Free Agent Focus for Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery
By Sean Maczko
Will the Tennessee Titans land their first big name free agent in a long time?
Alshon Jeffery is a name that’s being thrown around a lot in connection with the Tennessee Titans as free agency creeps closer and closer with each passing minute. Jeffery would be an instant upgrade at one of the top three weaknesses of the roster.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is our franchise centerpiece that needs to continue to be built around. The Titans got quality play out of WR Rishard Matthews, who the Titans signed in 2016’s free agency period, but the Titans need to continue to build the weapons up around Mariota.
The other wide receiver under contract for the Tennessee Titans 2016 rookie WR Tajae Sharpe, who showed off his quality skill set and route running ability in 2016. As nice as this is, the Titans need to add a bonafide WR1 and Jeffery could be that guy.
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A lot of the naysayers for the Titans going after Jeffety question his toughness, durability, and his passion. He has definitely taken his share of bumps, bruises, and tears.
Out of a potential 80 games played, he has played in 63 of them (17 missed). As we look deeper into those numbers, out of the 17 games missed 11 of those are during the last two seasons.
It’s a question mark for sure, but if the Titans work him out and put him through a physical they can assess those concerns.
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I understand the reservations. It doesn’t matter how good someone is if they aren’t on the field. I get it… but it’s a risk worth taking.
Jeffery is 6’3, 218 pounds and only 27 years old. He could fit into what the Titans are building and be that go-to receiver for Mariota. Sliding Matthews down to the WR2 slot and putting Jeffery in at WR1 with Sharpe playing out of the slot… we would have a very solid WR trio.
I give Jeffery a pass when it comes to his current level of enthusiasm and passion. Here’s why… how could anyone be a fireball of passion when your QB is the King of Blah, Jay Cutler? A change of scenery for Jeffery could yield the results of the DeMarco Murray revival that took place in Music City in 2016. A change of scenery, generally, refocuses and re-energizes players.
In six seasons with the Chicago Bears, Jeffery produced over 4,500 yards, 304 receptions, and 26 touchdowns. Jeffery would be a downfield threat, creating more space for running backs Murray and Derrick Henry. Jeffery could be the missing offensive component to really put the exotic-smash mouth scheme over the top.
Titans fans have so much to be excited about as we move closer to free agency. The Titans are in the top three for the most cap space, which really makes them a player for just about anyone they desire. I really wanted to see Eric Berry hit the open market, but unfortunately I knew that was a long shot. With Berry locked up in Kansas City for the next six years, my focus has turned to the Titans acquiring Jeffery. Pending Houston free agent corner A.J. Bouye should also be a priority for the Titans because it weakens a division foe and most of all addresses the biggest need on the roster.
Which pending free agents are the top of your list for the Titans?