The big Titan’s news today is that Jevon Kearse aka ‘The Freak’ is back in town. The Titans ponied up somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 million so that we can be Kearsed for two years ($1.3 million guaranteed signing bonus). Titans General Manager Reinfeldt on the signing:

… “Our expectation for him is to rush the passer in a limited number of snaps. He has always been a dynamic edge rusher and we want to put him in those situations.”

Kearse was a pro-bowling sack monster back in the early years with the Titans, but has slipped in later years. He played 14 games last year, after missing most of the previous season with injuries. Reaction to the signing of the 31 year old defensive end is mixed:

Jimmy over at ‘Music City Miracles‘ is giddy:

I know he is not the same player that we saw here to start his career, but this signing has me giddy. His upside is ridiculous, and there is no doubt he can at least replace the production of Antwan Odom.

Tman in Tennessee comments on the Music City Miracle blog:

Can you guys just imagine how crazy the coliseum will get when they annouce him back for the first time?
How about when he gets his first sack back in Titans blue? That place is gonna go banana’s. I just got goosebumps thinking about it.

TI2NZ, a commenter at the Tennessean.com had this reaction to the story:

injury prone …. washed out reject from philly …. wow. i hope one para-medic and 3 emt’s come with the deal. they need full time qualified people to cart kearse off the field …..

Michael David Smith over at The Fanhouse:

He’ll turn 32 before the 2008 season starts, and his best days are behind him, but as a situational pass rusher, he’s not a bad addition for a Titans team whose own players are beginning to complain about the lack of moves in free agency.

Personally, I think he’s a shell of his former self (hey, it’s a sports story so cliches MUST be used), but may be useful in certain 3rd down situations. The numbers tell the story:

1999 14.5 Sacks, 57 tackles
2000 11.5 Sacks, 52 tackles
2001 10 sacks, 36 tackles
2002 (injured most of season)
2003 9.5 sacks, 41 tackles
2004 7.5 sacks, 31 tackles
2005 7.5 sacks, 38 tackles
2006 (injured most of season)
2007 3.5 sacks, 12 tackles

I see a trend, but as a fan, I have to hope that the move ‘home’ rejuvenates Kearse’s career.