The Titans have been identified as a possible destination for four free-agent offensive linemen.

Titans Still Making Playoff Push Despite Losing Record - WDEF

The Tennessee Titans have struggled with one of the NFL’s weakest offensive lines over the past three years. In 2024, they are looking to revamp their offensive line to better protect quarterback Will Levis.

Among last year’s starting offensive linemen, only left guard Peter Skoronski, a 2023 first-round pick, is guaranteed a starting role.

The Titans are planning to make changes at left tackle, where Andre Dillard performed poorly in 2023, and at starting center, as Aaron Brewer, who struggled in pass protection, is set to become a free agent.

On the right side, there are potential solutions within the team. Both right guard Daniel Brunskill and right tackle Dillon Radunz are currently under contract, but their starting roles are not guaranteed despite their overall solid performances.

In the upcoming draft, the Titans are expected to address their offensive line needs, with many fans hoping they can select Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt with the No. 7 overall pick.

Before the draft, the Titans will explore options in free agency to bolster their offensive line. Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger has suggested that the Titans could be a destination for four free-agent offensive linemen.

G Robert Hunt, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins starting guard Robert Hunt won't play Sunday against the  Dallas Cowboys - The Phinsider

What Spielberger said:

You’ll see Tennessee on this list quite a bit, and they should be in the mix for any quality offensive lineman they can get their hands on besides left guards, where first-round rookie Peter Skoronski had a strong first season. We’re going back to 49ers connections here, with Titans general manager Ran Carthon also able to connect with McDaniel to get a fuller picture of Hunt’s skills. In Tennessee, Hunt’s ability to potentially kick back out to right tackle — even if just in a reserve capacity — is also intriguing.

Hunt would be a valuable addition to the Tennessee Titans, having allowed only one sack and five pressures in 2023. He also received impressive PFF grades of 74.5 in pass-blocking and 75.9 in run-blocking while playing right guard. Although he has experience at right tackle, he has not played there since his rookie season.

Considering his performance metrics, Hunt is likely to be an improvement over Daniel Brunskill at right guard, although the upgrade may not be significant. The situation at right tackle is less clear, as Hunt has less experience at that position compared to guard.

C Connor Williams, Miami Dolphins

Dolphins C Connor Williams sustains injury just plays into Week 14 game

What Spielberger said:

The Tennessee Titans are set to lose starting center Aaron Brewer to free agency, and perhaps they’ll be patient as they undergo a bit of a rebuild, allowing Williams time to get back up to full speed and rehab in the facility before returning to the starting lineup. That would pave the way for an extension and allow him to be the veteran center for Will Levis for years to come.

The Titans are in need of an upgrade at center following Aaron Brewer’s inconsistent performance. Although Brewer was effective in run-blocking, his pass protection was lacking.

Williams would be a significant improvement in both aspects, having surrendered just one sack and 15 pressures while earning PFF grades of 71.7 in pass-blocking and 90.5 in run-blocking in nine games.

However, there is a risk associated with Williams due to his ACL injury in Week 14 against the Titans. There is uncertainty about his readiness for the start of the 2024 season, and there is a possibility that he may not return to his previous form.

Despite these concerns, Spielberger suggests that Williams’ potential limitations could lower his price tag, making him a valuable acquisition for Tennessee. Among the options available, Williams appears to be the best choice considering his past performance and the Titans’ need at center.

OT Mekhi Becton, New York Jets

New York Giants select OT Mekhi Becton in 2020 NFL re-draft

What Spielberger said:

The Tennessee Titans are now set to hire former Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan, a legendary position coach who is the father of new Titans head coach Brian Callahan. Few coaches have helped launch or revitalize more offensive linemen’s careers than the elder Callahan. Tennessee also offers intriguing potential for Becton, with massive question marks at both tackle spots heading into 2024.

Becton is a potential option for either right or left tackle, but his performance in 2023 raises doubts about his ability to significantly improve either position.

The former first-round pick allowed 12 sacks in 2023, tying him for the highest in the NFL with Tennessee’s left tackle, Andre Dillard, who is likely to be released. Becton also recorded 50 pressures, the sixth-highest in the league.

Becton has limited experience at right tackle, having played only 101 snaps there in his career. Based on his performance at left tackle, the Titans might be better off investing in players like Dillon Radunz or Nicholas Petit-Frere for another season rather than signing Becton.

While the idea of Becton learning under respected offensive line coach Bill Callahan is intriguing, it may not be compelling enough to justify signing him given his recent performance.

OT Josh Jones, Houston Texans

Arizona Cardinals OT Josh Jones is PFF's pick as breakout player

What Spielberger said:

All the above teams need either starting-caliber or quality upside swing tackles, and Jones fits the billing there to a tee. He got some run on the inside at guard with the Houston Texans in 2023, as well, so he’s a flexible, young option with the potential to develop into a solid starter across the formation. Houston traded for Jones before the season amid a bunch of injuries across the line, and other teams had cursory interest.

Spielberger’s comparison of Jones to Dillard makes me cautious about considering him. Jones started in only three of the 13 games he played in 2023, primarily at left tackle (150 snaps), with additional snaps at left guard (63 snaps) and right tackle (15 snaps).

In those snaps, he allowed one sack and nine pressures, and he received PFF grades of 55.6 in pass-blocking and 52.1 in run-blocking.

While Jones performed adequately as the Arizona Cardinals’ left tackle in 2022, with grades of 75.9 in pass-blocking and 74.0 in run-blocking, he also allowed four sacks and 27 pressures in 622 snaps played (610 at left tackle) over 17 games (nine starts).

Jones could be a valuable addition as a backup capable of playing multiple positions. However, there isn’t enough evidence to consider him a reliable starting option for the Titans at any position on the offensive line.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*