The Tennessee Titans are having recurring issues at the right tackle position. The coaching staff isn't sure how to solve them. Head coach Brian Callahan has started three different players at right tackle over the previous three contests. Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jaelyn Duncan, and Leroy Watson have all failed to maximize their opportunities.
The Titans, to no avail, have attempted to identify in-house solutions. None have appeared. Speaking with the media on Monday, Callahan admitted that the team was open to searching for outside help. On Tuesday, it was reported that the Titans will be hosting veteran free-agent offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste for a workout.
UPDATE: @YC_RICH4EVER invited to official @Titans tryout this morning‼️ pic.twitter.com/pfqRm0htiy
— Black Label Sports Group (@BLSportsGroup) October 22, 2024
Yodny Cajuste is a former third-round pick
Cajuste initially entered the league as a third-round pick (No. 101 overall) of the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. Injuries quickly derailed his tenure with the Patriots. He made his first career start as a third-year pro in 2021. He was eventually waived before completing his rookie contract.
Cajuste last played extensively for the Patriots in 2022. He appeared in seven regular-season games, starting three. In those three starts, Pro Football Focus credited Cajuste with allowing three sacks and 10 total pressures. Pass protection was a consistent problem. After leaving New England, he briefly spent time with the New York Jets and New York Giants.
It's worth acknowledging Cajuste fared significantly better as a run blocker. In those three 2022 starts, he was assigned run-blocking grades of 72.6, 79.1, and 53.6. Coming out of West Virginia, the Mountaineers standout was considered a more effective ground-game offensive lineman.
Injuries and setbacks have been a frequent part of Cajuste's failure to launch his professional career. Cajuste played a little in the preseason for the Giants earlier this August. He allowed one pressure in 12 pass-blocking snaps.
Collectively, Petit-Frere (297), Watson (58), and Duncan (21) have played 376 snaps at right tackle for the Titans this campaign. They've combined to allow 27 pressures and six sacks, the majority of which have been assigned to Petit-Frere (23 pressures, five sacks), who has started four of Tennessee's six contests. It's no wonder the Titans are willing to work out castoffs like Cajuste in search of creative solutions.
Cajuste was once considered an intriguing draft prospect. Inconsistencies and injuries have prevented him from meeting his potential. It's the equivalent of a Hail Mary throw, but the Titans are understandably desperate, given the outputs of their right tackles.