We’re going to operate under the line of thinking that the salary cap is just a myth….that if teams really want somebody, they’ll restructure deals and kick the can down the road on whoever they need to in order to make it happen. Hence the ‘no holds barred’ nature of this piece…y’know…if you’re not a professional wrestling fan. Despite all of the bellyaching among fans of the Tennessee Titans over the course of the last month, this is still a rather complete team that doesn’t have a whole hell of a lot of holes on it. I expect this offseason to be a little less chaotic than last offseason, but I still anticipate a bit of roster shuffling. Let’s start with free agency and guys I’d be looking at if there were simply no rules to this shit.
My Free Agency Wish List for the Titans
WR Mike Williams – Fuck it, let’s swing for the fences here, people. I’m going to ignore the fact that most analysts think Williams is going to end up back with the Los Angeles Chargers, whether they lock him up long term or franchise tag him. I’m going to ignore the fact that he’s probably going to cost a fortune as one of the best free agent wide receivers in this class. And, I’m going to ignore the fact that he probably made a lot of fantasy football GMs angry by disappearing for stretches of the 2021 season. I am looking at this as a clear balls-to-the-wall move to add yet another spark to the Titans offense. Williams fits the bill of what the Titans look for in a wide receiver. At 6’4″ he’s tall, and excels as a deep threat at the point of the catch. I’m just saying – could you imagine a defense having to prepare for AJ Brown, Julio Jones, and Williams!?!? Some of you will call me insane for suggesting the Titans should break the bank for WR3, and to that I would say “it’s my column and I’ll write what I damn well please.”
CB Carlton Davis – I don’t anticipate the Titans to make a splash cornerback signing. But, if there was an excuse to do so, it would be to get a guy like Davis, who is as sharp as they come and can play wherever and whatever you need him to play. The biggest concern would obviously be his ability to stay healthy, but if he can do that, he seems like the type of player that would fit in nicely with this Titans team. Titans fans miscast Jackrabbit Jenkins as a scapegoat for the Titans for much of the season – he played a lot better than a lot of people gave him credit for. He could be a cap casualty given his cap hit, and the Titans have set a precedent of cutting guys unexpectedly after a good season (Malcolm Butler). So, I wouldn’t rule out a big cornerback signing altogether if the Titans can find a guy on the market that they feel is a total upgrade from Jenkins. This one comes down to whether or not the Titans cut Jenkins and how comfortable they feel with Kristian Fulton and Caleb Farley as their starting corners in 2022.
TE Dalton Schultz – I know everyone wants Mike Gesicki right now, but I just can’t match that enthusiasm, y’all. Gesicki might be better cast as a slot receiver, and while I think this offense does simply need play-makers no matter where they line up, I want a tight end that’s a little more well-rounded. The blocking aspect of the position is obviously important for this offense, and that’s something that Schultz does well in addition to being a big, reliable target. If I’m breaking open the piggy bank for a tight end in free agency, I’m doing it for Schultz.
EDGE Jerry Hughes – What happens with Harold Landry is obviously going to have a massive impact on how the Titans approach the pass rush group this offseason. I’m thinking they’ll figure out a way to keep him. Even if they do, I don’t think a cheap veteran is out of the question here, and I’ve always been a fan of Hughes’ game. He’s a savvy pass rusher that still gets to quarterbacks and is solid in run support to boot. He’s playing a lot less these days (in terms of snap count), which would make him a terrific addition as a rotational piece – maybe as the third or fourth guy for this unit. Did I mention that he probably won’t be too expensive? Yeah – that, too.
TE David Njoku – Okay, I know you guys are wagging your fingers at me, saying “Stoney you just passed on a receiving tight end for Schultz – wtf is this?!” Well, here’s my thing – I think Njoku is going to cost about half of what Schultz is going to cost. So, for an offense that simply needs weapons, Njoku can fill a specialized role as long as they make it a priority to grab a couple of guys that can block as well. Think of this as a direct upgrade for Anthony Firkser. And, yes – I am suggesting this kind of an overhaul at the tight end position.
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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, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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