With the Tennessee Titans in need of a running back now that David Fluellen has been moved to Injured Reserve, could the team go with a flashy move and sign Jay Ajayi?
One of the names you’ll inevitably hear brought up with the Tennessee Titans in the market for a running back will be free agent back Jay Ajayi.
Ajayi remains the top option on the free agent market for teams in need at the position. Ajayi’s 2018 season was cut short after he tore his ACL, but he is now healthy and still available after four weeks of the season.
Would signing Ajayi make sense for the Titans? The answer is no.
The Titans already have a workhorse back in Derrick Henry, who dominates the vast majority of carries as the early-down back. Henry also has at least some skills as a pass-catcher, but he has shown he’s still lacking in that regard.
If the Titans are going to focus on an area of need at the running back position, it’ll be adding another pass-catcher who can make an impact on third down. Dion Lewis, who is supposed to be a specialist in that area, has simply failed at his job this season.
Ajayi specializes in running the football and has never been much of a pass-catcher. Through 42 games of his career, Ajayi has caught just 63 passes for 419 yards. If the Titans are looking to add a running back who can have an impact in the passing game, Ajayi isn’t that guy.
Not to mention, this is a No. 3 running back we’re talking about. Ajayi will cost far more than your average No. 3 back, thus it wouldn’t make sense to sign him for what Tennessee specifically needs.
Now, if we were talking about an injury to Henry, then sure, Ajayi would make more sense. But that is not the case here and the Titans would be wise to look elsewhere for help.