Grading the Tennessee Titans free agent signings (so far)
Offense
With Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith taking their talents to the New York Jets and New England Patriots respectively, the Titans entered free agency needing to replace the production they just lost.
The Titans had a top-five offense in 2020, and Davis and Smith greatly contributed to that. while they were always considered to be long-shots of returning, the surprise release of Dennis Kelly left a gap on the offensive line that needed to be addressed.
Let’s start with the skill positions and work our way to the trenches.
Josh Reynolds, WR, 1-year deal
While the financials have not been revealed, we do know that this is a one-year deal. That is fine because without even knowing the money, I love this move.
Reynolds had 52 catches for 618 yards in 2020, and that was as the third option on the Rams, with subpar QB play. While Corey Davis did have more yards and catches in 2020, Davis was a starting player on a team with above-average QB production.
Another positive for Reynolds: he has never missed a game in his four-year NFL career (knock on wood). Just being on the field every week alone will do wonders for the Titans’ offense.
I do not think it would be a stretch to say that Josh Reynolds could eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 2021, and even if he doesn’t he fills a huge position of need.
Grade: A+
Anthony Firkser & Geoff Swaim, TE’s, 1-year deals
With Jonnu Smith jetting off to New England, the tight end position was seemingly a huge hole for the Titans to fill. Instead of investing big money in FA at the position, the team re-signed two of their own in Firkser and Swaim.
Firkser has always received praise from Titan fans and now looks to be receiving a chance to start for the team. Swaim is more of a blocker and could be given a larger role if MyCole Pruitt is not re-signed. You could do worse than Anthony Firkser at TE, but I still expect the team to draft this position at some point.
Grade: C+
Kendall Lamm & Ty Sambrailo, OT’s, 2 years $8.5 million for Lamm
After losing Dennis Kelly, the Titans signed swing tackle Kendall Lamm of the Browns and re-signed Ty Sambrailo.
The signing of Lamm has been underrated in my opinion. Lamm finished 2020 with a PFF grade of 76.8 and only allowed 1 sack in 113 offensive snaps. Granted, not the biggest sample size, but the Titans are taking a cheap flier that Lamm will maintain that performance in a greater role.
Sambrailo is just okay, hopefully this is just a depth signing and not someone the team expects to be on the field often. Combined, these guys make up for the loss of Kelly.