With all but two teams eliminated from the 2021 season, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler placed each NFL squad in an “overhaul tier” going into the 2022 offseason.
For the Tennessee Titans, Fowler places them in the “need postseason breakthrough” tier. Here’s his take on what Tennessee needs to do this offseason.
Projected 2022 cap space: $2,663,739
Big ticket free agent: Harold Landry III, OLB
Low-key important free agent: Geoff Swaim, TE
Priorities this offseason: Stout offensive line play is crucial for Derrick Henry’s production, and though Tennessee’s line has been stout for a while, reinforcements might be due. Center Ben Jones and guard Rodger Saffold turn 33 and 34, respectfully, this summer. Right tackle David Quessenberry turns 32 in August. Left tackle Taylor Lewan missed a combined 19 games the last three seasons because of injury. Not to say these players can’t be productive together in 2022, but replenishing the front with youth seems necessary.
Tennessee can get out of Julio Jones’ $11.5-million salary without cap issues, so it must decide whether he can still produce at age 33 in 2022 coming off lingering hamstring issues. Tennessee finished tied for 10th with 16 interceptions but could use an additional cornerback. Janoris Jenkins turned 33 in October and Caleb Farley is coming off a torn ACL.
Fowler puts the Titans in the correct tier here. After making a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019, the Titans have fallen flat in the playoffs two years in a row after two division titles and securing the No. 1 seed in 2021.
