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The Tennessee Titans new General Manager Jon Robinson was the right hand man to Jason Licht the current GM of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with a big offseason coming up for both teams, how will they differ in their approach.
Robinson has been on local interviews explaining that he won't be passive this offseason whether that means in free agency or trading around in the draft. However, Jason Licht gave some of his thoughts on free agency a few days ago, and it will be interesting to see how they compare to the results this offseason.
Here is the quote that stood out the most:
"We'll be selective and strategic," Licht said Thursday night. "We don't want to put ourselves into a position where if you take the wrong guy and give him too much money, it can disrupt your team. I've said since Day 1, we are going to build through the draft. And from Day 1, the most success we've had is with draft picks."
Now, I agree completely with this thought. However, once you have your franchise quarterback and some key defensive players, is it so bad to build in free agency? You know who were free agents? DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, and Peyton Manning. That is essentially the core components of the roster that just won the Super Bowl. So while I think it can be a mistake to poor resources into free agency, I think a smart GM can make those moves work and make the right decisions.
Note: This next quote is from the author, Rick Stroud not Licht:
"All that said, don't assume Jackson, Mankins or other veterans under contract will each return under their current deals. They may, but it's not guaranteed. Players such as linebacker Bruce Carter ($4.25 million) and cornerback Alterraun Verner ($6.75 million) could also face adjustments, but there is no reason for those discussions now."
This was about how the Bucs want Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson to come back because of what they bring to the locker room, however Verner's name was just thrown out there. I imagine that the zone concepts in Tampa Bay are what has hurt Verner, but you know what place he loves? Tennessee. You know who runs an aggressive defense with man-to-man concepts mixed in well with aggressive zone schemes? Tennessee. You know who needs more corners? Tennessee. You know who would be happy to pay a cornerback like Verner a cheaper contract because he will be getting money from Tampa still? Tennessee.
I could go on and on, but you get the point. Hit the reset on Verner and give him a nice long 4-year deal for around $16-20 million total, and have him as a very solid #2 man corner. This team desperately needs depth there and who makes more sense as a high ceiling, high floor guy than Verner.