Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Tennessee Titans.
2016 record: 9-7 — 2nd place, AFC South
What’s new? For the first time years, they’re viewed as a good team — maybe even a contender.
Projected salary cap space: $62 million — The fourth-highest total in the NFL.
Key in-house free agents: G Chance Warmack, OT Byron Bell, WR Kendall Wright, S Rashad Johnson, DT Karl Klug, TE Anthony Fasano
The versatile Bell was a 16-game starter at tackle and guard in 2015 but missed the entire 2016 season due to injury. The talented Warmack was a top-10 pick in 2013 but also missed virtually the entire 2016 campaign. They might want to bring one or both of those guys back to compete with Josh Kline and/or Quinton Spain in support of Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin and Ben Jones. But both Kline and Spain were good in 2016. Wright, Johnson, Klug and Fasano are very replaceable.
Key needs: They need defensive backs, pass-rushers and pass-catchers. That’s about it.
Draft breakdown: They have the fifth and 18th selections in Round 1, as well as two third-round picks and a second-rounder. Busy Thursday and Friday night.
Other potential priorities: Defensive starters Wesley Woodyard and Jason McCourty are entering contract years.
Outlook: The core is there, especially on offense. Now it’s about using money and draft picks to get stronger. They’re in an absolutely great position coming off a strong year.
