Titans Free Agency Grades
Dec 9, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) on a 14-yard run in the third quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The New York Jets beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Free agency was an exciting one for the Tennessee Titans this year as they dove right in and chased down the guys they wanted. Some signings were better than others, with one in particular making more than just me shaking my head. Here’s my grades for the Titans signings since Tuesday:
*note: I am taking salaries into account for the grades.
LG Andy Levitre– The $46.5 million bill is a bit hard to swallow, but I still like the signing. Jake Locker and Chris Johnson have to be happy about the signing. There seemed to be a revolving door at the guard positions this year as injuries plagued the line. Levitre hasn’t missed a game since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 2nd round of 2009 NFL Draft. He also has experience at every position on the line. He came at a price, but if there were ever two guys to decide what price is fair for an offensive lineman, Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, two HOF O-lineman, would be the ones.
GRADE: A-
TE Delanie Walker-While I’m still not exactly sure how the Titans plan to utilize Walker, it still seems like a good signing. If nothing else, it’s a sign of the Titans faith in TE Taylor Thompson and his growth at the position. The 4-year deal worth $17.5 million, with over $8.6 million in guaranteed money is a little rich for me. Hopefully he proves to be worth all that money. His 7 drops in 2012 certainly don’t instill confidence. He’s not Jared Cook’s replacement, but hopefully he’s a great match with the other Thompson and Stevens.
GRADE: B
RB Shonn Greene– This was perhaps the most frustrating signing by the Titans. Greenes career has trended downward ever since his rookie year. PFF sums up my feeling about the signing best:
"Despite being handed some excellent blocking, Greene just couldn’t capitalize. The supposed power back struggled to break tackles and pick up yards during contact and left him with an elusive rating of just 11.7. The second lowest in the league. You’ve got money to burn Tennessee which is great, but you could have spent it wisely at least."
The upcoming draft class has some talented big guys. Why not roll the dice on one of them? Here’s to hoping a better atmosphere than the one in New York does some good for Greene.
GRADE: D
DT Sammie Hill– Love, love, love this signing. I haven’t heard on negative thing about Hill. Lions media and fans all applauded it, saying Hill will finally get the chance to start somewhere after being stuck in the log jam of DT’s behind Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. Hill’s 330 lbs body gives the Titans more beef up front and with any luck, putting him next to Jurrell Casey will help a Titans run defense that continued to struggle in the 2012 season. At 3-years, $11.4 million, the Titans got their man without busting the bank.
GRADE: A
LB Moise Fokou– Nothing overly exciting here. The Titans add some needed LB depth with a solid veteran player. More signings like this should be on their way before the draft.
GRADE: A-
So far, so good. By the time the draft rolls around the Titans should be in solid shape and be able to draft whoever floats their boat, whether it be a WR, DE, OL, or SS.
39 days ’til the draft.
You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart