Grading the Titans major 2024 free agency signings!
The first wave of NFL Free Agency is officially over, and the Titans were active spenders during the period. Tennessee addressed many of their pressing needs during the first week of free agency and still have around $40 million in cap space to work with. Though the Titans aren't done adding talent to a roster that still needs work, let's hand out grades for the major signings they've made thus far!
THIS IS A PREMATURE GRADE OF THE SIGNINGS. CAN’T FULLY JUDGE UNTIL THE SEASON!
WR Calvin Ridley: A-
Nobody expected the Titans to win the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, as Jacksonville and New England seemed like the favorites for most of the process. But Ridley chose Nashville and signed a four-year, $92 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. The 29-year-old will now form a formidable duo with Deandre Hopkins and provide QB Will Levis with another explosive playmaker. Ridley's crisp route running and ability to create separation will help ease the Titans transition into a pass-first offensive under a young QB and first-year HC. Though the contract seems like an overpay to some, Tennessee structured the deal well, as Ridley's cap hit in year one is just ten million. Tennessee also has a potential out in the contract after 2025 in case of a disaster. Overall, Ran Carthon and the Titans receive an adequate grade for the Calvin Ridley signing!
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean: RIDLEY
CB Chidobe Awuzie: B
Awuzie had an inconsistent 2023 season coming off a torn ACL, but the Titans are betting on him returning to his 2021 and 2022 pre-ACL injury form. The 28-year-old was Cincinnati's CB1 for most of his three-year tenure and allowed an average passer rating of 64.2 from 2021-22. Awuzie's physicality and leadership will mesh well with first-year DC Dennard Wilson's philosophies and provide Tennessee with a stable leader during a rebuild. Three years, $36 million with $23 million guaranteed, is also a fair contract for Awuzie, who will likely serve as the team's CB1 in 2024. Chidobe's first-year cap number is scheduled to be around $6.9 million, though it increases to $14.5 million in years two and three. This grade could skyrocket if Awuzie returns to his 2021 and pre-injury 2022 form, but for right now, we gotta give it a "B."
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean: AWUZIE
LB Kenneth Murray: C-
Murray is a super athlete who thrives when involved in blitz packages as a free rusher, but the 25-year-old is awful in pass coverage and has yet to put together an above-average season. The former first-round pick hasn't posted a PFF grade higher than 55.0 in a season so far in his career and has allowed an average passer rating of 107.3 through his first four seasons. Murray's two-year, $15.5 million contract isn't awful, but there were better and more established players on the market for the Titans to sign for around a similar price or a little more. Though Murray has struggled mightily, a change of scenery and a new type of defensive scheme may be what he needs to flourish. The initial grade is a "C-," but this potential low-risk, high-reward signing could work out in Tennessee's favor. On the other hand, it could also end in an absolute trainwreck...
Jessie Rogers/Donald Page-TEN: MURRAY
C Lloyd Cushenberry: A
Aaron Brewer was an absolute mess in pass protection, so the Titans decided to acquire one of the best pass-protecting centers in the NFL. Cushenberry had a breakout 2023 season, allowing just one sack and 14 QB pressures in 1,070 snaps. The former LSU Tiger also received high marks by PFF, posting a 76.5 pass-blocking grade and a 72.4 run-blocking grade. Cushenberry's $50 million contract over four years, which includes $26 million guaranteed, is good value for one of the better young centers in the NFL. Though Calvin Ridley was the splash signing for the Titans, Cushenberry boasts the highest grade due to Tennessee's pressing need at the position.
TitansWire: CUSHENBERRY
RB Tony Pollard: B+
Tony Pollard's versatility and juice will fit the Titans' new offensive style under Brian Callahan. The former Memphis Tiger had back-to-back 1,300 scrimmage-yard seasons with Dallas and will form an electric duo with Tyjae Spears. The 26-year-old averaged over five yards per carry in three of his first four seasons in the league while in a partnership with Zeke Elliott. That efficiency could be rejuvenated in Tennessee as he collaborates with Spears in the backfield. Pollard's three-year, $21 million contract with 10 million guaranteed is also good value. If Tony can rediscover his 2022 form, where he was a Pro Bowler, the Titans are getting a versatile and explosive back who will complement and spell Tyjae Spears perfectly.
Donald Page/Titans: POLLARD
OVERALL GRADE: B
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