Mawae "Definitely" Becoming Free Agent

Staff Report February 23, 2010

The agent for Titans Center Kevin Mawae said his client will test the free agency market March 5.

"Nothing has changed," Agent Mark Bartelstein told the Tennessean. "He will definitely hit the market, but (we’ll) continue to talk to the Titans."

Bartelstein said last week a test of the marketplace seemed inevitable after the Titans signed Eugene Amano to a new deal. But Mawae told Titans Radio in January that he would not sign "just anywhere" in free agency. Because he wants to maintain his residence in Nashville, Mawae said at the time he would be looking for a "special situation."

If that situation arises, Mawae can take it. In that case, the Titans would likely experiment with Amano moving to center and inserting Leroy Harris at guard. If Mawae cannot find a situation he likes, the Titans could consider re-signing him later in March and letting he and Harris battle for the starting center position.

Mawae said in January he would be a backup only if Harris beat him out for the job.

"All things being equal he’d certainly love to stay with the Titans," Bartelstein told the Tennessean last week. "He still loves playing and is still playing at a really high level.’’

The veteran center just played in his eighth Pro Bowl.