The Tennessee Titans need to get better at EDGE this offseason. The process has already started. General manager Mike Borgonzi traded T'vondre Sweat to the New York Jets for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II.
The initial sentiment was the Titans needed to acquire multiple pass rushers this offseason. That's still true, especially given that Johnson endured a disappointing campaign in 2025. The upcoming NFL free agency period will provide Borgonzi with tempting opportunities at the position.
However, the Titans should think twice before pursuing a veteran free-agent possibility who's positioned to request a substantial contract. Khalil Mack is projected to be among the more seasoned and proven pass rushers to hit the market. The Titans should not consider the possibility.
Titans should think twice about bold free agency bid for Khalil Mack
According to Spotrac, Mack has the third-best market value among pending free-agent EDGEs. They are projecting the nine-time Pro Bowler to sign a hefty contract worth $18.4 million for 2026. The rebuilding Titans should have absolutely no interest in the 35-year-old Mack, whose timeline doesn't align with Tennessee's.
The aging Mack showed signs of significant decline in 2025 with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Buffalo Bulls standout missed five games due to injury, including a stint on IR with a dislocated elbow. Mack recorded 5.5 sacks, the fewest of his career since his 2014 rookie season (four sacks).
New Titans head coach Robert Saleh is building the defensive line in his vision. Acquiring Johnson from the Jets, a player he previously coached, will play a big role in the reimagining of the front seven. The Titans have also been linked to pending free agent John Franklin-Myers, who's shared history with Saleh and Johnson would make him another natural fit.
Previous Titans GM Ran Carthon made countless mistakes in free agency by acquiring big-ticketed players who didn't meet expectations. Borgonzi has shown far better restraint throughout his short tenure in charge, choosing to target culture fits while preferring to build through the NFL Draft. Mack was an excellent player in his prime, but that's a thing of the past, and the Titans should steer clear.