After yet another dismal year for the offensive line in 2023, the Tennessee Titans may end up replacing up to four starters upfront in 2024.
The only player locked into a starting role for next season is 2023 first-round pick and left guard Peter Skoronski, who showed signs that he has the goods to be a long-term solution at the position.
While Skoronski is the only sure thing, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the only one to return from last year’s group, as it’s conceivable Tennessee could stick with some in-house options at different spots.
The Titans will have multiple avenues to improve their offensive line this offseason, whether that be through free agency, the draft and/or a trade.
With free agency first on the offseason docket, here’s a look at four offensive linemen the Titans could target. We’ve included one player for each of the four positions Tennessee may want to replace.
C Lloyd Cushenberry
While I’m a firm believer the Titans should grab their next left tackle in the 2024 NFL draft, I’d prefer to see them turn to the free-agent market at center for a veteran option at the position.
Cushenberry is arguably the best option out there and would provide an upgrade over Aaron Brewer, who struggled in pass protection last season. Brewer was good in run-blocking, but Cushenberry is comparable, at worst.
Aaron Brewer’s 2023 stats (1,050 snaps)
Sacks: 6
Pressures: 34
Pass-block grade: 52.5
Run-block grade: 78.7
Penalties: 5
Lloyd Cushenberry’s 2023 stats (1,070 snaps)
Sacks: 1
Pressures: 14
Pass-block grade: 76.4
Run-block grade: 72.4
Penalties: 5
RT Mike Onwenu
I’m not totally convinced the Titans won’t go with either Dillon Radunz or Nicholas Petit-Frere at right tackle in 2024, but if not Onwenu would be a great option for the position.
Onwenu has a history of success at both right guard and right tackle, but he played the latter position in 2023.
Based on PFF grades, he and Radunz are on fairly even footing in terms of run-blocking but Onwenu would definitely be an upgrade in pass protection.
Dillon Radunz’s 2023 stats (774 snaps)
Sacks: 5
Pressures: 36
Pass-block grade: 59.7
Run-block grade: 78.7
Penalties: 11
Michael Onwenu’s 2023 stats (850 snaps)
Sacks: 3
Pressures: 23
Pass-block grade: 68.0
Run-block grade: 72.2
Penalties: 4
RG Robert Hunt
If the Titans don’t stick with Daniel Brunskill at right guard in 2024, Hunt, who has played guard and tackle during his career, would be a fine choice to replace him.
Hunt is coming off the best season of his career and had better numbers than Brunskill in both run-blocking and pass protection.
Daniel Brunskill’s 2023 stats (768 snaps)
Sacks: 2
Pressures: 26
Pass-block grade: 67.7
Run-block grade: 62.5
Penalties: 1
Robert Hunt’s 2023 stats (547 snaps)
Sacks: 1
Pressures: 5
Pass-block grade: 74.5
Run-block grade: 75.9
Penalties: 2
LT Tyron Smith
Again, my preference is for the Titans to find their left tackle of the future in the draft, but there’s no guarantee they’ll actually land that player. Thus, they need to have a backup plan.
While I definitely have concerns about his age and injury history, Smith is the best pure left tackle set to hit the open market this offseason and would be a great bridge option if the Titans don’t draft a franchise left tackle.
If the Titans do land their long-term blindside protector, Smith has the ability to slide over to the right side, where he may very well be better suited at this late stage in his career.
I know I’ve listed the stats of each free agent to compare them to the Titans’ starter at the position last year, but the team had the worst left tackle play in the sport in 2023, so it goes without saying that as long as Smith is healthy, he’s a better option than Andre Dillard and Jaelyn Duncan.
Tyron Smith’s 2023 stats (847 snaps)
Sacks: 1
Pressures: 18
Pass-block grade: 88.6
Run-block grade: 70.5
Penalties: 3
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