2018 boasts a pretty strong free agent class, but thankfully, the Tennessee Titans don’t have a whole lot of glaring holes to fill. They already have their integral pieces in place, and will likely be looking for role players, depth, and players that bring a dynamic that doesn’t already exist on the roster.
No one should expect this team to go after a Kirk Cousins, Le’Veon Bell, or Andrew Norwell type of free agent player. Those are cornerstone pieces that are going to get P-A-I-D (if they don’t get slapped with the franchise tag). Still, I know social media won’t sit still, clamoring for every available free agent. But, I’ve put together a list of what I would consider realistic options for the Titans that fit the bill of what this team needs.
Jerick McKinnon
All of my free agent talk this offseason begins and ends with McKinnon. If I’m the Titans, he’s my number one free agent target. Shouldn’t break the bank, and presents the exact dynamic the backfield is currently lacking. He would provide another veritable weapon for Marcus Mariota. This is who I’m hitching my wagon. I can already see Dennis Kelly running 40 yards downfield alongside him for a touchdown.
Patrick Robinson
Robinson was a sneaky good corner for the Super Bowl Champion Eagles in 2017. I’m big on value – building through the draft and filling holes in free agency. Robinson won’t command top cornerback money, but if he can even remotely replicate his 2017, he’ll be a steal. A rotation that includes Robinson in the slot, with Logan Ryan and Adoree Jackson on each side sounds lethal. Each guy brings unique skills to the table, and that would make for a complete secondary.
Adrian Clayborn
The Titans need pass rushers, and I don’t see them spending the money for Demarcus Lawrence. This is a plain and simple need pick. He may not get 6.5 sacks every game like he did against Dallas, but he’s still a force.
Trumaine Johnson
Johnson is a physical, veteran presence at cornerback – something the Titans could definitely use. I don’t anticipate Brice McCain will be back, and with all the youth in the secondary, I figure the Titans will want a more proven guy back there. This is a guy that Titans Facebook seems bent on the team acquiring.
Orleans Darkwa
Here’s my real dark horse in this whole class. The internet is crawling with rumors of Darkwa going to the Jets, but I think he could be a viable addition to the Titans. 751 yards and five touchdowns behind an atrocious offensive line as a New York Giant? Yeah, I’d take that – he averaged 4.4 yards per carry and was clearly the best back for Big Blue. And, how’s this for a kicker? Darkwa was even born in Nashville. It only makes sense.
Justin Ellis
The defensive line is an area the Titans could look to solidify. With the market centering around Sheldon Richardson, Mo Wilkerson, and Dontari Poe, Ellis could be a serviceable option at a decent price. The Raiders ran a 4-3, so you wonder whether or not he could transition to a 3-4. But, if he could play end, he would be an option to potentially replace DaQuan Jones. Regardless, he’s a talented guy who would fortify an already strong unit.
Carlos Hyde
Boy, if he could get past that injury bug and stay past it, Hyde would be a monster. Regardless, he has a ton of potential. He’s shifty, can shake a tackle or two, and is very intriguing as a pass catcher. Worth a look if he doesn’t demand too much.
Teddy Bridgewater
I’ve gone back and forth on Bridgewater. Initially, I liked the idea of him backing up Marcus Mariota. When I wrote about it the other day, I was a little more skeptical. Now, I think we know how valuable a good backup is, and think if the Titans could pull it off inexpensively, they should pull the trigger. If Bridgewater can prove he’s completely healthy, he’s going to start. Regardless, I’m sure he has that mindset, and will want to get paid something well above what the Titans should pay a backup.
Kony Ealy
How about a little deep sleeper free agent pass rusher action? Ealy was serviceable for the Jets this year, and could get a decent contract because of it. This has all the makings of another potential Erik Walden type of deal.
Taylor Gabriel
I remember writing about Gabriel last year or the year before…I can’t remember. #Journalism. But, I like his skill set and could see him being a valuable asset as a role player on offense.
What do you think, Titans fans? Who do you want to see in two-tone blue….err…whatever the hell colors the uniforms are going to be next year?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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