Pro Football Focus has updated their AFC Pro Bowl roster, and Cortland Finnegan is the only representative from the Tennessee Titans. Here is what they had to say about Finnegan's play this season:
What’s remarkable about Finnegan this year is that he’s taken slot duty in the Titans’ nickel. Normally that’s a recipe for completions and yardage and about as tricky a thing to do as there is. He’s been great from the get go, bringing the heat in run defense, as well as his coverage, and has also cut out all the stupidity.
The biggest thing I have been impressed with from Finny this season is the fact that he has cut out the stupid stuff and still played well. Last year he cut out the stupid stuff at the end of the year, but he didn't play well.
Of course it is not very long until Mike Reinfeldt and company have to decide what they are going to do about Finnegan's contract. He will be a free agent at the end of the year, and it doesn't seem like they are very excited about giving him a long-term deal. They could franchise him. I am not sure he is worth top five CB money, but it could be good to keep him here for one more year and give someone else time to develop behind Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner.
They could always let him walk. I would be OK with this for the same reason I was OK with them letting Stephen Tulloch walk. He is playing well, but he hasn't really made any plays. He has 1 pick and 1 sack on the season, and it isn't like he locks down a side of the field where people are afraid to throw his direction.
I like Finnegan, and would like to see him back with the team, but not with a huge long-term deal. The Titans will take a lot of heat if he walks, but it might not be the worst business decsion.