Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason

The Tennessee Titans’ 2025 offseason free agent strategy will center on signing low-risk, high-impact players who fill immediate roster gaps while preserving salary cap space for long-term extensions (like a potential new deal for Derrick Henry). After a 2024 season marred by injuries and inconsistent play in key positions, the front office has identified five priority areas: offensive line depth, secondary reinforcement, edge rush support, a pass-catching tight end, and running back insurance. Unlike past offseasons where the Titans pursued high-priced “splash” free agents, this year’s approach will prioritize “value fits”—veterans with proven track records who are entering their prime (27–30 years old) or looking for a one-year deal to rebuild their market value. Each free agent target will be evaluated not just for talent, but for how well they fit Vrabel’s physical, team-first culture. Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus breaks down the franchise’s most critical free agent needs and the players best suited to address them.

The top free agent priority for the Titans this offseason is a versatile offensive lineman who can start at guard or tackle—filling the gap that left the team vulnerable to injuries in 2024. A ideal fit here is Andre Dillard, a 29-year-old former first-round pick who spent the past two seasons with the Tennessee Titans’ divisional rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dillard, who can play both left and right tackle and has experience at guard in emergency situations, allowed just 2 sacks in 14 starts for the Jaguars in 2024 and graded 78.3 in run blocking (per Pro Football Focus)—a critical trait for a team that relies on Henry’s downhill running. What makes Dillard a perfect fit is his familiarity with AFC South defenses (he’s faced the Titans twice a year since 2023) and his affordable price tag: he’s likely to command a one-year deal worth \(8–10 million, well below the \)15+ million annually that top-tier tackles demand. “Andre is the kind of player who can step in and start day one at multiple positions,” said a league source familiar with the Titans’ thinking. “For a team that struggled with O-line injuries last year, his versatility is invaluable.” Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus highlights how Dillard’s skill set and cost align perfectly with the Titans’ need for reliable, flexible offensive line depth.

Another key free agent fit for the Titans is a playmaking safety to stabilize their inconsistent secondary—a need that became urgent after Kevin Byard’s struggles in 2024 and Amani Hooker’s upcoming free agency. The Titans should target Julian Blackmon, a 27-year-old former Pro Bowler who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Blackmon, a versatile safety who can play both free and strong safety, recorded 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 89 tackles in 2024, and he graded 82.1 in coverage (per PFF)—the highest among all pending free agent safeties. What makes Blackmon a standout fit is his ability to support the run (he missed just 3 tackles last season) and his experience in AFC South matchups, where he’s proven effective against the Titans’ divisional rivals. He’s also a low-risk signing: Blackmon has played 16 games in each of the past two seasons (after missing 2022 with an injury) and is likely to sign a two-year deal worth \(14–16 million—far less than the \)20+ million annually that elite safeties like Justin Simmons command. “Julian checks every box for us,” said Titans defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. “He can cover, he can tackle, and he’s durable. Adding him would make our secondary instantly better.” Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus underscores how Blackmon’s all-around game solves the Titans’ safety dilemma.

The Tennessee Titans’ offseason free agent strategy should also include signing a veteran edge rusher to complement Denico Autry and Emmanuel Ogbah—addressing the pass rush depth that faltered when Autry was injured in 2024. A top fit here is Yannick Ngakoue, a 29-year-old who has recorded at least 8 sacks in each of the past seven seasons (most recently with the Houston Texans in 2024). Ngakoue, a speed-focused edge rusher with a quick first step and a repertoire of pass-rushing moves, tallied 9 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles last season, and he’s proven durable (he’s missed just 2 games since 2017). What makes Ngakoue a perfect fit for the Titans is his familiarity with the AFC South (he’s played for the Jaguars, Colts, and Texans) and his ability to contribute in run defense— a trait Vrabel values in edge rushers. He’s also a value signing: Ngakoue is likely to seek a two-year deal worth \(20–22 million, a discount from his 2024 salary of \)13 million (due to a down market for edge rushers). “Yannick is a proven producer,” said Vrabel. “He can get to the quarterback on third down and set the edge on run plays. Adding him would give us the consistency we need in our pass rush.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on Ngakoue ensures they don’t rely too heavily on aging veterans, while keeping their salary cap intact. Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus shows how this signing balances short-term production with financial responsibility.

The Tennessee Titans’ free agent search should also target a pass-catching tight end to unlock their offense’s full potential—filling the gap left by Chigoziem Okonkwo’s inconsistent receiving production. A standout fit here is Dalton Schultz, a 29-year-old who spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans and has a history of success with Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (the two played together in Dallas in 2020–2021). Schultz, a reliable route-runner with soft hands and red-zone awareness, caught 58 passes for 615 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2024, and he graded 79.2 in pass blocking (per PFF)—a key trait for a team that runs the ball 55% of the time. What makes Schultz a perfect fit is his chemistry with Tannehill (he caught 72% of Tannehill’s targets in Dallas) and his ability to play both in-line and as a slot tight end, giving the Titans’ offense more formation flexibility. He’s also affordable: Schultz is likely to sign a two-year deal worth \(12–14 million, well below the \)18+ million annually that top tight ends like Travis Kelce earn. “Dalton is the kind of tight end who can make defenses pay for stacking the box against Derrick,” said Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. “He can catch the ball over the middle and block in short-yardage situations. He’s exactly what we need.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on Schultz adds a dynamic weapon to their offense, making them harder to defend. Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus highlights how this signing can elevate the Titans’ passing game.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans’ offseason free agent plan should include signing a veteran running back to back up Derrick Henry—providing insurance and reducing Henry’s workload as he enters his 10th season. A top fit here is Kareem Hunt, a 29-year-old who spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns and has a history of success as a backup and short-yardage specialist. Hunt, a physical runner with good vision and pass-catching ability, rushed for 583 yards and 4 touchdowns on 142 carries (4.1 yards per carry) in 2024, and he caught 28 passes for 210 yards—proving he can contribute in both the run and pass game. What makes Hunt a perfect fit is his experience as a backup (he’s never started more than 10 games in a season) and his ability to replicate Henry’s physical style (he’s 5’10”, 226 lbs, and excels in between the tackles). He’s also a low-cost signing: Hunt is likely to seek a one-year deal worth \(3–4 million, a fraction of Henry’s \)15 million salary. “Kareem is the ideal backup for Derrick,” said Titans general manager Jon Robinson. “He can handle 10–12 carries per game if needed, and he’s a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. Adding him would let us rest Derrick more in the regular season, keeping him fresh for the playoffs.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on Hunt ensures their run-heavy identity remains intact, even if Henry misses time. Free Agent Fits for Tennessee Titans Offseason thus concludes with a signing that balances respect for the present (Henry’s legacy) with preparation for the future—embodying the Titans’ overall offseason philosophy.