I feel like a broken record at this point – folks, we all know how bad the defense was for the Tennessee Titans last season. There was a myriad of issues plaguing this unit, but chief among them was the pass rush. That had to be priority number one heading into free agency, and judging by the moves GM Jon Robinson and company made yesterday evening, I’d say they’re well aware of that. There’s some new energy in the two-tone blue.
The Titans lost out on receiver Corey Davis and tight end Jonnu Smith, who signed with the Jets and Patriots respectively. They couldn’t afford to pay everybody, so sacrifices were bound to be made. Even if it came at the expense of the offense, fixing the defense was of paramount importance. Money had to be spent. But, it’s also indicative of Robinson’s willingness to go fix a problem if he sees one. The Titans had a problem (among other things) getting any sort of real penetration on defense a year ago. It wasn’t necessarily just an edge rusher issue, as Jeffery Simmons could use another impact player alongside him.
Enter DE Denico Autry. The Titans get him on a three-year deal worth $21.5M, with $9M guaranteed. The Colts tried to re-sign him, but Autry elected to go with the Titans because of the way the offer was structured. He’s 31 years old, but still looks like he has plenty left in the tank. Autry recorded nine TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and 35 quarterback pressures a year ago. He has experience all along the defensive line, giving the Titans the flexibility to use him in multiple ways. I’ve always noticed him as a sort of relentless agitator with the Colts. He may not play a sexy position, but Autry gets in there and gets results effecting quarterbacks. If the Titans had called it a night after this signing, I would’ve been okay with it – but they didn’t stop there.
No, they got the big dog. They went out and hauled in Bud Dupree with a five-year, $85M deal. There’s been plenty of skepticism about Dupree from concern about his torn ACL to wondering if he’s just the product of a really good defense and a lot of talent around him. We’re going to find out. I’ll say this – when he’s healthy and on, he’s as effective and productive at rushing the quarterback as anyone. Not to mention, he’s 6’4, 269 pounds, and built like a brick shithouse. He is a gifted and talented athlete. I would think the goal would be to surround him with more talent via the draft and maybe even another free agent. He has potential in this defense in spades.
Signing Dupree alone….ehh….I would’ve joined in some of that skepticism given his price tag and the holes this team has all over the defense. But, to add him in conjunction with Autry looks a whole lot safer. Both instantly beef up the Titans front seven.
This is a huge offseason for J-Rob and company. After botching 2020, the pressure’s on to correct course and get this defense back on track. Now, we can begin to put the Isaiah Wilson, Vic Beasley, and Jadeveon Clowney offseason behind us and move forward.
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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