Five impending Free Agents the Titans should bring back
Though the draft is the most prominent way of building a successful and competitive football team, NFL Free Agency is one of the most paramount times of the year for many players and front-office personnel. The Titans have a bunch of impending free agents this March, so let's take a look at five players who Ran Carthon should bring back in 2024...
Denico Autry, DL
Autry had a career year in 2023, totaling 11.5 sacks, 12 TFLs, and 24 QB pressures. The former Colt was Tennessee's best defensive player this season and flourished alongside Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry on the Titans' D-Line. Though he showed no signs of decline in his age 33 season, GM Ran Carthon could be reluctant to give a long-term extension to a player entering his age 34 season. A short one or two-year deal worth around $8-$10 million per year is a more realistic option for Autry. The former Mississippi State Bulldog has stated that he has a desire to remain in Tennessee, and the Titans should make an effort to retain Denico for another season or two...
K'Von Wallace, Safety
After being claimed off waivers on October 25th, it took some time for K'Von Wallace to find his role on the team. After making little to no impact in his first three games, Wallace finished the season strong and was one of the better defensive players on the team down the stretch. K'Von started the last seven games for Tennessee and finished the season with a PFF Grade of 75.9, with ten run stops and one missed tackle. Though he isn't the long-term solution at safety, Carthon should retain Wallace for adequate depth in 2024. A cheap one or two-year deal should get the job done and satisfy both parties...
Chris Moore/Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WRS
Moore and NWI have entirely different skill sets, but both made an impact nevertheless. Moore established himself as a nice complementary deep threat in 2023 and made some pivotal catches in critical moments. On the other hand, Westbrook-Ikhine made his mark as a security blanket and a valuable piece on special teams. Though Tennessee has the capital to bring both back, I feel only one will return to the team in 2024. With the firing of Mike Vrabel and a likely change in offensive philosophy centered around the aerial attack, Moore is more likely to be back than NWI, but it could go either way.
COIN FLIP: Azeez Al-Shaair, LB
Al-Shaair was a tackling machine for Shane Bowen's defense in 2023. The former Florida Atlantic standout racked up 163 total tackles this season with 9 TFLs. Though he is a functional run defender and tackler, Azeez struggles in pass coverage. The former 49er posted an abysmal 57.2 coverage grade via PFF and allowed a passer rating of 97.2 this season. Al-Shaair isn't awful, but he isn't a high-end starter either. If he’s willing to return for a reasonable price (around $5-$6 million), Carthon should consider bringing back Azeez to compete for a starting spot in training camp...
COIN FLIP: Derrick Henry, RB
And then there's Derrick Henry. In his speech after the Titans' season finale win over the Jags, the King indicated that he may not return to the team in 2024. Henry clarified these comments in his post-game presser, stating that winning a Super Bowl in Nashville is still at the forefront of his mind (Video). Though he isn't the same Derrick Henry of old, he is still one of the five best RBs in the NFL and can still make an impact. This decision will be tough for Carthon and could go either direction. Resigning a 30-year-old RB whose best days are behind him may not be the wisest move, but Derrick Henry is unlike any RB in the NFL. This is a genuine coin flip that can only be decided once we see who the franchise’s new head coach will be...
IMAGES FROM TITANS.COM
STATS FROM PFFR