Fernando

Velasco

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.

A former undrafted free agent, Velasco has appeared in all 32 games the past two seasons, but made just three starts. Sheppard appeared in 13 games in 2011, making one start and recording eight tackles.

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.

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.

“He’s been here a long time. He understands the system and the calls,” coach Mike Munchak said. “This is the opportunity he’s been waiting on.” A converted guard and former undrafted free agent, Velasco appeared in all 32 games the past two seasons, but made zero starts. It’s hard to see how he could be worse than Amano, who was perhaps the league’s worst center in 2011.

A career backup prior to 2012, Velasco was a 16-game starter and graded out as a Top-15 center by Pro Football Focus. If non-tendered, he could draw interest from teams as a low-risk signing. The Titans have C Eugene Amano under contract through 2014, but his $3.94 million salary isn’t guaranteed.

Velasco, 28, provided to be an upgrade on Eugene Amano as Tennessee’s starting center in 2012, following Amano’s year-ending injury. The Titans could make Velasco play the 2013 season for $2.023 million and lock him up after that.

Tennessee was reportedly undecided on the topic last weekend. Velasco, 28 tomorrow, graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 11 center in 2012, and he was one of the lone bright spots on the interior of the line.

A first-year starter at age 27 last season, Velasco ended up being the lone bright spot along Tennessee’s interior line. That shouldn’t be the case again in 2013 with Andy Levitre at left guard. Pro Football Focus’ No. 11 center in 2012, Velasco will be playing for a long-term contract this season.