Tennessee Titans Offseason Needs (2021)

Free agency is quickly approaching and your boy’s super way far behind on getting offseason content ready….so, let’s not waste any time and just get right to it. Here’s my take on the Tennessee Titans offseason needs as we head into 2021.

Tennessee Titans Offseason Needs (2021)

Pass rush

I could be a real smartass and say that the needs this offseason are pass rush, pass rush, pass rush, pass rush, and pass rush. But, it’s really not that funny, and I already made this joke on the podcast, so I just want you all to know I’m electing NOT to make it again. I’m being the bigger man here.

But, the hard reality is that the Titans are in bad, bad shape when it comes to the pass rush. It’s not about adding just one guy either – the Titans need…I’ll say it out loud, folks…THREE new edge rushers to add to the rotation. I expect they’ll tackle the position in free agency, opting to bring in some veteran experience and leadership. Whether or not they can afford (or will be willing to spend on) a guy like Bud Dupree remains to be seen. But, this is a relatively deep class of free agent pass rushers that can still make a difference on defense. I think they would also be wise to consider investing an early-round draft pick in a young pass rusher and then bring in a serviceable guy – be it through free agency OR the draft – to completely overhaul that unit. God knows it needs it.

Wide receiver

The Titans are going to face some shuffling in the receiving corps that could potentially leave them with a bare cupboard. Corey Davis is entering free agency, and will likely command a hefty price tag. They’ve already elected to move on from Adam Humphries and Kalif Raymond. If they lose out on Davis, that’s going to leave them with AJ Brown and Cameron Batson as their top two receivers, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the third.

I know it’s not professional of me, but I just have to drop a ‘lol’ in here. Are you kidding me? That’s a massive downgrade from what this unit looked like this time last year. I like Batson a lot – I’ve been a fan of his since I saw him during his rookie training camp. I think he’s much better suited to fill the role we thought Raymond would. But like the pass rush, this is a situation the Titans should be prepared to tackle with both a free agent signing and a draft pick. By the way, I like Rashard Higgins, but don’t see him leaving Cleveland.

Defensive line

Again, the Titans find themselves in a situation that hinges upon who they can keep and who walks. DaQuan Jones has been one of the steadiest forces on the Titans defense for years now – but he’s set to become a free agent. You have Jeffery Simmons, who could become one of the best defensive tackles in the league if he plays well more consistently, to build around. But, outside of Big Jeff, the cupboard’s lookin’ a little bare. Not to mention, the Titans need pass rush help, though it doesn’t matter where it comes from. If you can get a difference-making defensive lineman, that’s going to help the pass rush, too.

Defensive backs

Yeah, if you can’t tell – my focus is heavily on defense this offseason. I had an entirely different paragraph written up when I first completed this post on Sunday – serves me right for pushing it back for more time-sensitive pieces. Anyway, the Titans have made this a dire need by releasing Malcolm Butler, who was the best Titans defender in 2020. That leaves Adoree Jackson and Kristian Fulton as your top two corners on the roster. Do you feel good about that? Desmond King is set to hit free agency. This went from one of the real strengths of the team a couple of years ago to an urgent area of need in 2021.

And, for a team that’s going to be looking for every free penny they can come across, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move on from Kenny Vaccaro and his nearly $7M due in 2021. Amani Hooker, in my opinion, looks ready to take over a starting role opposite Kevin Byard. But, if that’s the route they go, they’ll look to add some more safety depth.

Inside linebacker

I’m beating a dead horse, I know, but what happens if you can’t pay Jayon Brown? Even if you can, are you sold on Rashaan Evans? David Long came on strong late in 2020 – is he ready to start full-time? Maybe. Maybe not. My point is that there are more question marks in the linebacking corps than people seem to be acknowledging. The Titans could find themselves in need of what I would call “a piece” at inside linebacker. Not a depth guy – but a real PIECE.

Honorable mentions go to offensive line depth, specifically at right tackle now that Isaiah Wilson has been traded to the Miami Dolphins for a lawnmower. If the Titans can’t keep Jonnu Smith around, they’ll need a tight end, too.

Don’t forget to check out our friends at MANSCAPED, who just launched the new Refined Cologne. Get 20% off your entire order and free shipping with the promo code ‘SOBROSTITANS’ at checkout. And, listen to the latest episode of The Unofficial Titans Podcast, on which Outspoken Owen Reed and I break down the Titans offseason needs as we approach free agency and the NFL Draft here:

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley

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