When you are a team like the Tennessee Titans that lost 18 of your last 24 games dating back to 2022, obviously it isn’t easy to fix what ails you all in one offseason.
Then again, the Tennessee Titans need not look any further than at their division rivals from Houston to see an example of a quick rebuild.
Titans’ general manager Ran Carton has been busy during this free agency period. He landed one of the biggest free agents in the league by signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year deal. He also added another offensive weapon in former Cowboys’ running back Tony Pollard. While he’s not a workhorse the likes of Derrick Henry, his pass-catching ability is a big plus for new head coach Brian Callahan.
There are a few other new faces as well, and certainly room for more. Here are five more suggestions that the Titans can still add via free agency as they look to bolster their roster.
5. DT Nick Williams
One season after giving up the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL, the Titans slipped to 13th in this category in 2023. Jeffery Simmons is still one of the top interior defenders in the league, but he missed the final five games of 2023 and Teair Tart is gone.
The Titans could certainly use some more help up the middle to slow down the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Travis Etienne, and new Texans’ running back Joe Mixon. The team just signed Sebastian Joseph, late of the 49ers but another cheap body would make everyone feel better.
Veteran Nick Williams brings 10 years of NFL experience and should provide depth up front and he certainly won't break the bank.
4. WR/KR Jamal Agnew
Nick Holz is certainly familiar with some of the pieces on the Jacksonville Jaguars offense. His time with the Jaguars probably contributed to the Titans investing so much in Calvin Ridley.
Speaking of Holz’s former employer, explosive special teams specialist Jamal Agnew remains on the open market. Tennessee ranked 26th in the NFL in kickoff return average and 25th in the league when it came to punt returns. Agnew has a total of six kick return touchdowns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs) in seven NFL seasons.
3. CB Avonte Maddox
Slot cornerback Arthur Maulet would have made a great deal of sense here. In 2023, he played for the Ravens and new Titans’ defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson coached the defensive backs in Baltimore this past year. However, the heady Maulet re-signed with the defending AFC North champions on Tuesday
A fourth-round draft choice by the Eagles in 2018, cornerback Avonte Maddox spent six seasons with the team and was released by Philadelphia this offseason. Of course, Wilson was the Birds’ defensive backs coach from 2021-22. Maddox was limited to four games this past season but is primed for a comeback.
2. T Billy Turner
This was a subject broached before the actual start of free agency. Unfortunately, some of the suggested tackles are now off the board. Chukwuma Okorafor, released by the Steelers this offseason, inked a deal with the Patriots. Jonah Williams signed with the Cardinals, and Trent Brown is now with the Bengals.
The versatility of veteran Billy Turner can’t be overstated. He has played for four teams since entering the league in 2014 as a third-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins. Turner has been a starter at both left and right tackle, as well as left and right guard. The 10-year blocker would be an invaluable addition to an offensive line that lacks veteran leadership.
1. FS Justin Simmons
It is somewhat surprising that the two-time Pro Bowler and eight-year veteran hasn’t signed with a team yet. Then again, Justin Simmons could be playing the waiting game and looking to sign with a contender. Cut loose by the Denver Broncos this offseason, he has never been a member of a playoff team
A third-round pick in 2016, Simmons has totaled 30 interceptions (1 TD return) and also recovered three opponent fumbles. He’s picked off at least two passes in each of his eight seasons. In 2023, he totaled 70 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one sack, a fumble recovery, and eight passes defensed.