The Tennessee Titans have scraped the bottom of the barrel in the AFC South for the last three years. But with the additions of Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll, as well as a jump being expected for Cam Ward in Year 2, the future may be brighter in Tennessee than most realize.
It will be difficult to climb out of the division's gutter, as the AFC South surprised those around the NFL last year. But the Titans aren't messing around in free agency, as they've already made a smattering of high-end signings for big money on Day 1 of the legal tampering period.
Their latest signing, former New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, is another lethal addition for Saleh's defense. And his contract details send an unmistakable message to the NFL: Although the rebuild is still somewhat on, the Titans are going for it this year.
Alontae Taylor's big-money contract proves Titans are all-in
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Tennessee is giving Taylor a three-year deal worth $60 million. $42 million of that lucrative contract is fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Between Taylor's expensive deal and those handed to John Franklin-Myers, Cor'Dale Flott and Wan'Dale Robinson, it is clear that the Titans view themselves as a team that can make a run during the 2026 NFL season.
Based on that hefty price tag, Taylor is sure to line up as an outside corner as well, which makes that money even more well spent. Nickel corners are not as critical for a defense, and there was some question about whether Taylor would line up in the slot or out wide.
RELATED: John Franklin-Myers' contract details prove Titans paid much-neded premium
Well, his hefty contract, combined with Schultz's report, certainly paints a picture of a team ready to throw him back on the outside. Plus, the Titans not being too careful with their money means that they are at least angling themselves to take a step in the AFC South.
Of course, last offseason, Tennessee was fairly aggressive, and it didn't amount to much. In fact, the Titans still won just three games, but didn't have the fortune of landing atop the draft board. But they have a more competent coach this season and don't have a rookie quarterback.
This Titans defense could be a group of bloodthirsty pirates under Saleh as soon as Week 1. Adding Franklin-Myers, Flott and Taylor to a unit that already has Jeffery Simmons is a scary reality for the division and conference to face.