Wesley Woodyard, LB
Wesley Woodyard was once again great for the Titans up the middle last season. Not only was he the model of consistency and veteran leadership for Tennessee, the linebacker also led the team in tackles, something he has done in each of the past two years now.
With no signs of slowing down, Woodyard should have another great year, and his veteran presence will be needed now more than ever, with up-and-coming linebackers like Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry around him.
But with that great young talent comes the possibility that this is Woodyard’s last year in Tennessee. Brown and Evans look ready to take the next step, and Woodyard will be 34 when the 2020 season begins.
Again, this is a tough decision to make on such a beloved, great player as Woodyard is. At the end of the day, it’s what the Titans can afford and it just might not be possible to keep Woodyard, especially with two younger, cheaper options in the mix at inside linebacker.
With that said, keeping Woodyard is not out of the realm of possibility. With an incentive bonus, Woodyard will make around $4 million this season, which seems insanely low for the kind of production he gives the Titans.
But his return will also be dependent upon playing time. If Evans and Brown are commanding a ton of snaps because of elite play and Woodyard is still at the top of his game, he might not want to be reduced to a rotational player.