Tennessee Titans, AFC South Day 1 Free Agency Recap (UPDATED 4:20 PM CT)
Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Trying to keep up with the latest AFC South moves from Day 1 of the 2014 free-agency period? Here’s a quick look at some of the main transactions that have occurred. These teams include the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The #Titans have agreed to terms with Kansas City WR/returner Dexter McCluster, per sources
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 11, 2014
A quick observation suggests that McCluster will play the role of Danny Woodhead in Ken Whisenhunt‘s offense. McCluster could also provide a Pro Bowl-caliber return specialist, however, if the Titans wanted to save him for just offense…(next tweet).
Return man Leon Washington is re-signing with the #Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 11, 2014
Not a bad return tandem. With Washington and McCluster, I can’t see any reason why the team would re-sign Marc Mariani.
Glad to be a Niner!! Going to the Bay!!!
— Antoine Bethea (AB41) (@ABethea41) March 11, 2014
The Colts lose one of their main defensive leaders in the secondary.
A #Titans target RT @AdamSchefter: Colts are signing former Ravens DT Arthur Jones to a deal around $6 million per season, per sources.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 11, 2014
So the Colts have signed two average-at-best starters for approximately a combined $11.5 million (D’Qwell Jackson signed for four-year, $22 million). After trading their first-round pick for Trent Richardson, general manager Ryan Grigson looks to improve his team’s depth through free agency. Jones would’ve been a nice versatile defensive lineman for Tennessee.
Scratch #Titans target Karlos Dansby off the free agent list. Reports are he has a deal with #Browns in place.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) March 11, 2014
No Jackson. No Dansby. No Brian Orakpo. No Jason Worilds. It’s looking less and less likely that Tennessee will find a big-name linebacker through free agency. It makes finding one in the 2014 NFL Draft that much more important.
Per @RichCimini, Vontae Davis back to #Colts likely means #Jets will push for Verner. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 11, 2014
The Colts are bringing back their top free-agent cornerback. Will the Titans dish out what may end up as $10 million or more for their No. 2 cornerback?
BREAKING: #Jaguars expected to sign former @Broncos G @zanebeadles.
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 11, 2014
More info: http://t.co/RoKMyR3O3f pic.twitter.com/t7fh9abmb2
Earliest indications are a five-year, $30-million contract with a guaranteed $13 million (ESPN). This comes days after they signed defensive lineman Red Bryant. Head coach Gus Bradley is showing a dedication toward improving the team’s trench play on offense and defense.
The Houston Texans have released Owen Daniels and
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) March 11, 2014
Brice McCain.
Cutting Daniels saves the team $4.5 million against the cap. (ESPN). It may help them in re-signing tight end Garrett Graham.
PFT confirms QB Blaine Gabbert has been traded from Jacksonville to San Francisco.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 11, 2014
Supposedly for a sixth-round pick. Even Jim Harbaugh would have a difficult time molding this guy into him.
Holy hell. Vontae Davis deal is four-years, $39 M. I misheard and thought it was 29. Yowza. Even more of a help for Verner. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 11, 2014
Same per-year figure as Sam Shields. Just another reason to drive up Alterraun Verner‘s number.