The Titans have just 11 sacks in the first eight games of the season and they took a look at a couple of players Tuesday in hopes of potentially putting some more teeth into the attack.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports and PFT confirms that the Titans worked out defensive linemen Jonathan Fanene and Phillip Merling. Fanene signed with the Patriots as a free agent this offseason and got a $3.85 million signing bonus, but wound up getting cut as a result of a knee injury that limited his effectiveness. He had surgery in August on the knee and Tuesday’s workout could be a sign that he’s close to full health. Fanene had 6.5 sacks for the Bengals in 2011.
Merling was the 32nd overall pick of the 2008 draft by the Dolphins and never really lived up to that draft status. Merling picked up 3.5 sacks in his first two years with the team, but didn’t have any in 2010 or 2011. He played three games for the Packers earlier this season before getting pink slipped.
The Titans did sign a player this week, although it isn’t one that will help their pass rush. The Titans announced that they have brought back offensive lineman Kyle DeVan, likely as insurance after guard Leroy Harris suffered a knee injury in last weekend’s loss to the Colts. DeVan previously played for the Colts and Eagles and spent training camp with Tennessee before getting cut at the end of the summer. The Titans waived safety Tracy Wilson to make room on the roster.