Tennessee Titans Free Agent Interests: DL Jason Jones

Oct 30, 2011; Nashville,TN, USA; Tennessee Titans free safety Michael Griffin (33) and teammate defensive end Jason Jones (91) react to stopping the Indianapolis Colts on fourth and three at the goal line during the second half at LP Field. Tennessee defeated Indianapolis 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Remember when Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jason Babin were Pro Bowl defensive linemen for the Tennessee Titans? In the past few months, both players were free agents. On Feb. 5, Vanden Bosch was released after three seasons with Jim Schwartz and the Detroit Lions.

The Titans have a rotation of defensive ends who lack depth, sack totals and aggressiveness. Because of that, some fans insisted that the organization reunite with these players. What they don’t consider is that Babin hasn’t done much since he left Nashville. Vanden Bosch is on the downside of his career. Jim Washburn is a former defensive coordinator.

Were you one of the fans who got irritated from the reunion suggestions? Get ready for another one. For the second consecutive season, Jason Jones could test free agency.

Jones spent his first four seasons with the Titans. In 2012, the Seattle Seahawks signed him to a one-year, $4.5 million contract. In 12 games, Jones had 10 tackles with four pass deflections, three sacks and one fumble recovery. He finished the season on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

Unless Jones accepts a team-friendly or incentive-based deal, the Seahawks won’t re-sign him. That defense doesn’t need to overpay for a defensive tackle who’s suited for nickel and dime packages.

Free agency is approximately three weeks away. The Titans reportedly offered a contract to Chris Canty. The New York Giants released Canty earlier this month. For his career, Canty has 272 tackles with 19 sacks and two forced fumbles. Compare that to Jones, who has 122 tackles with 18.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus prefers Canty (6.6 rating) over Jones (5.6 rating).

Jones has the versatility to play defensive end or defensive tackle. However, at 6-5 and 276 pounds, his tweener nature prevents him from dominating either position. The Titans already have one undersized interior pass-rusher with Karl Klug. Klug is cheaper and effective. Jurrell Casey and Mike Martin should start.

Once again, don’t expect a reunion. While Jones is better than Marks (who received a -7.7 rating from Pro Football Focus), it’s too much money for a guy with his injury history and attitude. He always annoyed me because it seemed like he’d disappear after he made one play.

The Tennessee Titans can find more affordable, yet better options in the 2013 NFL Draft.