Titans land dream free agent target with Robert Saleh's fingerprints all over it

The Tennessee Titans entered free agency's legal tampering period with more than $90 million in cap space and needs across the defensive line. One of Mike Borgonzi's expected targets was former Denver Broncos and New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Well, it didn't take the Titans long to confirm that speculation.

Multiple national reports have now confirmed that the Titans intend to sign Franklin-Myers to a three-year contract worth $63 million in free agency, with $42 million in guarantees. Franklin-Myers can officially sign his contract with the Titans on Wednesday, March 11, when free agency actually begins.

Report: Titans to sign EDGE John Franklin-Myers in free agency

Franklin-Myers has significant ties to the Titans. He previously played for head coach Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who were in those same roles during Franklin-Myers' tenure with the Jets. New Titans defensive end Jermaine Johnson II was also on that team and spent the last few weeks recruiting his old teammate to Tennessee.

Even new Titans assistant defensive line coach Tanzel Smart played on those Jets defensive lines with Franklin-Myers and Johnson. Saleh is rebuilding the Titans' d-line in his vision. Signing Franklin-Myers and pairing him with Johnson and All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is a big part of that plan.

Pro Football Focus credited Franklin-Myers with notching eight sacks and 39 pressures a year ago. His inside-outside versatility will be greatly appreciated by the Titans' new defensive coaching staff. The familiarity Franklin-Myers possesses with his primary coaches, Saleh and Whitecotton, should get him playing up to speed immediately.

The Titans are reimagining their defensive line. Franklin-Myers should thrive next to Simmons and Johnson. They should provide Saleh with the pass-rush he envisioned when he took Tennessee’s job. Franklin-Myers is a big get for the Titans.