Matt Hasselbeck's days as the Tennessee Titans' starting quarterback are over, as long as Jake Locker stays healthy. That's just fine by Hasselbeck, who wouldn't mind sticking around to play the backup role in 2013.
"Who knows what happens next year?" Hasselbeck told The Tennessean this week. "But I like our quarterback room a lot, and if I'm here, I understand where we are in Jake's development and all that, so I guess, really, I'm OK with being a part of his maturing process if that's the role I have to play. What also goes with that role is stepping in if he can't go, so I knew all that coming in.
"Some guys might feel differently at the stage I am in my career or whatever. But the only thing that's important to me that goes with that is I want to be on a team that is good and that is heading in the right direction."
Hasselbeck's fate might come down to greenbacks. He's owed $7.5 million against the Titans' salary cap in 2013, a figure the team might not be willing to pay for a 37-year-old quarterback.
Hasselbeck wasn't especially effective this season, but he has been a secure stopgap for the Titans behind Locker, who has his issues staying healthy. At a reduced price, you could do worse at No. 2, but we expect Tennessee to explore its options.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
