Titans sign former 3rd-round pick to bolster offensive line depth

The Tennessee Titans are adding another young offensive tackle to their roster. They've agreed to terms with former third-round pick Geron Christian. Veteran NFL reporter Aaron Wilson was first to break the news.

Christian initially entered the league as the No. 74 overall selection of the Washington Commanders in the 2018 NFL Draft. Current Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan was Christian's position coach in Washington.

It's safe to say Christian failed to meet the expectations that come with being a third-round pick. The Ocala, Florida native has been an NFL journeyman, having endured two stints with the Houston Texans, and many others. Most recently, the ex-Louisville standout spent a portion of the 2023 season with the Cleveland Browns, first on their practice squad before being elevated to the active roster, where he reunited with Callahan.

Christian is now the second former Browns offensive tackle that Callahan coached in Cleveland to join the Titans this offseason. Earlier this summer, the Titans traded for Leroy Watson. Callahan's presence likely influenced both decisions, particularly with this being his third stint coaching Christian.

The Titans have an incredibly young offensive tackle room. Rookie top-10 pick J.C. Latham will be the starting left tackle. Third-year blocker Nicholas Petit-Frere (who missed the majority of his second season through injury and suspension) is battling a pair of sophomores in Jaelyn Duncan and John Ojukwu in a three-man competition to play right tackle. Watson, and Christian, who's now the most experienced player in the room, will attempt to insert themselves into that competition.

It's worth acknowledging that Petit-Frere missed all of mandatory minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs) while rehabbing a shoulder injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. Duncan was seemingly working through a minor injury through the earlier portion of offseason workouts as well. Hopefully Christian's addition doesn't signal bad news for their availability at training camp in July.

The Titans possessed wiggle room to add Christian to their 90-man roster. A corresponding move isn't necessary, though one could arrive anyway, should general manager Ran Carthon feel inclined. Christian's familiarity with coach Callahan could allow him to quickly acclimate to his new surroundings.