Titans free agent spotlight: LB Daren Bates

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Titans’ free agent class. One by one, we’ll provide some basic details on the player before making an argument for both sides — why the Titans should, or shouldn’t re-sign that player. We’ll also offer our final verdict and a prediction to go along with it.

Name: Daren Bates

Position: linebacker

Age: 30

Why the Titans should keep Bates: Bates is a fan favorite and it sure was fun to see him back in Tennessee in 2020 for his second stint as a Titan. His energy on the sidelines is infectious. He’s an excellent teammate and a fun personality in the locker room. As for his skill set as a football player, Bates is an excellent special teams player. The team signed him in mid September in part to sure up their special teams units. Bates could provide the same special teams ability on the field in 2021 that he did in 2020. He’s played in this system for several years now and he knows it well.

Why the Titans should let Bates walk: He’ll turn 31 years old during the 2021 season. While it was a lot of fun to see Bates in two-tone blue in 2020, the organization should be able to find a younger player to fill his spot.

Final verdict: It’s time to move on.

Prediction: The Titans let Bates play his football elsewhere in 2021.

What are your thoughts? Should the Titans re-sign Bates? Leave your opinion in the comments.