2. Cap Space to Sign Key Free Agents
The Titans are in the midst of a significant roster turnover. The team saw over 20 players test free agency this offseason.
While the Titans let Conklin go and with other players still in free agency, a significant portion of the available space was used on the Tannehill and Henry contracts.
The Titans have been clever in giving fair but team friendly contracts. While I expect the Titans to do the same if they were to sign a player like Clowney, the available cap space would shrink drastically.
The Titans as of now roughly have $26 million in cap space available for next season. Clowney has the resume and credentials to ask and get a top three defensive end contract. If so, then that looks to average at $20 million a year.
If the Titans signed Clowney, then they essentially lose out on key free agents this year. Cornerback Logan Ryan was the best defensive back last season for the team. Ryan will command to come back to the team as the highest paid corner, which the team would not be able to afford.
With Jack Conklin also gone, the Titans are missing a starting-caliber right tackle.
While Dennis Kelly is a solid player, he has been best suited as a backup player. The Titans also handed out a one year contract worth $9.5 million to Vic Beasley.
Signing a player like Clowney would limit the team’s ability to resolve the holes left on the roster. The Titans need to add depth at the defensive and offensive line and starting-caliber cornerbacks. Dishing out most of the remaining cap space puts a hold of the current and future flexibility of the franchise.