Randy

Starks

The Titans played four rookie defensive lineman at times yesterday. Starks has the most potential to take Robaire Smith’s place longterm.

Starks wasn’t on hand for the game. Jared Clauss stepped in.

Starks, who was held out of the team’s first exhibition game, allegedly banged his girlfriend’s head against a towel rack and threw her over a chair last Saturday. He was arrested for domestic assault.

Wake is “going back home” to his natural position as a Dwight Freeney-style right defensive end. Jared Odrick is shifting to left end while Randy Starks and Tony McDaniels are moving inside to defensive tackle. Third-round rookie Olivier Vernon is expected to contribute immediately as a nickel edge rusher.

According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are ''looking at potential free agents to sign’’ now that they’ve extended Cameron Wake. Starks, 28, is set to make $3.725 million in the final year of his current deal. The Dolphins have also discussed possible contract extensions for Jake Long, Sean Smith, and WR Brian Hartline.

Starks has 16 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception this season. He has helped anchor a Dolphins defensive line that has limited opponents to 3.3 yards per carry, which is the second best average in the NFL. It could be a long day for Shonn Greene and the Jets’ running game.

Starks signed his one-year, $8.5 million franchise tender in March, but held out of all voluntary activities in search of a long-term deal. He would have been subject to heavy fines for blowing off this week’s minicamp. Starks’ desire for a long-term deal is understandable, but going on 30, he may not get one unless it’s for a team-friendly price.

Starks desperately wants a multi-year deal, but lost what little leverage he had when he signed his $8.5 million tender on March 19. With Starks going on 30 and the Dolphins already having a number of big-money contracts on the books, Starks is going to have to be content playing on a one-year deal.

Starks was initially listed as questionable after not practicing at all during the week, but he is good to go. A pass-rushing specialist in the middle of the Miami defense, Starks grades out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 defensive tackle through Week 15.

The sides “aren’t close” to a deal, but they have until March to hammer one out. Should the Fins not get Starks re-signed before the March 12 start of free agency, they could kick RE Jared Odrick inside to tackle and give Olivier Vernon a long look at end. Vernon posted 3.5 sacks in limited duty as a rookie.