The Tennessee Titans are poised to spend anywhere from $44 million to $60 million this offseason if they really make a push in free agency. Not only does this organization need to make moves, but the crop of free agents is uncommonly strong and deep this year. These are the names of the best players in free agency by position, and then a cheaper alternative if the Titans miss their chance.
Some situations will have more than one name at the top because it is really splitting hairs, so their may be more than one "best" option.
Quarterback: Ryan Mallett
Mallett may not have a good track record, but he is almost the carbon copy of Zach Mettenberger from a skills standpoint. Big frame and a strong arm will go well in this offense if the Titans can manage to add a consistent deep threat or develop one of their own (i.e. Justin Hunter).
Cheaper option: Shaun Hill
Running Back: Demarco Murray
Murray is a very talented running back, but he does have a certain amount of miles on him that will scare teams away. However, if Adrian Peterson is dealt in a trade or never sees the open market, then no running back has his sort of resume. Murray is a smooth runner who can take over a game given a good offensive line.
Cheaper options: Steven Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, Ryan Mathews, Frank Gore, Shane Vereen, Darren McFadden
Wide Receiver: Randall Cobb
With Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant both unlikely to see free agency, Cobb seems like the only big name receiver set to hit the open market. Cobb is most likely headed to Oakland, but if the Titans do somehow land him, he could be the player that everyone believes Kendall Wright is.
Cheaper options: Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Eddie Royal, Brandon Lloyd
Tight Ends: Julius Thomas
This is a weird class because while on paper Thomas is the clear leaders, players that leave Peyton Manning rarely turn out to be worth the money. Players like Virgil Green, Charles Clay, James Casey, and Jordan Cameron all could be players that make bigger impacts especially more impact per dollar.
Cheaper options: Virgil Green, Charles Clay, James Casey, Jordan Cameron
Offensive tackle: Bryan Bulaga
Bulaga is a very good right tackle that can make a deference on a Tennessee team where right tackle is a huge hole.
Cheaper options: Doug Free, Derek Newton, Jeremy Parnell
Guard/Center: Mike Iupati/Rodney Hudson
Iupati is a great mauling offensive lineman that should pair very well with Taylor Lewan as a dominant blocker on the left side. Hudson anchored the middle of an offensive line that dealt with some of the hardest defensive fronts in the NFL.
Cheaper option: Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling, Ronald Leary, Mike Pollack, Brian De La Puente, Will Montgomery