The Browns yesterday "vehemently denied" a CBSSports.com report that team Owner Jimmy Haslam III "might be interested in swapping franchises and owning his hometown" Titans, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. A team spokesperson said, "It's 100% false. There is no truth to the careless speculation from the reporter" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 3/24). CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora yesterday in the initial report wrote there "remain rumblings of one bizarre, remote possibility, which would involve a complicated franchise switch," as Haslam "badly, badly wanted to own the Titans, in his home state of Tennessee." However, when the Browns "became available a few years back," Haslam "had a decision to make -- wait for the Titans to come to the market ... or move quickly to land the Browns." Steelers investor David Tepper "is seen by some league insiders as the front-runner to land the Titans." But if someone other than Tepper "ends up with the Titans, several highly-placed sources have suggested there might be backroom talks of a potential franchise swap with the Browns." It would be, "ultimately, probably impossible, but it's a dynamic other owners are watching and many interested parties will be monitoring." It has "long been known in NFL circles that the Titans could be purchased" in '15, and the departure of Titans President & CEO Tommy Smith "is now being read as a loud signal that a transaction is more likely than ever." In addition to Tepper, FedEx Chair & CEO and Redskins Minority Owner Fred Smith "has long been viewed as a top suitor." However, family members "have told confidants recently that Smith, at age 70, is more or less out of the running to purchase the Titans, that it's not something he wants to pursue further, and that he is very happy with his ownership role with the Redskins" (CBSSPORTS.com, 3/23).
FRANK ABOUT UNDERWOOD: ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky wrote "all indications" from within the Titans organization are that ownership "is not having any conversations about selling." However, that "doesn't guarantee there isn't a faction that is curious or more." If so, that faction "has done well to stay quiet." Kuharsky: "I believe Smith and [Titans BOD member Kenneth Adams IV] absolutely want the family to continue to own the franchise." Meanwhile, Kuharsky wrote Titans Senior Exec VP & General Counsel Steve Underwood, who was named interim President, is a "measured lawyer who thinks things out, and rates as the smartest person who's had a strong voice with the team." Kuharsky: "I have far more faith in Underwood offering up good avenues and candidates for the president/CEO role than I would have had in Smith." He will "provide a Nashville boss for everyone with the team, can offer solid advice to the ownership group and will have a significant hand in a huge hire." That is a "good development." Things "will stabilize." A new person "should want him to stay on for a bit after the hire to help get a clear read on the status quo" (ESPN.com, 3/23).
