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http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....06046/-1/RSS05

The Titans have agreed to terms with defensive end Jevon Kearse.

The team has called a press conference at 3:30 p.m. to make the announcement.

Kearse, who played from 1999-2003 with the franchise before leaving for Philadelphia, visited on Wednesday and remained in town on Thursday when his agent was able to work a deal with the team.

Kearse told The Tennessean on Wednesday night he was optimistic about a deal.

"This is my No.1 pick, my first choice'' Kearse said. "When I heard the Titans were interested I was like, "Let's make something happen.' Coming back, it's been sort of like a homecoming. From the time I got off the airport fans were welcoming me.''

The Titans needed help at defensive end after losing free agents Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, who combined for 14 sacks last season.

Kearse recorded 47.5 sacks from 1999-2003 in Tennessee, but was slowed by injuries during his four seasons with the Eagles and recorded just seven sacks in the last two years combined. The Eagles cut him last month.

Kearse canceled a visit to Minnesota.

"I know the coaches,'' Kearse told The Tennessean. "And I like the scheme; this is the scheme I want to be in. ... Really, I am already looking forward to getting back out there with my good buddy Wash.

"... Being gone, I almost feel like I have been on vacation in some ways.''