Titans want George to stay

[Ferter]

By Teresa M. Walker
The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans finished their final minicamp yesterday with running back Eddie George's future with the team unsettled.

Coach Jeff Fisher said he is confident the team's career rushing leader will be on the roster when the Titans open training camp July 30.

"I think everyone expects it to be resolved by then," Fisher said.

The Titans have wanted to rework George's contract since February, but he declined and was paid a $1 million bonus in March. George agreed to talk after a meeting in June with Fisher and general manager Floyd Reese.

George is due $4.25 million in base salary this season, counting $7.3 million against the league's salary cap. The Titans need at least $3 million in cap space to sign their rookie class.

The Titans haven't been in any hurry to finalize details with George because they typically don't start signing their rookies until July.

George said Tuesday that his agent knows what salary he will accept, and he was waiting to hear a proposal from the Titans.

George was excused from yesterday's session to start his honeymoon, but he quietly attended the team's organized workouts even though he couldn't take part while healing from operations on his right knee and left ankle.

Fisher said the Titans expect George to stay with the team.

If an agreement isn't reached, the Titans might be forced to release the second running back to exceed 10,000 yards rushing without missing a start.

Teammates say they want George back for a ninth season with the franchise. They already have said goodbye to defensive end Jevon Kearse, defensive tackle Robaire Smith and receiver Justin McCareins this offseason because of financial issues.