Three viable replacements for Titans OLB Harold Landry

The Tennessee Titans took a massive blow on Thursday when news broke that Pro-Bowl pass rusher Harold Landry would miss the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL. Now, let's make something clear. Harold Landry is not replaceable. Since he entered the NFL In 2018, he has missed just one of the Titans' 65 regular […]

Add as preferred source on Google

The Tennessee Titans took a massive blow on Thursday when news broke that Pro-Bowl pass rusher Harold Landry would miss the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL.

Now, let's make something clear. Harold Landry is not replaceable.

Since he entered the NFL In 2018, he has missed just one of the Titans' 65 regular season games. In 2021, he recorded 12 sacks, 75 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and was named to his first career Pro-Bowl at the age of 25.

He's a gifted athlete that possesses the ability to drop into coverage, while also being one of the stronger pass rushers in the league. He can do it all.

Hence why the Titans signed him to a five-year, $87.5 million contract extension this offseason.

Now all of that being said, Titans GM Jon Robinson is still going to be tasked with finding replacements that can minimize the affect Landry's absence will have on the defense. Here are who I believe to be some of the best options available:

1. Dee Ford

Oct 31, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dee Ford (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dee Ford (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A Pro-Bowler with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, veteran pass rusher Dee Ford has been a free agent since he was released by the San Francisco 49ers in late July.

Ford played in just 18 games over three season with the 49ers, plagued by injuries to his neck and his back that kept him off the field. When he was on the field, though, Ford was a difference maker.

In those 18 games, Ford posted 9.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.

If he has interest in returning to the NFL, calling Ford up for a workout couldn't hurt. The internal options to fill Landry's roll all lack experience, something Ford would definitely bring with him.

2. Robert Quinn

Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn (94) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn (94) leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Three-time Pro-Bowler and former All-Pro OLB Robert Quinn is coming off of a season in which he broke the Chicago Bears all-time franchise record for sacks with 18.5.

He may be 32-years-old and entering his 12th season in the NFL, but as of now, there are no signs of Quinn slowing down in career that may end at Canton.

The Bears have been listening to trade proposals for Quinn all offseason, and to this point, new GM Ryan Poles has decided to keep him in the Windy City.

That said, the Bears new regime has been intentional about getting younger and creating roster turnover. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. In one offseason, they've cut ties with Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Bilal Nichols, and Danny Trevathan.

Jon Robinson should at least pick up the phone.

While Quinn doesn't possess the same ability to drop into coverage that Landry does, he would at least give the Titans a feared pass rusher with strong technique to line up across from Bud Dupree.

The only negative? Trading for Quinn obviously means parting with draft picks in the process. He also has three years and nearly $40 million left on his contract with Chicago.

He doesn't come cheap.

3. Kemoko Turay

Jul 27, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Kemoko Turay (53) warms up during Training Camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Kemoko Turay (53) warms up during Training Camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Kemoko Turay failed to make the San Francisco 49ers 53-man roster after signing with them as a free agent this past offseason.

A former second round pick by the Colts, Turay posted 12 sacks in four seasons while in Indianapolis. 5.5 of them coming as a rotational piece in 13 games played in 2021.

Because of his veteran status, Turay was not exposed to waivers upon being cut from the roster. He had the option to pursue a deal for money with any other team, and instead chose to sign back with the 49ers to the practice squad.

That doesn't mean he wouldn't sign elsewhere if presented with a better opportunity, though. The Titans could give Turay more money with an opportunity to immediately get playing time in their defense. He'd also be lining up with one of the best front four's in football.

He's still only 27-years old, and is one of the few easily acquirable options that balances proven pass rushing ability with potential upside when he hits their scheme.

Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports