Fokou will provide McCarthy competition

The Titans think a lot of middle linebacker Colin McCarthy.

Coaches like his work ethic and ability, and his teammates love his relentless approach. In just his second NFL season, McCarthy was voted a team captain in 2012.

But there’s no ignoring this: McCarthy has had trouble staying healthy with the Titans, and there’s no guarantee he’ll clear that hurdle in 2013.

Enter Moise Fokou.

The Titans signed Fokou, formerly with the Colts, to a two-year, $2.8 million contract on Wednesday, a deal that included a $300,000 bonus. He’s a player they targeted in free agency, and went after aggressively.

That’s because the team wants Fokou to challenge McCarthy for the starting spot at middle linebacker. If he doesn’t beat McCarthy out, then the Titans think they’ll be far better off than they were last season when McCarthy went down.

McCarthy missed nine of the team’s 16 games in 2012. He dealt with an ankle injury early, and a concussion late. The Titans didn’t fare well without him as they moved other players into his place.

Fokou, who played his first three seasons with the Eagles, is a guy the Titans believe is capable of playing middle linebacker well. He’s also versatile enough to play the other linebacker spots, and he’s been a key special teams performer over the years. The Steelers, among others, also wanted Fokou.

There’s no question McCarthy is the favorite at middle linebacker heading into the season.

The team expects Fokou to be in the mix there as well

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Posted In: League News, Team News

Source: Titans Insider