TITANS sign LB Thorton (colts)

[spjets]

Titans, Thornton agree on five-year deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 13, 2006) -- The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms on a five-year deal with Indianapolis linebacker David Thornton.

Thornton was scheduled to meet with three other teams but after visiting with the Titans coaches, decided to play for Tennessee.

"He fell in love with them and the city," his agent Brian Mackler told The Associated Press. "I think they understand the value David brings and what he does."

Thornton, a fourth-round pick in 2002, became a starter in his second season and was one of the team's most visible players in the community. Last year, he was the team's fifth-leading tackler (96), had two sacks, forced two fumbles and was a key player on special teams.

Mackler said Thornton told him more than a year ago he wanted to stay in Indianapolis, but when things didn't work out, they looked elsewhere.

The Titans, with money to spend in free agency for the first time in several seasons, needed to boost a defense that was among the NFL's worst last season. Thornton will provide some much-needed speed opposite Keith Bulluck.