Tennessee Titans: How Much Help Does the O-line Need?

October 9, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Tennessee Titans offensive linemen Jake Scott (73), David Stewart (76) and Mike Otto (66) take the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

The Tennessee Titans will be revamping the offensive line this offseason. They been very open about that. The question is, how much do they need to actually fix this line? As of now, the Titans have three starters under contract who started for them in 2012: LT Michael Roos, OG Steve Hutchinson, and RT David Stewart.

Most of the questions concerning the offensive line are around whether the Titans will retain Hutchinson or cut him. Hutchinson had a decent season for the Titans but ended it on IR. Hutchinson has been dealing with injuries more often than not on the backside of his career. Hutchinson is due $5 million in 2013. What the Titans decide to do with him will vastly affect every move they make this offseason. But let’s not get into that. Back to the subject at hand.

The Titans will go after a starting offensive lineman in free agency, guaranteed. Who it will be is another question. People like to point to OG Andy Levitre as a solution, and he could very well be, depending on how much the Titans are willing to spend.

OG Leroy Harris will be a free agent and all signs point to the Titans not re-signing him. OL Fernando Velasco is also set to be a free agent, but the Titans

Don’t forget about me… Credit: Fernando Medina-USA TODAY Sports

should want to bring him back. Velasco had a +12.9 rating with over 1,000 snaps in 2012 according to PFF. He also comes in as their 5th best OL set to be a free agent this year. It would only make sense to bring him back to play center.

Let’s take a look at what we have with the re-signing of Velasco: LT Michael Roos, LG Steve Hutchinson, C Fernando Velasco, RG- EMPTY, RT David Stewart.

Looking at things as if Hutchinson doesn’t leave Tennessee, the Titans only have one hole to fill, something they could easily accomplish in free agency, leaving the draft open to whatever the Titans desire.

Obviously, everything depends on what the Titans are planning to do with Hutchinson and whether or not they think they can grab two starting offensive lineman in free agency or whether they’d like to roll the dice on trying to get one of them in the draft.

Protecting QB Jake Locker and making running lanes for RB Chris Johnson are priorities for the Titans as they make a push for the playoffs in 2013. It’s just hard to guess how a team known for its stingy habits, regarding its offensive line, will address said issue.

What moves do you think the Titans will make to fix the line?

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart