Remaining 2024 Free Agent Targets for the Titans
The NFL Free Agency market is pretty dried up, as most of the top talent has already signed and found new homes. Though the Titans had an eventful free agency period, signing Calvin Ridley, Chidobe Awuzie, Lloyd Cushenberry, and trading for L'Jarius Sneed, roster acquisitions can occur at any time. Here are a couple of free agents general manager Ran Carthon should target to fill Tennessee's biggest remaining needs.
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Safety Justin Simmons
Ran Carthon stated after the draft that the Titans would look into acquiring a veteran safety, as the team could use an upgrade over Elijah Molden, who is currently penciled in to be the starter next to Amani Hooker. Though he isn't the same player he used to be, Justin Simmons is still one of the better safeties in the NFL. The 30-year-old hauled in three interceptions and scored a 77.6 run defense grade in 2023. Simmons was also second-team All-Pro for the fourth time in his career last year. Tennessee had reported interest in Simmons back in March, according to Dianna Russini of the Athletic. If his asking price isn't obnoxious, Justin Simmons in two-tone blue would be a seamless fit.
AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman
Safety Marcus Maye
Simmons should be Tennessee's number one safety target, but Marcus Maye would be a great fallback option. Maye played under new Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson from 2017-2020 when Wilson was the defensive backs coach for the Jets. This offseason, we've seen the Titans acquire multiple players who were coached by prominent members of the new coaching staff, including WR Calvin Ridley (OC Nick Holz), WR Tyler Boyd (HC Brian Callahan), and OL Leroy Watson (OL Coach Bill Callahan). Along with his connection to Wilson, Maye visited the Titans' facility on March 14th. The 31-year-old allowed zero touchdowns in coverage and a passer rating of 69.7 when targeted in 2023 and would be on a relatively cheap contract.
SB NATION
EDGE Carl Lawson
Lawson didn't see the field much in 2023 and is still unsigned. Though he has dealt with injuries and isn't great against the run, Lawson can still provide value as a pure pass rusher. In 2022, Lawson posted seven sacks and 49 QB pressures and boasted a 72.8 pass-rush grade. The veteran would be on an inexpensive deal and be a solid addition to the Titans' pass-rushing department.
OTHER POTENTIAL EDGE RUSHER TARGETS:
Emmanuel Ogbah
Yannick Ngakoue
Overall, the free agent market is deprived of meaningful talent. Justin Simmons, Marcus Maye, and Carl Lawson are the three names that fit what Tennessee still needs heading into the summer.
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