First-year Titans offensive coordinator Jason Michael says fourth-year quarterback Jake Locker should be ready for big things this season.
Michael told the team’s website that Locker, who missed nine games last season and is recovering from foot surgery, is showing exactly the kind of dedication that a team expects from its franchise quarterback.
“From day one, he’s worked his butt off from rehabilitation of his foot to jumping in the playbook, to how he’s gone about his preparation on the field,” Michael said. “It’s been a frustrating go at times with his foot, but he’s never shown it. He’s a poised man. I’m excited about working with him. He does some good things that we’ve already seen.”
The Titans didn’t pick up the fifth-year option on Locker’s rookie contract, meaning Locker becomes a free agent after the upcoming season. If Locker is going to make big money next year, he’s going to have to earn it with a big season this year. If Locker keeps working his butt off, he may reap the financial rewards in March. But if he continues to be plagued by injuries, he may find himself just competing to be a backup somewhere. If he can’t stay healthy, it doesn’t matter how hard Locker works.