Titans, George To Talk Next Week

Friday, May 5th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â€” The Tennessee Titans expect to begin initial negotiations next week with Pro Bowl running back Eddie George, whose contract expires after the 2000 season.

Floyd Reese, Titans general manager, said Thursday he expects to begin talks about a contract extension next week with Lamont Smith, George's agent.

``We'd like to talk,'' Smith told The Tennessean newspaper. ``We'd be amenable to it. We like the position we're in. If it can work out, it would be great. He'd love to stay. Really, the ball is in their court.''

George has been selected to the last three Pro Bowls. He has gained 5,365 yards rushing in his first four seasons.

``There's no doubt he's an important part of the franchise,'' Reese said. ``This is a significant contract and these things don't happen overnight. We want to get something done. I think Eddie wants to be here. So it's a matter of us sitting down and working at it.''