Tennessee Titans should sign former Cincinnati Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard
By John Lowell
Should the Tennessee Titans consider signing a former Cincinnati Bengals 1st round pick?
In looking for a cheaper option at slot cornerback, all indications point to the Tennessee Titans utilizing the 2020 NFL Draft.
However, the Titans have expressed interest in bringing back CB Logan Ryan this offseason. Ryan is hoping to receive a contract similar to the one the Titans inked him to three years ago — averaging roughly $10 million annually.
With the aspirations of a salary that large, the Titans are more than likely out of the mix. Their sights seem set on landing a bigger fish — EDGE Jadeveon Clowney — and he is penciled in for roughly $15-17 million yearly.
So let’s say, hypothetically, that the Titans indeed land Clowney and invest early draft capital at another position. In the second round, the Titans pull the trigger on a corner that projects to play on the perimeter. Let’s say, for this scenario, that the Titans also view DB Amani Hooker as more of a safety than they do a slot corner.
Enter CB Darqueze Dennard.
The former first-round pick out of Michigan State is great against the run, will get dirty as a tackler, and can blitz a la Logan Ryan.
Per PFF’s free-agent rankings, Dennard earned the 20th best grade among qualifying corners in 2019. They write that the former Bengal “devoted his time to the slot and has thrived in that role. Over the last three years, Dennard owns the 12th best slot coverage grade among 42 qualifying cornerbacks.”
As if that wasn’t enough, over the past three seasons Dennard has allowed the lowest catch rate in the NFL on targets of 10+ yards from the slot. Yeesh.
How much will this cost?
Dennard’s last contract with the Cincinnati Bengals was a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, per Spotrac. But what if Tennessee could get him for cheaper? This is a supremely deep draft class at the position, and value is placed higher on guys that line up outside. He could be forced to sign a contract lower than his initial expectation.
The Verdict:
Dennard was never the “Tiger King” in Cincinnati, but he could step in and contribute right away in two-tone blue. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if the Titans explored this option.