Agent says deal reached for Titans backup QB

“Now it’s just a matter of putting the pieces of the puzzle together, which always takes some time,” Ken Staninger said.

The Titans had no comment. General manager Floyd Reese is out of town and isn’t expected back until Thursday. Staninger said they would like to wrap up the deal by then so Volek can take part in Tennessee’s first field workouts of the offseason.

After backing up league co-MVP Steve McNair last season, Volek wanted the chance to compete for a starting job and visited with Atlanta, Denver, Green Bay and Buffalo. Staninger said Atlanta and Buffalo made serious offers for Volek, which helped set Volek’s market value.

“We said we’re looking for an opportunity to start. If we can’t have that opportunity somewhere, then we’re not anxious to leave Tennessee …,” Staninger said. “No one was willing to pay above market for him to leave Tennessee. It enabled Floyd and I to come to terms with what the market was for Billy.”

The Titans were the only team to call Volek as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and he made the team by beating out a former draft pick in Kevin Daft. Volek was the team’s third quarterback until last season, when he edged out veteran Neil O’Donnell with the team needing room under the salary cap.

Volek had a passer rating of 101.4 in seven appearances last season. He came off the bench and pulled out a victory Nov. 23 at Atlanta and went 9-of-15 for 117 yards and a touchdown in the 38-31 victory.

He made his first and only start Dec. 14 and led the Titans to a 28-26 victory over Buffalo. He was 26-of-41 for 295 yards and two touchdowns despite playing most of the second half with a ruptured spleen.

“I wanted to come back here, but on the other hand, I also had to explore my options and do what was best for my family and best for my career down the road,” Volek told The Tennessean on Monday night. “But I guess I’m a Titan. I love the team and the community.”