Impending FA targets Titans fans should watch on Championship Sunday
The Tennessee Titans may not be playing in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, but that doesn't mean Titans fans don't have a reason to watch. Apart from the highly anticipated football from the NFL's four best teams, Titans fans should also keep their eyes out for a number of impending free agents that are […]
The Tennessee Titans may not be playing in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, but that doesn't mean Titans fans don't have a reason to watch.
Apart from the highly anticipated football from the NFL's four best teams, Titans fans should also keep their eyes out for a number of impending free agents that are playing on Championship Sunday.
Here is one impending free agent from all four remaining teams that would be a good fit for the Titans to target in free agency this Spring.
Cincinnati Bengals – Hayden Hurst, TE
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst is the exact "do it all" type of player that the Titans should be seeking this offseason.
Tennessee signed veteran tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $6 million contract for the 2022 season, and relied on Hooper heavily as a third down pass catcher. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo shined as a future star and big-play threat.
Even with Okonkwo having a big role in the 2023 offense, the Titans are still likely to be in 12 personnel and deploy two tight ends a good amount. Unless Hooper is retained, Tennessee will need to find a replacement for the role he carved out for himself in the offense. They would do good to bring in Hurst for that spot.
Hurst's numbers (52 catches, 414 yards, 2 touchdowns) may not jump out on paper, but watching his impact in the Bengals' offense tells a different story. He makes contested catches in tight windows, blocks well down field, and can even make plays in the red zone when given a one-on-one matchup.
Hurst would probably command close to the same salary Tennessee gave Hooper last offseason, and there is a definite hole he could fill.
Kansas City Chiefs – Jerick McKinnon, RB
While running back is far from the biggest issue the Titans will need to address this offseason, it certainly couldn't hurt to take a look at a pass catching back like Jerick McKinnon to compliment Derrick Henry in the backfield.
Dontrell Hilliard will be a free agent this offseason, and while rookie running back Hassan Haskins showed some real promise as a downhill, physical runner, the Titans will still need a dual-threat running back to keep defenses on their toes in 2023.
McKinnon seems to fit that mold, and his connection to Titans' GM Ran Carthon is certainly worth mentioning. Carthon played collegiately at the University of Florida, and was teammates with a safety named Lester Norwood. McKinnon is Norwood's little brother. As the story goes, Carthon and Norwood lived in the same apartment building on campus, and Carthon would always see his little brother running around the complex. Years later, McKinnon would be scouted by Carthon and sign with the 49ers in free agency before making his way to Kansas City.
McKinnon had a career high 56 catches, 512 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns in 2022.
Philadelphia Eagles – Andre Dillard, LT
Left tackle Andre Dillard is probably the one impending free agent on this list that Titans fans won't be able to watch this weekend. Dillard is a backup for the Philadelphia Eagles, and has only played a total of 45 offensive snaps this season.
Dillard was Philadelphia's first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and has unfortunately been stuck behind two of the league's best offensive lineman for the last few seasons in Philly.
Right tackle Lane Johnson is a future Hall of Famer, and left tackle Jordan Mailata has quickly developed into one of the game's best left tackles despite being a 7th round draft pick in 2018.
By all accounts, Dillard is still starting caliber, and he will finally have the opportunity this offseason to hit the open market and find a new home where he can get some playing time. He would be a great addition for the Titans, who desperately need to rebuild their offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers – Mike McGlinchey, RT
As previously mentioned, the Titans will need to rebuild their offensive line in the 2023 offseason, and there may not be a better fit for their needs that San Francisco 49ers right tackle Mike McGlinchey.
McGlinchey was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers while Ran Carthon was working in the team’s scouting department. He has since been a cornerstone of one of the NFL's best offensive lines.
McGlinchey started every game for the Niners in 2022, and played on 94 percent of offensive snaps throughout the season while allowing 0.89 QB hurries per game. He is 6-foot-8, 310 pounds, and just turned 28 last week. He is a reliable pass protector on the right side that is entering the prime years of his career as he hits the open market.
If you want to know how the Niners have remained undefeated with Mr. Irrelevant playing quarterback for them this season, it starts with the consistent pass protection and outside zone run blocking that McGlinchey and LT Trent Williams provide.
He will be heavily sought after, but if the Titans can land McGlinchey in free agency, their offensive line will be in much better shape for years to come.
Image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
