Tennessee Titans state of the roster heading into free agency
By Will Lomas
What needs do the Titans have?
In the last slide, I listed seven players who were impending free agents that started on the Titans defense last year. One wide receiver, one slot cornerback, one linebacker, two defensive linemen, and two tight ends.
But that really doesn’t tell the story of what the needs of the 2021 Titans team will look like.
All of those players aren’t leaving massive voids on the roster though. For example, I think Teair Tart should be looked at as a rotational starter in 2021 taking away some of the sting left behind by Jones and Crawford.
Could the Titans still bring in a stud defensive tackle or 5-tech to upgrade the position? Sure, but in terms of need, I think they will only “need” to bring in one defensive lineman or EDGE depending on how much of that three defensive lineman front they want to use next year.
Jayon Brown is a free agent, but I think it is going to be VERY hard to re-sign him when you can basically get the same production from David Long for $10 million less per season.
Slot cornerback is interesting because Desmond King was a nice trade, but the plan next season is to have Adoree Jackson, Malcolm Butler, and Kristian Fulton as the opening day starters. With backups like Breon Borders and Chris Jackson waiting in the wings, I don’t see cornerback as a real need.
At tight end, Anthony Firkser is an RFA and they have been so good at getting something out of nothing (no offense) with guys like MyCole Pruitt, Geoff Swaim, and Anthony Frisker. I’m not sure whether breaking the bank for Jonnu Smith is a good call considering the drop off might not be that bad.