NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Derrick Morgan wants to win; he decided he wants to win with the team that drafted him 16th overall in 2010.
On Friday, the Titans locked up Morgan for four more years.
Titans Online looks back at the career of linebacker Derrick Morgan, who announced his retirement after playing all nine of his NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) runs onto the field during introductions before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) goes up against Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Jermey Parnell (78) in action during an NFL football game on Thursday Nov. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 19-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan walks on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game between the Titans and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Weston Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) goes up against Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Jermey Parnell (78) in action during an NFL football game on Thursday Nov. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Jacksonville won 19-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks up as Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is about to sack him during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Tennessee Titans defensive end DaQuan Jones (90) and outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) talk before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3 is sacked by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is about to sack him during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14.(AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) of the Tennessee Titans warms up before play against the Atlanta Falcons at Nissan stadium October 25, 2015 in Nashville. The Falcons won 10 - 7 during a week 7 NFL game. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan plays against the St. Louis Rams in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) and outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) celebrate after Orakapo sacked Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/George Bridges)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks up as Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is about to sack him during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
In this Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 photo, Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan rides through the locker room on a motorized skateboard in Nashville, Tenn. Many of the Titans players use the devices to travel through the team's facility. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Houston. he Tennessee Titans are on the verge of a record-tying turnaround and quite possibly the franchise’s biggest game in years. All they have to do is beat reeling Jacksonville on Saturday to make them a reality. “We control our own destiny right now, and everybody’s well aware of that,†linebacker Derrick Morgan said. “And we don’t want to have any regrets looking back in two weeks, so we’re going to be all in as usual. We’ll be ready.†(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith, File)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
El quarterback Andrew Luck (12) de los Colts de Indianápolis lanza un pase ante los Titans de Tennessee, el domingo 23 de octubre de 2016. (AP Foto/Mark Zaleski)
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jermey Parnell (78) looks to block Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) leads teammates onto the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes as offensive tackle Joe Reitz, right, blocks Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the NFL regular season football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 in Nashville. The Titans won, 36-22. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan warms up before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is sacked by Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) and defensive tackle Karl Klug (97) during an NFL game on Sunday, October 23, 2016. The Colts defeated the Titans 34-26. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 36-22. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) rushes the passer in action against the Denver Broncos Sunday December 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) is tackled by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) and inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Joel Auerbach)
Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan (91) celebrates after sacking dolphins Ryan Tannehill during the NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Fla.
( Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is shown before the game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday December 11, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
In this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, file photo, Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during the first half of an NFL football game, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Morgan is having the best season of his seven-year NFL career. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is sacked by Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) for a 6-yard loss in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) dives for the ball with Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) after Dalton fumbled the ball in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Morgan recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan arrives for an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is seen during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan sits on an exercise bike on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) closes to the ball in action against the Houston Texans Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is sacked by Derrick Morgan (91) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston Texans running back Andre Ellington (38)
makes a catch while defended by Tennessee Titans
linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) in action Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan arrives for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pressures Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan stretches before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee. Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) is shown during player introductions before the game against the Houston Texans Sunday December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan (91) celebrates in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans' Derrick Morgan warms up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) in the tunnel before during an NFL regular season football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Nashville. The Titans won, 36-22. (Ric Tapia via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) and outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) combine to sack Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the second half an NFL football game, in Jacksonville, Fla. It’s been nearly 10 months since the Jacksonville Jaguars won at EverBank Field. It’s been a year since they enjoyed consecutive victories. “We’ve gone up-down, up-down, so that’s kind of been what everybody’s talked about, the inconsistency or lack of consistency,†Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles said. “So we have to find a way to win two in a row and get it rolling from there.â€(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) runs a drill during NFL football training camp Friday, July 27, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2018, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz (71) blocks Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo. Schwartz has never missed a snap with the Kansas City Chiefs. Nor with the Browns, for that matter. That total will tip over 7,000 when he returns to Cleveland on Sunday (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
FILE - In this May 12, 2018, file photo, Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) runs a drill during NFL football rookie minicamp, in Nashville, Tenn. New head coach Mike Vrabel, a big-play linebacker in New England, and new coordinator Dean Pees are looking to get younger in the heart of the defense; veterans Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are heading into the final year of their contracts. Landry ranked second in school history with 26 sacks and second with 47½ tackles for loss. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan, center, warms up during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) runs out of the tunnel during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6), quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and linebacker Derrick Morgan, right, stand for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) prior to an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) greets Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson (26) after an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pass rushes during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Greg Trott via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) bats down a third quarter pass by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) in an NFL game Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fl. (Rick Wilson via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pass rushes during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. (Greg Trott via AP)
Signing fellow outside linebacker Brian Orakpo was a factor. Hiring Dick LeBeau to run the defense was a factor. But it was a final push from Tennessee's front office that brought Morgan back to the Titans.
"They expressed how much I'm appreciated here and how much I'm needed here in terms of what their plans are in free agency," Morgan said. "Getting a guy like Orakpo in is a dramatic upgrade and a great step in the right direction for our defense. Things like that stood out to me, knowing this team is doing whatever they need to do in order to win and be successful. In my ongoing conversations with coach Whisenhunt and coach LeBeau, I really got on board with what their vision was."
Morgan has posted three consecutive seasons of six-plus sacks and has 23 in his five-year career with the Titans. His 6.5 sacks in 2014 tied a career-high and his 82 tackles established a new career mark. Against the Eagles in week 12, Morgan set a personal single-game high with 13 tackles.
He was one of the highest rated outside linebackers available in free agency due to his production and experience in both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses.
Newly-signed linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan sign their contracts at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn, Jeff Harding)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys were among teams with serious interest in Morgan's services. A fresh start, however, wasn't in the cards for Morgan, who says he wants to finish what he started in Tennessee.
"That would be so much more satisfying," said Morgan. "It's easy to leave the building and go get on a winning team. No one would have faulted me for that, but I feel like this league changes year to year. There's no question a 2-14 team one season can be a playoff team the next. We've got some good pieces in place and I feel like we have the chance to be successful."
Morgan's first four NFL seasons were spent as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense. He compared the transition to a 3-4 scheme in 2014 like "speaking Spanish on the football field."
He had an opportunity to go back to the defensive line and a 4-3 defense, but decided against it.
One season in and the idea of remaining an outside linebacker had grown on him – the added responsibility and importance of the position are big reasons why. Production from outside linebackers is paramount in a 3-4 defense. They need to be able to get to the quarterback consistently, while also being able keep up with tight ends and running backs in coverage.
Morgan wants to be that guy for the Titans.
"People asked me what I thought about a 3-4 system and I loved it," he said. "I might be more comfortable in a 4-3 defense since I played in it for so long, but last year I felt like I had more potential to be a better player. It's one of those things that I want to keep working at. I like the position within the scheme.
"I have a lot of upside and untapped potential left in this position," Morgan continued. "I started getting more comfortable as last season went on. I feel like it's going to be a great year for me personally and hopefully a better year as a team."
Tennessee's pair of freshly-signed pass rushers crossed paths in the team's executive conference room, exchanging a handshake and sentiments as they look forward to working together. The defense will likely go as they go next season, a responsibility both Morgan and Orakpo are eager to accept.
"I think it's going to be a great situation. I'm excited," Morgan said of having Orakpo as a teammate. "You already know what he brings to the table. I respect his game a lot."
Morgan started his day Friday with a workout. Tomorrow he'll do the same. The only difference is that now he knows where he'll be playing football next season.
"I'm excited get back to business," he said. "It's time to start winning."
