Titans free agent spotlight: TE Anthony Firkser

We’re now just days away from the start of free agency! We’ve been looking at and profiling some key members of the Titans’ free agent class over the past few weeks. We still have a few more free agents to preview. There’s a chance we’ll still be looking at them after free agency opens, but the remaining list is mostly filled with role players that probably won’t sign anywhere until phase two or three, which makes these previews still relevant.

We’ll continue to 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.

We’re looking at a fan favorite today.

Name: Anthony Firkser

Position: tight end

Age: 26

Why the Titans should keep Firkser: Firkser has been such a nice find for this franchise. First signed by Tennesee in May of 2018, Firsker is a former UDFA that was cut by the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs before the Titans gave him a chance. It wasn’t always smooth sailing here either. Firkser was cut by the Titans and brought back on several occasions before he became more of a staple during the 2019 season.

Since then, Firkser has played a consistent role for this offense. Mostly utilized as a “big slot”, Firkser has been a big-time chain mover for Ryan Tannehill and the offense. Firkser’s role became all that more important when Adam Humphries went down with injury. Firkser played more than 70% of his snaps during the 2020 season in the slot.

He’s not somebody that they want playing with his hand in the dirt. Firkser is not a very good blocker, and the Titans have been wise to not force the issue here.

Let him do what he does best, and that’s beating linebackers and safeties in space.

There’s definitely a spot for Firkser on this team.

Why the Titans should let Firkser walk: I’ll be honest with you. I can’t think of a good reason why. Firkser is a restricted free agent, which means the Titans control his destiny. If they want to keep him, they have every chance and right to do so.

Final verdict: The Titans should absolutely bring Firkser back.

Prediction: Firkser is back in 2021 in the same role he played in 2020. He’s not your No. 1 TE, but he plays on obvious passing downs, and continues to be a security blanket for Tannehill on third down.

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