--Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth remains detached from the team, awaiting a long-term deal while wearing the Titans' franchise-player label.

"We hope to continue with the negotiations and want to try and get him under contract long-term," Coach Jeff Fisher said. "In the meantime, I hope and trust that he is working hard because he knows how hard these guys are working.

"I know this: You are not going to get the workload done any place else compared to here. I have seen it first-hand."

The Titans have until July 15 to get a long-term deal done with Haynesworth. After that, he can play under the one-year contract that can't be extended until after the last game of the regular season. Fisher is not sure what Haynesworth, an All-Pro last season, might do if the team doesn't agree to a long-term deal within the outlined window.

Haynesworth has hired a personal trainer and has been working out on his own since the offseason program began in March. Fisher hasn't talked to Haynesworth but said staff members have stayed in contact with him.

"It is sort of disappointing because we are not here working out together, just talking and getting to know each other more because I have been gone for four years," defensive end Jevon Kearse said of Haynesworth. "But I understand the business aspect of it and more power to him. Once he gets in here, we are going to get things going and get caught up on things."

--The Titans have added a new piece of equipment to their practice field. A wide, heavy bag hangs from what looks like the frame for a swing set on wheels.

"That bag in particular will be used by offensive lineman and tight ends and even running backs," coach Jeff Fisher said. "It's technique- and position-specific for pass protection. It keeps your feet alive and coordinates your hands and your feet. That's good design. You've seen them before. It's the first time we've had something like that. It's always nice to change your drills up."

--Free safety Michael Griffin was around Titans headquarters less than quarterback Vince Young in recent months as he, too, worked toward the completion of his degree at Texas.

"I've got three hours left, so I'm going to work that out during correspondence courses and finish that up," he said. "They said they'd give me nine months to finish this one course, so I am going to try to finish it ASAP in the next couple months (before) the season starts."

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think he's a good role model, in a sense, for guys doing it the right way. A talented guy who works hard is going to get the contract and get the money. All those things come. That's what ... sometimes young guys don't understand. If you just do your job, those things will come; the contract will come, the money will come. Forget about the rest of the B.S. Just go do your job." -- Titans veteran backup quarterback on left tackle Michael Roos, who recently got a new six-year, $43 million contract with $15 million guaranteed.

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