Open Rants by David Frost

3.7.21

We all do it. At the end of our team's season, we lament what could have been (unless you're Bucs fans this year). We inevitably know that this team we love will not be the same the next season. Players come and go. This offseason is especially challenging for most teams, with the pandemic lowering the salary cap for the first time in a decade.

As it stands today, the Titans have roughly $6 million available in 2021 cap space. More will be done in the coming days to increase that number, whether it's restructuring contracts, or releasing players. The Titans fall somewhere in the middle of not urgently needing to clear the books, but having little money to add players who will improve the team.

For the Titans, I keep coming back to five players they should prioritize re-signing. There’s no way they can keep everyone. Depending on the day, I've thought of each as a "top" priority to retain. They each happen to represent a position of need for the Titans anyway: LB, EDGE, WR, DB and TE.

Outside of these five players, DaQuan Jones is one who came close to cracking the list. He's a defensive captain; a guy who does a lot of the dirty work that doesn't show up on the stat sheet. He can be re-signed rather inexpensively, or be easily replaced.

Without further ado, here are the cases for, and against, re-signing the following players, listed in alphabetical order.

*Note: The age listed represents how old they will be on September 9, 2021, the expected kick-off date.

Jayon Brown

LB · Age: 26

Jayon Brown’s story is a great one so far. A fifth-round pick who rose up the ranks, and a guy who’s consistently overlooked. His personal highlight was Week 17 of the 2018 season: Sunday Night Football, a win-and-you’re-in game against the Colts. The team didn’t have much going for them that night, with Blaine Gabbert at the helm and no Jurrell Casey or Logan Ryan on defense. Jayon Brown single-handedly kept the Titans in that game with a pick-six, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Despite the team’s issues elsewhere, they made it to the middle of the 4th quarter squarely in that football game because of his efforts. The Titans have a former first-round pick (Rashad Evans) at the position, but Brown has felt like the group’s leader; a great teammate and locker room guy.

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The team has a tough decision to make in less than two months about Evans’ fifth-year option. That’s a tricky question in and of itself, but if the team decides to commit to what would be two more years for Evans, it could be at the expense of Brown. Another factor against spending on Brown is the emergence of David Long, a guy who flies around the field making plays. Long is not nearly as skilled in coverage as Brown is, but who’s to say that’s not an area where he could grow with more experience? With money severely limited and a drop in the salary cap, letting Brown walk might be necessary if the team wants to throw dough at other positions (hello, EDGE and WR).

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Analysis: This one seems like a true 50-50 to me. He’s probably the most consistent player on this list, and one I would feel more emotional about letting walk. When speaking on the need to put more pressure on QBs next season, Jon Robinson specifically mentioned Brown’s ability in coverage as another way to affect the QB; because they have to hold the ball a split second longer. Having said all of that, I completely understand if the team needs to let him go in order to improve other areas. This would entail adding a cheaper inside linebacker, likely through the draft.

Jadeveon Clowney

EDGE · Age: 28

Based on playing a premium position - one where the Titans desperately need improvement - one could argue that Clowney is the most valuable player leaving Nashville. Sack numbers don’t tell the whole story. Clowney is still a disruptive player; one who’s stout against the run, forces double teams and creates opportunities for his teammates. He’s a mismatch piece, capable of playing in multiple spots on the field. He wouldn’t need to learn a new system; just show up to the offseason program and improve from where he started in September. To be clear, last season was a disappointment. His price tag has to come down. At the same time, the Titans have to get a lot better in this area without spending much to do so. It seems like both parties need each other.

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The reasons to let Clowney walk seem almost too obvious. The whole thing was a circus from the get-go. All the drama leading up to signing just days before Week 1... to produce 0 sacks in 8 games. For $13 million. He’s now 28 years old and coming off of meniscus surgery... This doesn’t exactly endorse a second contract. There ought to be plenty of EDGE options on the open market anyway. Coupled with the Vic Beasley train wreck, there’s just a fowl taste in the mouths of Titans fans. The potential remains undeniable, but at what cost?

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Analysis: The EDGE position ought to have more available talent than usual due to teams’ salary cap crunches. The Titans will explore all options here, but can’t afford the top-tier players without sacrificing in other areas. Another one-year deal for Clowney requires setting some emotions aside and betting on each other, but might end up being the most logical choice. It can’t be the only addition the team makes here.

Corey Davis

WR · Age: 26

Corey Davis is an unsung hero for this offense. He was asked to be the group’s leader at a young age. He hasn’t played like a top-5 draft pick, but he’s shown gradual improvement each season, finishing just short of 1,000 yards receiving last season. In a run-centered offense. Speaking of that, he’s a huge part of the team’s rushing success. Mike Vrabel states frequently that it takes “11 guys” to create a successful run. Davis embodies that mentality as a blocker on the perimeter. He endured incredible adversity this past season. From a bout with COVID-19, to the loss of his brother in November, he battled and handled everything with class and professionalism. As a player, there’s less pressure on him with the emergence of A.J. Brown as a true #1 WR. Together, they compliment each other well.

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The top-5-draft-pick status might be the problem when it comes to re-signing Davis; it inflates the player’s price tag. The team chose not to pick up his fifth-year option because of this. Even after his breakout, that remains the correct decision. It would have carried a $15+ million salary for 2021. He’s simply not worth that type of money. This past season, he had 0-catch games against both Chicago and Green Bay. There were drops late in the year against Houston, followed by another 0-catch game and an early exit in the playoffs. Another factor working against Davis: the wealth of options available at WR. Guys like Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay and JuJu Smith-Schuster fill out the top of the current WR market. Teams anticipate another draft class deep at the position as well.

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Analysis: No one understands the value Davis brings to a team better than the Titans. Davis recently bought a new house in Nashville. These signs point towards a reunion in Tennessee. If they’re unable to strike a deal, multiple players will be added (through free agency and the draft), but likely ones that cost less. Players who should cost around or less than Davis who would be good fits: Will Fuller or Curtis Samuel. Either would add an explosive, speed element to the offense. Marvin Jones could also be a nice short-term value signing at age 31. He was quietly a steady performer in Detroit.

Desmond King

DB · Age: 26

After a 4-0 start, the Titans lost their next two games. The secondary was not healthy, and the defense was getting exposed. Then, Jon Robinson made a nifty little trade to acquire Desmond King for a sixth-round draft pick. This is a former All-Pro player, young and cheap, who had a falling-out with his former team (the Chargers). In his Titans debut, he recovered a fumble and ran it 63 yards for a touchdown. His season was rather quiet other than that, but he’s had plenty of impactful plays in his career so far. This was a nice, low-risk move attempting to replace Logan Ryan in the slot.

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There’s not much to say as far as an argument against re-signing him. His former team was willing to deal him away on the cheap, despite his talent. It’s a small red flag, but from an outside perspective, he seems to be a culture fit in Tennessee. There’s a small pie to go around (currently) and many needs to address. Adoree’ Jackson and Kristian Fulton should be healthier next season. If the team decides to hold onto both Jackson and Malcolm Butler, who was the team’s best defender last season, keeping King could be seen as a luxury.

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Analysis: I consider cornerback to be a premium position, but King does so much more than that, with the ability to play nickel, safety and contribute on special teams. That versatility is an attractive quality to Vrabel and co. (“The more you can do,” as he talks about). To me, King is a priority re-signing that isn’t getting enough talk. It wouldn’t be terribly expensive, and the other free agent options simply aren’t great. However, keeping King could come at the expense of either Malcolm Butler (who would save $10 million in 2021 if released) or Adoree’ Jackson, who’s fifth-year-option money is not yet guaranteed.

Jonnu Smith

TE · Age: 26

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This offense was really clicking last year, and Jonnu Smith was a big part of that success. His game is multi-dimensional. His unique speed makes him a threat on jet sweeps and screens. He’s a strong red zone option, and someone who can make explosive plays. The one-handed catch against Baltimore in the playoffs (January, 2020) was a glimpse of that. With Delaine Walker’s departure, this past season was the first where Smith was the true #1 TE from the jump. He proved himself more than capable, starting the season with 5 touchdowns in the first 5 games. A drop in touchdown production coincided with Taylor Lewan’s injury; Smith was asked to chip in and block more in his absence. That only showcases more value that he can bring to a team moving forward.

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The case against keeping Smith comes down to cost, essentially. How much is he worth to the Titans? Considering that many key pieces of last year’s offense are in place for next season, the scarce resources could go towards fixing an ailing defense. Fellow TE, Anthony Firkser, is a restricted free agent. We have more control over our terms for keeping him, and he’d be much cheaper to re-sign. Smith is not likely to develop into an elite player in Tennessee. He may perceive a greater opportunity to thrive elsewhere (statistically) for an offense starving for weapons.

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Analysis: Out of these five players, Smith is the only one who should be considered for the franchise tag. This is because the tag price for TEs (around $10 million) is the most palatable, and most in-line with the talent we’d be keeping for the price. $10 million annually is the peak of what Smith should see on the open market. There’s not a better option available, other than maybe Hunter Henry. Smith doesn’t turn 26 until August. I think the franchise tag makes a lot of sense here, with continued talks on a longer deal.