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Tennessee Titans: Realistic Cornerback Options to Chase in the Off-season

By Kyle Zwiazek

Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Much has been written about the need for the Titans to upgrade their cornerbacks.

Now that the Super Bowl is over, the off-season can finally begin. For us writers the off-season is one of the most exciting times to write because you can never be wrong. Think of it as our turns to be a meteorologist. How often are meteorologists really right when predicting the weather? Exactly, rarely. With that being said it is time to look at who would be some great options to bring to Nashville to improve the defense. Like a weatherman I will take full credit for all of the predictions I get right and say it was just speculation for all of the predictions I get wrong. Without further ado, here is a list of cornerbacks the Titans should contact, interview, and sign for next season.

Logan Ryan

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrates with defensive back Eric Rowe (25) after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrates with defensive back Eric Rowe (25) after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been no secret that the Titan Sized staff has an affinity for the Super Bowl champion Ryan. He may be one of the most underrated cornerbacks on the free agent market. According to Pro Football Reference, Ryan compiled 73 tackles, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble during the 2016 regular season. Each season has gotten better for the former Rutgers product. He was a great part of the Patriots comeback in the Super Bowl and would be a welcomed in Tennessee with open arms.

Marcus Cooper

Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marcus Cooper (41) carries the ball on an interception return in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marcus Cooper (41) carries the ball on an interception return in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

More from Titans Free Agency

Somehow I managed to find another Rutgers product when figuring out who would be a great add to the Titans defensive backfield. Cooper had an excellent season after being traded to Arizona earlier this season. He compiled 4 interceptions and 63 tackles according to Pro Football Reference. These were significant improvements from his time in Kansas City. Unfortunately for the Jon Robinson, he will probably command a fairly decent contract. Meaning he may be more difficult to obtain than if he continued the trend from Kansas City. Either way he would be a great upgrade to the Tennessee secondary.

Prince Amukamara

Nov 13, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Prince Amukamara (21) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Houston Texans won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Prince Amukamara (21) runs out for intros prior to a game against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Houston Texans won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

First of all, how cool would it be to have royalty on the Titans? Amukamara has consistently been a good cornerback in the NFL. He had a bit of down year with the Jaguars last year, but in fairness who on the Jaguars had a good season? The problem with Amukamara is that he has some trouble staying healthy. If Jon Robinson wants to bank of the health of Amukamara, they probably can get him for a decent price tag. At the end of the day he is a solid NFL player that would be a good compliment to Jason McCourty on the other wing.

Stephon Gilmore

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) before a game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) before a game against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

It is not every day that your team can add a Pro Bowl cornerback. Stephon Gilmore is realistic but at the same time will cost a pretty penny. He had a very good season in Buffalo that was capped by 5 interceptions. An extra 5 interceptions would look really good in a Titans uniform. Overall, Gilmore would be a nice add and is still young enough to warrant a 4 year contract. Obviously, the guaranteed money would be the key interest to that deal, but still.

Conclusion

All in all, the Titans need some definite help at the cornerback position. Most of these options would probably cost a decent amount because there seems to be a premium on the position in the NFL. The draft would definitely be another way to address the secondary concerns. If I was a betting man (which good thing I am not because I thought the Falcons were going to win the Super Bowl), I would say their is a mixture between draft and free agency to fill the holes in the secondary.

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