Titans Release Veteran Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck

by Zack Cox on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 5:19PM

The Tennessee Titans are now — unequivocally — Jake Locker‘s team.

The Titans announced Monday afternoon that they have released veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who served as Locker’s backup last season after starting all 16 games in 2011.

There is a good chance that Hasselbeck’s release will bring his NFL career to a close, as the 14-year veteran will turn 38 in September, but he could sign on with another team looking to add an experienced second-stringer.

“I want to thank Matt for his contributions to our team over the last two years,” Titans General Manager Ruston Webster said in a statement. “He was an important part of the transition process — he was a pro at every turn and he provided an example to the rest of the team. I know that we are a better team for his being here and we wish him the best.”

A native of Norfolk, Mass., and graduate of Boston College, Hasselbeck has spent the majority of his career in the Pacific Northwest. He rewrote the Seahawks’ record book during his 10 seasons in Seattle, breaking nearly every team passing record and leading the franchise to its only Super Bowl appearance in 2005.

Hasselbeck seemed to revive his career with the Titans after his tenure in Seattle concluded with three injury-plagued seasons. He completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 3,571 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011 but was replaced as the starter entering 2012, although Hasselbeck did start five games when Locker went down with a shoulder injury.

Photo via Facebook/Tennessee Titans from B/R