Alright, welp – time to get with the program, I guess. I’m about two months behind on getting this done, but better late than never. Time to talk about the Tennessee Titans and their 2019 free agency plan.
As bad as the 2018 season left us all feeling, I actually don’t think this roster’s in too bad of shape. They’re a few pieces away, and sure, you could call those pieces critical needs. But, for the most part, they’re in a good position across the board.
Titans 2019 Free Agency Wish List
Backup quarterback
Oddly enough, this may be the team’s most dire need. I mean….if the Titans had a better option than Blaine Gabbert, don’t you think that changes that week 17 showdown with the Indianapolis Colts just a little bit?
This one’s about approach to me – how do you want to handle it? Do you want another stopgap? Or, do you want to spend a little money on a guy who can win you some games in the absence of Marcus Mariota?
I say you go all in on Tyrod Taylor and don’t look back. It may mean giving up a lot to get him, but we’ve seen how important having a good backup here is over the last two seasons. He’s the best free agent option and would be an instant fit with the Titans. You tellin’ me last season wouldn’t have ended differently with Taylor at quarterback instead of Gabbert? That’s not just referencing the winner take all showdown with the Colts either. All the Titans needed was one game to get in! One win instead of one loss, and they’re a playoff team.
I would be on board with the addition of Case Keenum, but it’s likely that to acquire him, it’d have to be via trade. It sounds like Miami could cut Ryan Tannehill. Maybe Jacksonville releases Blake Bortles. Cincinnati could move on from Andy Dalton. But, given what we know now, I’d make Taylor the target.
Interior offensive line
This isn’t exactly an inspiring class of free agent guards. I don’t expect the Titans to shell out the dough for Mike Iupati, who looks like the gem of the class. He’s old and endured too many injuries to warrant big money.
Ultimately, adding a guard in free agency could come down to what Jon Robinson and company decide to do with pending free agent Quinton Spain. It could be the end of the road for Spain here in Tennessee. If that’s the case, maybe they add a bigger name free agent. If not, maybe they make some additions for depth similar to what they did last year. I also think this is a position they’ll likely address in the draft, too – whether they add a free agent or not.
I like James Carpenter as a potential solution. Big time value guy. He didn’t exactly wow anyone with the Jets, but he was among their most consistent linemen. Pro Football Focus grades him as an average 56.3. He allowed just five sacks, five hits, and 13 pressures all season. Best of all, you aren’t going to be breaking the bank to get him. Carpenter could end up signing for a couple mil, and competing for a starting gig.
Pass rush
This is where things get interesting, and if I’m the Titans, I’m throwing resources at multiple additions here. I’m talking free agents and draft picks alike. It is, without a shadow of a doubt, the key missing ingredient on defense. Thankfully, between the draft and free agency, this looks like a good year to be shopping.
This class of free agent OLBs must have J-Rob’s mouth watering. Shaq Barrett is coming out of a crowded Broncos pass rush corps, and looks to be hitting his prime. He’s only averaged 3.5 sacks per season the last four years, though, so he doesn’t have demonstrated production that suggests he’ll immediately be a difference maker. Shane Ray hasn’t lived up to expectations, but is another Bronco OLB hitting free agency who could be a potential target.
He’d be expensive, but Anthony Barr would be a nice addition for the Titans. Barr does a little bit of everything, though he never became the pass rushing force many thought he would coming out of UCLA. He has just 13.5 sacks in five seasons. The Titans need sacks. SACKS, baby!
Preston Smith is flying under the radar right now, but could end up being a prized free agent target. In two of his four seasons for Washington, he’s had eight sacks. The other two, less than four. A bit of a boom-or-bust type of risk, but Smith has a high upside.
At defensive end, there’s buzz among Titans fans for Patriots DE Trey Flowers to end up in two tone blue. Why not? He’s young, and he’s productive. Sure looks like he’s starting to peak, but he’s likely going to be expensive. Brandon Graham could be another potential option. He likely won’t be cheap either, but he’s been one of the more consistent pass rushers in the NFL the last several seasons.
If you’re twisting my arm, I say go after Barrett or Smith. If you want to spend the money, let’s get Flowers, baby.
Wide receiver
The Titans missed the steady and reliable presence of Rishard Matthews in 2018. Fans probably don’t want to hear it, considering he essentially just walked out on the team, but it’s true. I think it should be a priority to replace that veteran presence in free agency.
I like the talented young corps they have – Corey Davis as a potential #1, Taywan Taylor as the speedy/gimmicky receiver, with Tajae Sharpe and Darius Jennings as the reliable situational receivers. But, they need a crafty…maybe, I dare say…cagey….veteran in the mix.
Golden Tate is pretty much the perfect example of what the Titans need in the receiving corps. He’s been one of the most productive wide receivers in the entire NFL for the last seven years. Tate also excels in the slot – that’s production the Titans don’t clearly have right now, despite everyone’s efforts to cast Taylor as a “slot receiver.” That said, Tate isn’t going to come cheap.
Another good fit would be Adam Humphries, but he apparently wants $8M a year, and that sounds like a very very bad idea to me.
John Brown and Devin Funchess both should come at cheaper rates. Brown had a great season with the Ravens, and Funchess has been quietly consistent with Carolina. Kevin White was once a first round draft pick, but injuries kept him from ever remotely sniffing his level of potential. Who knows? Maybe a change of scenery awakens his abilities.
Ultimately, my pick is Jamison Crowder. He’s a complete receiver – good in the slot, good route runner, good hands, etc. He’s been productive throughout his career with the exception of the 2018 season, which was marred by an ankle injury. Otherwise, the guy’s due for a long-term contract somewhere. Why not Nashville? He won’t be cheap, but he should be a tier more inexpensive than the likes of Tate and Humphries.
Let’s iron this out….
- Jamison Crowder
- Trey Flowers
- Golden Tate
- Preston Smith
- Brandon Graham
- Tyrod Taylor
- Rishard Matthews (I’m kidding)
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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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