FanPost

Finding Diamonds in Rough - A Realistic Look at Free Agency

With the first overall pick looming, it is easy for Titans fans to get caught up the draft excitement. But the reality is that the Titans draft day decisions will be largely influenced by what they accomplish (or fail to accomplish) in free agency. Free agency, like the draft, is an exciting time, with big names like Muhammad Wilkerson, Eric Berry, and Alshon Jeffery all becoming available. Unfortunately, most of the top tier players will be retained by their teams via the franchise tag. And, if they make it to the open market, they will surely fetch a giant contract; something the Titans have been either unwilling or unable to provide in prior offseasons. As a small market team with a bad record in the past few years, it would be very optimistic to think we could land a top tier free agent. In the entire history of the organization, the biggest free agent contract we ever gave out was to a guard, Andy Levitre. So the Titans should have two focus points as they embark on the free agent hunt: upgrading current positions and finding players with high upside.

While the big, flashy acquisitions may be more exciting as a fan, I would argue that multiple upgrades to different aspects of the roster would have much more of an impact than one star. There were many players that the Titans trotted out to start this year that were far below average when compared to other starters at their position. These sub-par players don't need to be replaced with top tier replacements; even starters who rate out as average would pay huge dividends. The Titans should also use Delanie Walker as a model for finding players on the cheap with star potential. While Walker had shown flashes in San Francisco, he never had enough playing time to earn a big contract. If the Titans zone in on these type of players, they have enough cap space to sway them from staying the course with their current teams. Sure, some of these players may regress or flop, but at a relatively cheap cost the upside is definitely worth it.

Keeping these two rules in mind, I have compiled a list of players who meet 2 simple categories: A) They should not break the bank as far as contracts go, and B) They would provide an upgrade to the position as compared to last year's starter.I think signing these solid, if unspectacular, players could make the Titans leaps and bounds better next year.

Marc Mariani, Bears WR

Starting off strong here, folks! I'm sure some of you are already rolling your eyes, but bear with me. The Titans looked absolutely lost on kick returns last year. We need to sign a true returner who we can count on to move the ball and make smart decisions. Cycling through a new skill player each week isn't going to cut it. While Mariani struggled with fumbles on the punt return, he wouldn't have to play there unless McCluster was injured. His specialty would be kick returns, where he averaged over 26 YPR this year. By comparison, the Titans ramshackle unit average around 21 yards. That 5 yards can certainly make a difference. Also, Mariani managed 22 catches and 300 yards receiving this year. While that isn't particularly impressive, I would prefer him as veteran WR depth over someone like Andrew Turzilli. But again, my focus here is improving the return game. If not Mariani, the Titans need to find someone who can do the job better than the crew last year.

Jeremy Lane, Seahawks CB

Lane provides a perfect example of what I mean by upgrading the position. Coming off an average year (72 PFF rating), he isn't going to be the big splash some fans are clamoring for at the CB position. But when you compare him to the starter from last year (due to injuries), Coty Sensabaugh (46.1 PFF rating), he would be a marked improvement in our secondary. Add in the fact he has Super Bowl experience and has played alongside one of the best CBs in the game (Richard Sherman), and Lane becomes even more appealing. Byron Maxwell was a bust in Philadelphia, so there is always a risk that the Seahawks made him look better than he was. But I still think he would be leaps and bounds better than the depth we currently have. A top 3 of McCourty, Lane, and Cox would look pretty good when healthy. And I don't think it will take a Thurmond-sized contract to land him.

Michael Harris, Vikings G

Ooh, sexy Guard pick! I had originally wanted to find a Center for this list., but there just wasn't a lot of great options that fit my guidelines. So I went with Harris, who had a solid year blocking for Adrian Peterson (76.9 PFF). I couldn't find a comparative score for the motley crew the Titans deployed at Guard this year, but Harris most certainly would be an upgrade. I am sure Marcus Mariota would feel better with Harris protecting him than he would Spain or Poutasi. As a mid-level guard, he also wouldn't require a huge contract. But the value he would bring in helping to shore up the line and protect Marcus would be a bargain.

LeGarrette Blount, Patriots RB

Blount just makes a lot of sense to me in Mike Mularkey's scheme. It was obvious by his stubborn refusal to use Bishop Sankey last season that he wants a big, bruising back for his power run game. Well, here you go. While Blount may be a little overrated as a true power back, he still averaged 4.3 YPC and garnered a 76 PFF rating last year. Signing him to a 2-3 deal (thus handcuffing him to Mularkey) would make more sense than handing the reins over to David Cobb already. And after his big deal in Pittsburgh was a bust, I doubt he will have any other large contract offers on the table.

Akiem Hicks, Patriots DT

Second Patriot in a row, which enforces my idea that signing guys from quality programs who have playoff experience can be beneficial to a team. Hicks, who was yet another midseason find for Belichick, impressed in the second half of the season while shoring up the DT position. While only getting 484 snaps, he managed a 76.3 PFF rating, which was comparable to Haloti Ngata. And he was certainly much better than Al Woods (66.5) and Sammie Lee Hill (67.8), who are free agents in their own right. The 6'5, 324 lb behemoth managed 3 sacks, which is quite impressive for a DT with limited snaps. He also was staunch in the run game. While Hicks limited starting time makes him a risky long-term signing, he showed promise this year that could continue on with the Titans.

Mike Remmers, Panthers OT

Many Titans fans are clamoring for the Titans to improve their offensive line through the draft. While others insist we should first look to free agency. There are players such as Mitchell Schwartz and Ryan Schraeder who would be great acquisitions, but in a league devoid of quality tackles, the fight for these players will be very competitive. Which is why I think the Titans should focus on someone like Remmers. His PFF rating of 71.5 is nothing remarkable, but also not that far behind other more lauded OT free agents like Joe Barksdale (79.3). And he certainly looks like an upgrade when you compare him to Byron Bell, who posted 57.7 at OT last year. For fans that want a OT in free agency, someone like Remmers will probably be the reality: an upgrade, but not necessarily a standout. He certainly has his flaws, as you can see by looking at any Panthers fan site. Is that worth passing on Tunsil to draft another position?

Ladarius Green, Chargers TE

Green is one of those players who is always on the verge of breaking out. He is huge at 6'6 238, and can run like a gazelle (ran a 4.53 at his combine). But it is hard to have a breakout season when you are stuck behind future Hall-of-Famer Antonio Gates. Still, despite missing 3 games due to injuries, he put together a respectable season with 429 yards and 4 TDs. While not the best blocker, he still finished with a respectable 74.3 PFF rating. There are probably some questions as to why I would suggest a TE when we currently have a Pro-Bowler on our roster. Well, barring a surprise re-signing, Craig Stevens is riding off into the sunset this offseason. And both Walker and Fasano are in the final years of their contracts and 31 years old. It is never too late to look to the future. Plus, Green could be yet another weapon for Marcus to utilize. Can you imagine Green and DGB together in the Red Zone? Terrifying. He may not want to play in the shadow of another Pro-Bowler, but I am very intrigued by the skillset he offers.

I would like to clarify that this list isn't set in stone for me. These players are merely examples of the types of players I think the Titans should chase: affordable upgrades. And there are many to be had in free agency. I know that PFF isn't always the best rating metric, but there are no doubt many roster improvements that could be made to this team. And it wouldn't break the bank, either. Additionally, if the Titans fix any glaring holes, it will give them much more flexibility in the draft to choose the best available players. I am encouraged by our new GM Jon Robinson, and am hopeful he realizes this roster needs an entire overhaul, not just one star player.