Titans OT Michael Roos Could Be Trade Bait?

 

John Clayton of ESPN, in discussing training camp battles to watch, suggests that the presence of first-round pick OT Taylor Lewan could make the incumbent LT Michael Roos “trade bait” for a team in need of a veteran tackle.

• Clayton notes that teams with an excess of talented tackles often move one inside to guard, but Tennessee is uniquely positioned in that they have invested substantially at that position as well, with Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack.

It is hard to criticize the Titans for selecting Lewan at pick No. 11 in the 2014 NFL Draft, as he was widely projected to be picked earlier.  Still, the pick did raise some eyebrows, as Roos has performed very well at left tackle, and the Titans signed OT Michael Oher this offseason to a four-year, $20 million deal.

Roos, 31, is entering the final year of his six-year $43 million contract.  He has a $6.625 million base salary for the 2014 season, but he still carries significant value, as he has proven to be a durable and effective lineman.

Roos has stated that he intends to finish out his contract with Tennessee as the starting left tackle.

Despite the benefit of enviable depth, it does seem natural for Tennessee to at least explore moving Roos.  With his high cap figure however, it would likely be tough for the Titans to get much more than a mid-round pick.

Roos graded out last season as the 16th best tackle according to Pro Football Focus.