Defensive end is one place where the Titans need to upgrade before next season. Outside of the offensive line, the defensive ends were the worst group on the team in 2011. That is due in large part to the poor performance by Derrick Morgan, who did start to come on at the end of the year, but he wasn't the only one who underperformed.
Jason Jones would have to be right there beside Morgan as a disappointment this season. We were all really excited about his prospects at defensive end, but he was only able to manage three sacks on the season. Now he is a free agent. I am sure the Titans would like to bring him back and give him a full offseason to work on being a defensive end, but the problem is some team will be willing to pay him as a pass rushing defensive tackle. The Titans will probably not be willing to match big money, and they shouldn't.
It is probably time for the William Hayes experiment to be over. He has never had more than four sacks in a season. They can find that production from a young guy that has an upside.
Then there is Dave Ball. Who doesn't love Dave Ball? He tallied only four sacks this season after having seven last season. He is a situational role player who can be brought back on a 1-year deal at the veteran's minimum but nothing more.