The Tennessee Titans have a grand total of 26 pending free agents to make decisions on during the 2024 offseason, and 13 of of those come from the defensive side of the ball, which is now headed by new defensive coordinator, Dennard Wilson.
While Tennessee’s defense no doubt had its issues in 2023, it was easily the more consistent unit, with the team’s pass-rush standing out the most. That was crucial because of how poorly the secondary played.
The biggest notch on the Titans’ belt on defense in 2023 was the fact that the unit finished as the No. 1 red-zone defense in the NFL.
The Titans have a slew of needs to address on the defensive side of the ball, but some of those can be filled simply by bringing back some of their own pending free agents.
Let’s take a look at who the Titans’ 13 pending free agents on defense are and we’ll share our verdict for what Tennessee should do with them, whether that be re-sign them or let them walk.
Note: Defensive free agents list is courtesy of Over the Cap.
1
DL Denico Autry
Autry tallied 28.5 sacks over three seasons with the Titans, including a career-high 11.5 in 2023. Former general manager Jon Robinson made a lot of mistakes over the years, but Autry certainly wasn’t one of them.
He turns 34 in July, but after showing he still has plenty left in the tank, the Titans should bring Autry back and return him to his starting spot upfront.
Verdict: Re-sign
2
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Al-Shaair proved to be a great leader and finished his first season in the two-tone bluee with 163 tackles, the fifth-most in the NFL, and a pair of sacks.
At 26 (27 in August), Al-Shaair is young enough to keep for the long haul as the Titans start their rebuild in 2024. They just need a new starter alongside him.
Verdict: Re-sign
3
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
SMB had some lapses in coverage to go along with some bad penalties, but finished with a completion rate allowed of 63.8 percent and a passer rating allowed of 91.8.
Murphy-Bunting, 26 (27 in June), isn’t the No. 1 cornerback the Titans need, but he’s a solid No. 2 who could be a long-term solution, or at the very least a bridge option to the future.
Verdict: Re-sign
4
CB Kristian Fulton
Not only did Fulton have trouble staying healthy once again, but his play on the field was abysmal thanks to poor coverage and countless backbreaking penalties. Fulton posted career-worst numbers in completion rate allowed (75.5) and passer rating allowed (114.1).
Fulton desperately needs a change of scenery and the Titans shouldn’t invest another penny in him moving forward.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
5
OLB Trevis Gipson
Gipson had a quiet 2023 campaign, but that had more to do with the fact that the Titans simply didn’t utilize him enough. He did, however, post one sack and an elite PFF grade of 89.3 as a pass-rusher in 39 pass-rush snaps.
With the need for help along the defensive line and in the depth department at outside linebacker, Gipson, who is only 26 (27 in July), would be a great fit to help fill multiple roles, assuming the Titans stick with a 3-4 defense.
Verdict: Re-sign
6
S Terrell Edmunds
Acquired in the Kevin Byard trade, Edmunds was quietly good in coverage, as he surrendered completions on just 54.5 percent of the passes thrown his way and gave up a passer rating of 36.2.
The Titans have multiple question marks at safety, as the team must figure out who will start with Amani Hooker and who the depth will be. Edmunds would be a fine solution for the latter.
Verdict: Re-sign
7
LB Joe Jones
Jones has appeared in games for the Titans in each of the last three seasons but his only value is on special teams. I’d like to see the Titans move away from signing so many players whose only ability is in that area, thus Jones shouldn’t be brought back.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
8
DL Marlon Davidson
Davidson showed some flashes over five games with the Titans, tallying one sack and a pair of tackles for loss.
At 25 (26 in May), there is still hope for Davidson to turn his career around and the Titans need depth options along the defensive line. I’d like to give him a longer look.
Verdict: Re-sign
9
DL Ross Blacklock
Blacklock didn’t do much in the 63 snaps he played over three games. He’d be a camp body if brought back but I’d rather give his spot to a player with some actual upside.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
10
S K'Von Wallace
Wallace’s coverage numbers weren’t good (84.2 completion rate allowed, 112.5 passer rating allowed) but he did have a pair of passes defensed and was around the ball quite often.
I think he was a bit exposed with extended playing time and would be better in a backup role. He’d be fine as a No. 3 or No. 4 safety.
Verdict: Re-sign
11
DL Jaleel Johnson
Johnson’s biggest contribution was providing entertainment when he called out the team publicly. Other than that he had one sack and zero tackles for loss.
With Johnson turning 30 in July and not offering much upside, the Titans should let him walk and give that spot to a younger player.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
12
DL Kyle Peko
Peko had some good moments for the Titans in 2021 but did not look like the same player in 2023. I would be surprised if he’s brought back.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
13
LB Jack Gibbens (ERFA)
Gibbens surprisingly won the starting job out of training camp but ultimately did not look the part of a starting linebacker. That said, the Titans could do worse in terms of a backup, and Gibbens can play on special teams, also.
As an exclusive rights free agent, the Titans have control over the Minnesota product and I think they keep him around for another year as a third or fourth linebacker option.
Verdict: Re-sign
14
Check out our verdicts on other Titans pending free agents
15
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