Robert Saleh coming in as the new head coach for the Tennessee Titans should have fans excited for how this defense will transform. Saleh will be calling the plays and he’s got Brian Daboll taking control of the offense which is a home run itself as well. However, for as great of playcallers that they are, they still need the talent. That’s where GM Mike Borgonzi enters the conversation.
Borgonzi will have to deliver the talent in free agency and the draft. Exploring trade opportunities is another possibility. However, while trading can be great, it can also be a trap. The Titans learned that the hard way with L'Jarius Sneed.
Outside of Jeffery Simmons, the Titans need a ton of help on defense. At the same time, they have to make sure that the help is worth getting, especially if it’s via trade. Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone listed the Titans as a potential trade partner for Giants’ linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, and it’s not a great idea at all.
Titans shouldn't consider trade for rumored available pass rusher
"Brian Daboll is on the Titans' staff as their offensive coordinator, and he could vouch for Thibodeaux, who would be a huge piece for Robert Saleh's defense in Tennessee. Again, a lot of the excitement of adding a player like Thibodeaux would hinge on his ability to stay healthy, but you certainly would feel good about a coach like Saleh getting the best out of him." said Scataglia.
Daboll was Thibodeaux's coach in New York, so there is a little bit of a connection, but it would be Saleh that has to coach him. With the defense that Saleh runs, Thibodeaux would not be valuable simly because one simple factor.
There is an injury history with Thibodeaux. He’s had one full season healthy (2023) which was his breakout year with the Giants, and the injuries have played a big role since. He’s played in just 22 games the last two seasons and has only 8 sacks in that span (despite recording 11 sacks in 2023).
Unless the Titans would only give up a Day 3 selection for Thibodeaux, it’s not worth trading valuable picks for him. Again, he hasn’t hit his prime just yet so there is room to grow. However, the injury history is something to consider. Why trade draft picks for a player that may miss a quarter of the season? There's also alleged character questions to consider.
It will be interesting to see the direction that Borgonzi takes to build up this team for Saleh and his coaching staff.