The Tennessee Titans are entering this week's free agency period with a healthy $50.6 million in cap space. New general manager Mike Borgonzi has already stated he'll be selective in free agency, searching for veteran character and leadership. The Titans must avoid repeating last offseason's mistakes, where they handed out more than $300 million only to witness the team stumble to an NFL-worst 3-14 record.
The Titans learned difficult lessons last offseason. The wrong signings could derail your offseason and set you on a destructive path. With recent history at the forefront, we've identified five pending free agents the Titans should avoid.
Sam Darnold, QB
The Titans are in the market for a new starting quarterback this offseason and Sam Darnold is considered the prized possession in free agency. Darnold is well-positioned to command somewhere between $35 and $40 million per season via a multi-year contract, an expensive, albeit modest deal for a starting QB. The Titans should be cautious of the one-year success he experienced alongside Kevin O'Connell and Justin Jefferson in Minnesota, knowing they can't provide him with the same level of supporting cast.
Tyron Smith, LT
Borgonzi needs to acquire a starting-caliber offensive tackle this offseason after the right tackle position hampered the Titans' offense all season long throughout 2024. They're open to moving sophomore left tackle JC Latham to the right side, where he played in college, meaning they aren't hyper-focused on just acquiring a right tackle. Signing the 34-year-old Tyron Smith wouldn't be worth messing with Latham's development, given his advancing age and declining play.
Khalil Mack, EDGE
EDGE is a big-time need after Dennard Wilson's defense finished third-worst in sacks last season. Furthermore, the team is attempting to trade 2024 sack leader Harold Landry III, their most tenured player. New Titans front-office executive Reggie McKenzie drafted Khalil Mack with the No. 5 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, but that connection shouldn't make him a target for Tennessee in free agency. The 34-year-old Mack recorded just six sacks this past season, his lowest year-long total since his 2014 rookie campaign.
Amari Cooper, WR
Amari Cooper isn't the answer to Brian Callahan's need at wide receiver. Cooper could barely produce after being traded to the Buffalo Bills last season despite playing in a high-octane offense with MVP Josh Allen as his starting quarterback. The five-time Pro Bowler is clearly past his prime and would do more harm than good in Tennessee.
Haason Reddick, EDGE
Haason Reddick created headaches for both the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets last season. When he finally got on the field for the Jets following a lengthy contract dispute, Reddick accumulated just one quarterback sack in 10 appearances. Coaching ties to Wilson (Titans' DC) and defensive line coach Tracy Rocker shouldn't be enough to make him a target at a position of need.