Evaluating the Future Each Contract Year Player Has With the Tennessee Titans

Could be Re-Signed

These players all could go either way in regards to being re-signed or let go as a result of projected cap hit, competition already on the roster, or competition not yet added to the roster.

OG Quinton Spain or Xavier Sua’Filo or Kevin Pamphile: Although Quinton Spain is the incumbent player at the LG position, Jon Robinson did not hand him a long term contract this offseason after rewarding Josh Kline with a multi-year extension. Furthermore, Robinson signed Xavier Sua’Filo and Kevin Pamphile, who have started a combined 74 games for the Buccaneers and Texans. All of these players should fight for the starting spot at left guard and even once a starter has been determined, Robinson may turn to the draft for a cheap, young player rather than re-sign one of these veterans to a larger contract. With Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones, Josh Kline, and inevitably Jack Conklin receiving sizable contracts, the Titans may be reluctant to spend even more cap space along the offensive line.

EDGE Derrick Morgan or Brian Orakpo: Morgan and Orakpo have been some of the Titans’ most consistent defenders for several seasons, and Orakpo was one of the only above average free agent moves of the last regime. Both veteran outside linebackers will be well past their prime years after the 2018 season concludes, but because they are still capable of performing at a relatively high level at one of the sport’s premier positions, they will still command a hefty cap hit for any team that signs them. For this reason, the Titans will likely be unable to keep both players. Fortunately, Jon Robinson has already made a move to replace one of these players by drafting Harold Landry, which will make the loss of one of these veterans sting less. Orakpo boasts higher sack totals, but Morgan is one of the team’s longest tenured players and defensive cornerstones, who will likely be cheaper to re-sign. At this point, it is nigh impossible to predict which of these players will be brought back, but Titans fans will be sorry to see either player go.

LB Nate Palmer: Nate Palmer has never been much more than a depth guy and special teams player for the Tennessee Titans in his two years with the team. That said, teams always have a need for inexpensive and reliable veterans like Palmer. Unfortunately for Palmer, there are many inexpensive and reliable veterans just like him in the league, which means there is always a chance he could be replaced.

WR Michael Campanaro: The former Baltimore Ravens receiver has often flashed potential, but has been severely limited by injuries (and Joe Flacco). Early reports coming out of OTAs are positive in regards to Campanaro. However, he must stay healthy to have a shot at a new contract with the Titans. This might be a lot to ask for a player who has missed 38 games in only four years, but Campanaro has a ton of upside if he can just shake the injury bug. Adding to his value, Campanaro can also contribute in the return game on special teams if need be.

TE Luke Stocker: Throughout his career, Stocker has been mostly a blocking tight end, and that trend continued with the Titans in 2017. Blocking is becoming somewhat of a rare talent amongst TEs as teams focus mainly on finding mismatches in the passing game in the mold of Jimmy Graham or Travis Kelce rather than complete TEs. This makes Stocker valuable for the Titans, but I could see the Titans drafting another TE in 2019 if Jonnu Smith does not take a step forward next season, which would make Stocker expendable.