Titans quarterback Jake Locker has one final season to prove he's worthy of being the franchise's quarterback of the future.

Ridden with injuries and inconsistent play since being selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, Locker has seen his shares of ups and downs. With the Titans not picking up the fifth-year option on his deal, this season will be Locker's final audition as a member of the club.

"It is a make-or-break year for a lot of guys in the league. Jake is one of the guys," Whisenhunt told The Tennesseean. "That is the nature of this business. He just happens to play a position that gets a lot of attention."

In three seasons, Locker has thrown for 3,974 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has yet to play a complete season.

The Titans could potentially draft a quarterback in the first round of this year's draft, though it's more likely they opt to bolster their defense. If Locker can't lead the Titans to the postseason this year, then it would be almost a certainty they take one a year from now.

Follow me on twitter: @JasonHButt