Vince Young, taken third overall by the Tennessee Titans in this year’s NFL Draft, signed a five year deal with a sixth year option for up to $58 million dependent on various incentives and bonuses.  The contract carries $25.7 million in guaranteed money.  The deal actually exceeds the contract of number one overall pick, DE Mario Williams of the Houston Texans in terms of overall monetary value.  With all the hullabaloo about Texans’ fans wanting their hometown boy, Young, to be drafted only to get passed over by Williams, this is a bit of sweet revenge for Young in that he will potentially make more money than the number one overall pick. 

Young is a super-athletic QB with the escapability of top running backs and real leadership ability as seen during this past year’s Rose Bowl when he led the Texas Longhorns to a come from behind win over USC to win the NCAA national championship.  It’s conceivable that Young could start some time during the upcoming season, but I’m sure that the Titans would like to avoid that to allow Young to learn NFL play and, perhaps more importantly, the NFL lifestyle. 

Right now Billy Volek is the starting QB with rumors of the Titans being very interested in Kerry Collins to back him up or replace him as the starter should the need arise.  If Young does sit out the season on the sidelines and just soak it all in, the Titans and their fans can only hope the result is much like that of Carson Palmer’s career path.  Palmer, the star QB for the Cincinnati Bengals sat his first year in the league and a few seasons later is one of the best QBs in the league.

Because of his athleticism, most compare Young to Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick, which isn’t necessarily a compliment if one wants to be more than a perceived RB at QB.  The Titans have to hope that Young develops into a player they traded away, in part, to make Young’s ascension clearer - Steve McNair, now with the Baltimore Ravens.  Young and Titans’ fans can only hope.