The Tennessee Titans are performing an experiment to test whether the New York market is too toxic for football coaches to have success. Not only did they hire former Jets head coach Robert Saleh to the same position and make former Giants head coach Brian Daboll their new offensive coordinator, but they staffed both sides of the ball with many of their former players and coaching assistants.
While Saleh brought over many of his Jets defensive coaches, along with players like John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson II, and Tony Adams, Daboll did the same on offense. The Titans handed a big chunk of change to Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency while also giving tight end Daniel Bellinger a three-year contract and adding center Austin Schlottmann.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell was not very complimentary of the Titans' decision to spend too much money on former Giants, naming it the worst series of moves of their offseason. Barnwell compared these signings to the decision to give left tackle Dan Moore Jr. a four-year contract, implying that Tennessee once again paid way over market value to bring these names in.
ESPN rips Titans after overpaying former Giants in free agency
Robinson is the biggest investment of this group, but the Titans needed a wide receiver that can go over the middle and make plays as a runner. Barnwell noted this was the least objectionable move, especially considering how he can form a 1-2 punch with rookie Carnell Tate as Cam Ward's top targets.
Bellinger was an uninspiring No. 2 tight end who got beat out by Theo Johnson in New York. The Titans signed Bellinger for just $1 million per year less than what Chig Okonkwo signed with the Washington Commanders for. Bellinger hasn't recorded more than 25 catches in a season since he caught 30 passes as a rookie.
Schlottmann, who was often a backup behind disappointing second-round pick John Michael Schmitz, has been given a starter designation throughout the offseason despite the fact he is getting paid like a backup. Daboll is putting a ton of faith in "his guys" on offense, as is Saleh on the defensive side of the ball.
Both Saleh and Daboll failed in New York, but they seem to be of the mindset that the same ingredients on a different stove may produce a more appetizing creation now that they are in charge of the Titans. Barnwell is one of many who have some questions about the practicality of such an approach.
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