The Tennessee Titans don't plan on being big spenders in NFL Free Agency. If any position warrants veteran upgrades, it's on the offensive line. Starting right guard Dillon Radunz is a pending free agent. Radunz is a league-average blocker, and the Titans should aim to do better.
If general Mike Borgonzi sticks to his public proclamation of building the roster through the draft, he may not be willing to splurge big-time money on a guard like Trey Smith in free agency. Instead, the Titans may focus on mid-tier free agents who add depth, experience, and leadership to the locker room.
With that in mind, we've identified three underrated free agents who could compete for Brian Callahan's offense at right guard in 2025.
Will Hernandez, IOL, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez was quietly playing quality football before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 5. At that time, Pro Football Focus had credited Hernandez with allowing zero sacks and just eight pressures (less than two per game). The once labeled second-round "bust" has revived his career since joining the Cardinals in 2022.
The caveat is Hernandez's ongoing recovery from surgery on his knee. The Titans may be hesitant to target an injured player considering starting center Lloyd Cushenberry is also recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury. It's possible Hernandez's injury occurred early enough in the season to have a minimal impact on his 2025 campaign.
Aaron Banks, IOL, San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Banks, like Radunz, is about to see his rookie contract expire. Banks has been a steady performer for the San Francisco 49ers. He's consistently dealt with nagging injuries that have prevented him from playing a complete season, however. That should make him relatively affordable in free agency.
There are similarities between Kyle Shanahan's and Callahan's offensive playbook. Banks moves incredibly well for his size. In Nashville, he'd locate offensive concepts he's familiar with. The 27-year-old Banks would also fit Tennessee's rebuilding timeline.
Patrick Mekari, IOL, Baltimore Ravens
Patrick Mekari reinvented himself after moving from tackle to guard. A utility blocker playing where required, the Baltimore Ravens needed him at left guard in 2024. It proved to be a blessing in disguise for the 27-year-old Mekari, who should probably find a permanent home across the interior.
Mekari would add a layer of comfort, experience, and leadership next to the yet-to-be-named starting right guard. The Titans need upgrades, particularly in pass protection. Mekari would provide reliability.