The Tennessee Titans are entering March's NFL Free Agency period needing to upgrade their offensive line. General manager Mike Borgonzi needs to pay particular attention to the right side, where improvements are needed at guard and tackle. Unfortunately for the Titans, two potential targets with ties to the coaching staff and front office decided to announce their retirement earlier this week.
Firstly, legendary Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin decided to step away. A future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Martin walks away after seven All-Pro showings in 11 completed campaigns. The aging blocker battled through multiple injuries throughout the final year of his contract.
Martin was drafted by the Cowboys with the No. 16 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. His position coach during his rookie season was the legendary Bill Callahan, who is currently Tennessee's offensive line coach. Martin hit the ground running under Callahan, qualifying for the Pro Bowl, All-Pro Team, and PFWA All-Rookie Team as a first-year player. It's worth noting Cowboys offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick were also named to the 2014 All-Pro Team.
Callahan left the Cowboys after Martin's illustrious rookie season to become the Washington Commanders' offensive line coach. It's unclear whether or not he would have been interested in reuniting with Martin this offseason. The Titans do need some veteran solutions across the offensive line, but they're also attempting to rebuild the roster with younger talents.
On the topic of veteran retirees, journeymen offensive linemen Jon Feliciano also announced his retirement earlier this week. Feliciano was a 10-year pro. He spent the 2024 campaign as a reserve with the San Francisco 49ers.
Feliciano entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2015 NFL Draft. Their general manager at the time was Reggie McKenzie, the Titans' new vice president and football advisor. Feliciano played out his entire rookie contract with the Raiders (2015-18).
Feliciano was no longer a starting-caliber player, but the Titans could also be in the market for veteran swing linemen. They have two of those types set to reach free agency next month in Corey Levin and Daniel Brunskill. Feliciano could have been a low-cost depth signing to provide veteran experience and leadership.
The Titans have coaching and front-office ties to several pending free-agent interior offensive linemen. Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith is among the potential targets. Martin and Felciano can no longer appear on Borgonzi's shortlist.