UPDATE: The Tennessee Titans announced they have officially agreed to terms with cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (READ MORE HERE).
The Tennessee Titans are reportedly finalizing a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Score, the one-year deal is set to be worth up to $5 million. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday night that the two sides would have a visit on Monday but a signing was likely if all went well.
A former second-round pick in 2019 and four-year veteran, Murphy-Bunting has started in 36 of 53 games played over four seasons with the Bucs.
He started in 13 of 21 games he’s appeared in the past two seasons and posted some impressive coverage numbers, including a 51.2 percent completion rate allowed and 59.6 passer rating against in 2022. Pro Football Focus recorded his coverage grade at an eye-opening 80.9.
Breaking: #Titans are finalizing a 1-year deal worth up to $5M with FA CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, sources tell @theScore.
Still just 25 years old, SMB won a Super Bowl with the #Bucs. He notched 1 INT, 1 FF and 6 PBUs during Tampa Bay’s last four games of 2022. pic.twitter.com/FZaVnlg5nF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 20, 2023
But as you’ve probably already noticed, Murphy-Bunting hasn’t played a full season in those two years, missing a combined total of 13 games in that span.
The 25-year-old dealt with a dislocated elbow in 2021, and then a quad injury in 2022.
Murphy-Bunting is a good addition if he can stay healthy, as not only does he add more experience, depth, and speed to a young secondary, he can work from both the slot and outside.
The depth part might be the most important, though, after Tennessee’s group has been riddled with injuries the past few years, with guys like Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden and Amani Hooker all missing significant time.
That said, if the Titans can find a way to keep Murphy-Bunting and the rest of those guys healthy, while also seeing a step forward from 2022 second-round pick Roger McCreary, this secondary can be scary good.
