on special teams for the Seahawks until 2007.

After Seattle, Koutouvides signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with Denver in 2008, but he struggled at middle linebacker and was moved to backup weakside linebacker. Koutouvides was released by Denver last month.

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT