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| The Titans have placed the franchise tag on two-time Pro Bowl safety Michael Griffin, allowing both sides time to work on a long-term contract. |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Titans informed S Michael Griffin that they will be placing the team's franchise tag on him today.
This designation will allow both parties to work on a long-term contract prior to the season and protects the team with free agency opening on March 13, when Griffin was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Today was the final day that teams could use the designation.
Under NFL rules, Griffin can still sign a contract with another team, but the Titans would have the ability to match the contract or be awarded two number one draft picks as compensation for losing his services.
In 80 career games (73 starts), the two-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2010) has totaled 487 tackles (314 solo), 17 interceptions (83-yard TD), 2.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 44 special teams tackles. He has also returned 26 kickoffs for 597 yards (23.0 avg), including a long of 48.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
• In 2011, Griffin started all 16 games at safety and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. He ranked third on the squad with 96 tackles and added one quarterback pressure, two tackles for loss, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. He led or tied for the team lead in tackles twice.
• In 2010, Griffin was named to his second Pro Bowl after leading the team with a team-high four interceptions and finishing second on the squad with a career-high 153 tackles and 14 passes defensed. He led or tied for the team lead in tackles six times, including a career-best 15 stops at the New York Giants.
• Griffin's streak of four consecutive games in 2010 with an interception tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Pete Jaquess' record of five games. The streak earned Griffin the October AFC Defensive Player of the Month Award.
• In 2009, Griffin played in all 16 games with 15 starts at safety and finished third on the team with 108 tackles. He posted seven passes defensed, a sack, an interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and nine special teams tackles. He led or tied for the team lead in tackles four times, including a then-career-best 12 stops at Jacksonville. He led or tied for the team lead in special teams tackles twice in 2009.
• Griffin was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2008 after finishing tied for second in the NFL with a team-high seven interceptions. He registered 81 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and finished third on the team with 12 passes defensed. Griffin notched a career-high two interceptions against Houston (9/21/08) and against Pittsburgh (12/21/08).
• In 2007, Griffin began his rookie campaign as a cornerback before shifting back to his collegiate position of safety midway through the season. His three interceptions were the most by a Titans/Oilers rookie safety since Bubba McDowell recorded four in 1989. He also registered 49 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defensed, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss. Led the team with 16 special teams tackles.
• The 19th overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft developed into one of the top safeties in college football during his four years at Texas. He started 28 times in 50 career games at Texas and totaled 364 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight interceptions, 23 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. As one of the country's top special teams players, he set a Big 12 Conference record and ranked second in NCAA Division I-A history with eight career blocked punts.
