Eugene

Amano

There are no details on the surgeries. The Titans have considered moving Amano back to guard with Jake Scott set to exit via free agency, but they realize they should also be aiming higher on the interior. Amano could stake a fair claim to being the least effective pivot in the NFL last season.

The Titans aren’t overly thrilled with holdover Eugene Amano, and Velasco projects as his direct backup going into training camp. Pro Football Focus graded Amano as the least effective center in the NFL on a per-play basis. Velasco appeared in all 16 games last season, making zero starts.

Per the Journal-Sentinel’s Bob McGinn, the Titans aren’t “overly thrilled” with holdover Eugene Amano and would “easily release” him if they land Wells. Though he has three years left on his five-year, $26.25 contract, Amano has been one of the least effective centers in the NFL the past two years. Look for Wells, a Nashville native, to ultimately return home.

They’re purely looking for interior prospects after LG Leroy Harris, free agent RG Jake Scott, and C Eugene Amano comprised the least effective trio in the NFL last season. Scott won’t be back in 2012, and the Titans may look to upgrade at the other two spots. Wisconsin C Peter Konz, Stanford OG David DeCastro, and Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn are the top interior prospects.

Amano is right on schedule after a pair of offseason surgeries, the second of which was never disclosed. Although he’s facing competition from Fernando Velasco, Kevin Matthews, and rookie William Vlachos, Amano worked with the first-team offense on Tuesday.

Amano was one of the least effective centers in the NFL last season. While he’s viewed as the “leader in the clubhouse,” Amano will have to hold off Fernando Velasco, Kevin Matthews, and rookie William Vlachos. A veteran signing can’t be ruled out, either. Matthews has been working with the first team while Amano rehabs knee and shoulder surgeries.

Amano has been the Titans’ starting center since 2008, but the team opened his job to competition following a dismal 2011, where he graded out as Pro Football Focus’ fourth worst center. Fernando Velasco, Kevin Matthews, and UDFA William Vlachos will now compete for the job, with Velasco as the favorite. The Titans may still explore a dried-up free agent market. Due a salary of $3.685 million in 2013, Amano has likely played his last snap with Tennessee.

One of the surgeries was on Amano’s knee. The other is undisclosed, though a shoulder injury ended Amano’s 2011 season in early December. While Amano was one of the worst centers in football last year, it’s fair to wonder if the injuries affected his performance. The Titans were high enough on Amano following the 2009 season to hand him a five-year, $26.247 million contract.

The writing has been on the wall for a couple of months. Amano, 31, missed all of last season with a torn triceps muscle. The nine-year veteran has started 68 games in his career, but he needed to be replaced. Amano was set to count over $6 million against the salary cap this year. The Titans are moving forward with Fernando Velasco and rookie Brian Schwenke at center.

Amano didn’t play a single game in 2012 after tearing his triceps in early August. However, he did start 60 of a possible 64 games in the four years prior. Amano signed a five-year deal ahead of the 2011 season, but the Nashville Tennessean recently mentioned him as a candidate for release this offseason. The Titans can move on with Fernando Velasco at center.