Tier 1
Shaquill Barett exploded this season to lead the NFL in sacks with a whopping 19.5 in total. In addition to the sacks, he had six forced fumbles and ended the season with 37 hits on the quarterback.
At 27 years old, the market is going to be red hot for the NFL’s reigning sack leader.
The guy that probably needs no introduction more than anyone else on this list is Jadeveon Clowney.
Although his numbers were lower last year due to injury and adjusting to a new system, he still has the ability to wreak havoc on even the best offensive linemen. Finishing the season with 7 tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits in only 13 games, Clowney gets after the quarterback in such a tenacious manner that he strikes fear into every offensive coordinator.
The Titans should pursue Clowney this offseason because he is unlike any other defensive linemen in the league due to his versatility and strength.
While not a traditional EDGE, you have to remember that for hundreds of snaps this season the Tennessee Titans went heavy on the defensive line and played either Jeffery Simmons or Jurrell Casey as an EDGE opposite Landry in four-man fronts.
Chris Jones led all Kansas City Chiefs defenders in sacks this season with nine. His ability to get after the quarterback places him in a tier of linemen that would be able to work in any defensive system. He recorded a forced fumble and had a 84.9 grade from PFF. Jones would be an addition that would be welcomed by the Titans coaching staff.