The vibes around the Tennessee Titans feel very much like 2014 all over again. A very eerie feeling. Just like eleven years ago, the franchise is directionless for the most part and just gathering draft picks and gathering a squad of durable enough veterans to add some depth, respectability, and some darn competence, to this desolate Titans roster.
Over the past week there has been a whirlwind of interesting free agency signings all over the league. The money these athletes make blows my mind more and more as I get older. The contracts are only getting bigger over time too.
The Titans did not sign any superstars but they have been busy in terms of volume of players and overall did spend a respectable amount of money on some pretty solid talent. A large portion of these signings are only one year deals so, there is not much of a big commitment financially which feels wise as the Titans are deeply in rebuild mode. The Titans also re-signed a few former Titans and of course lost a few Titans. It has definitely been an information overload to say the least.
The Titans released long time Titan Harold Landry III. Basically to help save cap space. Landry pretty promptly re-joined Mike Vrabel as he signed a three year deal with the New England Patriots. Stinks to see Landry go to be honest, I always liked him. He played in a lot of big games for the Titans after being drafted in the second round by the team in 2018. Time flies for sure, I definitely appreciate the memories. Landry was a one time Pro Bowler and recorded over 50 sacks at outside linebacker while in a Titans uniform. It's cool he's rejoining Vrabel. Landry also went to Boston College so I'm sure he doesn't mind returning to the area for that reason either.
I'd say the biggest signing the Titans made was signing former Steelers LT Dan Moore to a four-year $82 million contract, with $50 million guaranteed. I can't lie I've never really heard of the guy. I've heard many say he's ok, but the Titans definitely overpaid for him. I think it's an ok deal, but of course I do LOL. I think this contract is a result of a perfect storm for Moore. He's not a bad player first of all, and he has many other circumstances perfectly on his side. He's young, he plays a premium position, he's shown strong durability, and the NFL cap space rose again this season and so players are able to be paid even more. The move allows Moore to play LT and will allow Titans' first round pick from last season, J.C. Latham to play his hopefully more ideal position at RT.
There's four signings that I'd argue are kind of a tie for second place all things considered.
- ILB Cody Barton - Barton has averaged 121 tackles a season the past three seasons.
- DE Dre'Mont Jones - Jones is a solid versatile player. One year, $10 million deal. Win win for both sides I'd say LOL.
- S Xavier Woods - Recognized, respected, durable journeyman safety. Could easily get the Titans two picks and eighty tackles in 2025.
- G Kevin Zeitler - Super solid pickup by the Titans. Extremely experienced player, he's been in the league since 2012! WOW. Despite his age, he's been extremely durable and actually earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2023 at the age of 33!
On average, the Titans will be dishing out roughly $7.75 million to each of these players in 2025. Zeitler and Jones are only on one year deals. Average combined age of these four players is about 30. These guys are all durable, competent, and inexpensive. Not flashy, but useful players.
Other notable signings include the Titans re-signing DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, as well as signing WR Van Jefferson and P Johnny Hekker. Joseph-Day was a pleasant surprise in my opinion last season, and it's nice to see him back. Van Jefferson has had a mixed, up and down career. Jefferson is more of a WR4 or WR5 but I could see a scenario where he overachieves and he finds himself at a WR3. Unlikely, but maybe. Jefferson has ties to Tennessee and so maybe he will be motivated to be the best version of himself being in a more familiar area. Hekker is perhaps a future Hall of Fame punter. The guy is talented with pinning teams back. He is a 4x First Team All-Pro, 2x Second Team All-Pro, 4x Pro Bowler and is on the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010's. He's also a Super Bowl Champion. Pretty solid value I'd say.
Jefferson likely replaces fan favorite Titans receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine! NWI worked his tail off for a nice half-decade in two tone blue and watching his steady growth and development was inspiring stuff to watch. In 2024 he had a super fun season, recording career highs in receiving yards with 497 and most notably receiving touchdowns with 9. NWI felt like a touchdown glitch for a good while this past autumn and winter, it felt like he was going to score at least once a week. In a dreary season, he was a fun player to watch. NWI is now a Dolphin. Hekker also replaces well liked Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse. Big respect for Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Ryan Stonehouse!
There's definitely a lot going on with the Titans these days. It feels to me like the Titans are looking to draft Cam Ward but, nobody actually knows for sure. The Titans have improved with all of these signings but only slightly. If the Titans can compliment these signings with an excellent draft, then the Titans could be rocking and rolling soon. The Titans have EIGHT picks in this year's draft. Can only imagine how much things will change by the time September rolls around.
Let me know what you think of these signings. Seems like the Titans are just focusing on value and durability at this point in time.
#TITANUP
Two more Madden games of mine from ages ago!
