Five Biggest Free Agency Moves: Tennessee Titans
With free agency now into its fifth week as April’s Draft draws closer, it’s time to start reviewing which teams filled some needs and who got weaker. Here are the five biggest free agency moves for each team so far.
After a promising 9–7 campaign last season, the Titans are a young team on the rise. With a few more additions, especially on defense, Tennessee could be a dark horse playoff contender this season. While general manager Jon Robinson will focus on the Draft as the main way of building the team, he still found some contributors in free agency. Here are Tennessee’s five biggest free agency moves:
1 — Signing Logan Ryan
The Titans were desperate for upgrades on defense, especially in the secondary. So Tennessee signed former Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan to a three year, $10 million deal. Ryan proved to be a versatile player in New England and is one of the best tackling corners in the league. Pairing Ryan with Jason McCourty and potentially a young draft pick at corner gives the Titans a potent secondary. Ryan had 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble last season.
2 — Missing out on big name receivers
Tennessee’s biggest off-season priority was trying to find a true number one receiver to pair with quarterback Marcus Mariota. With a huge amount of cap space, the Titans should’ve been able to land a top target. However, despite being in the mix to sign Alshon Jeffery or trade for Brandin Cooks, the Titans come away empty-handed. Robinson will now need to find a stud receiver in the Draft, which should be doable as the Titans wield two first round picks.
3 — Signing Sylvester Williams
In addition to needing a revamp in the secondary, the Titans also had needs up front on the defensive line. So they signed former Broncos defensive tackle Sylvester Williams to a three year, $17.5 million deal. Denver declined to pick up Williams’ fifth year option prior to the 2016 season due to cap space, but failed to retain the 28 year old. Williams was mainly a two down player in Denver, but started all 16 games last season and finished with a sack and a batted pass. Williams will dramatically improve Tennessee’s run defense despite it being one of the best units in the league last season.
4 — Signing Jonathan Cyprien
The Titans signed former Jaguars safety Jonathan Cyprien to a four year, $25 million deal to add yet another veteran upgrade to the secondary. Cyprien is a solid player who had four passes defensed, a sacks and a forced fumble last season. He is a versatile player who has only missed four games in his career and can help in the box or as a cover man.
5 — Re-signing Matt Cassel
Matt Cassel brought over a decade of quarterback experience to the Titans last season and is a good mentor for Mariota as the young quarterback continues to develop. Cassel is also a solid veteran backup who returns on a two year, $5.25 million contract.
