ESPN says free agent tight end is a 'perfect fit' for Tennessee Titans
One big need for the Tennessee Titans this offseason is at the tight end position. Tennessee's tight ends from last year (Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt, and Geoff Swaim) are all free agents. It's possible that the Titans bring one (or more) of those tight ends back in 2022. Signing a free agent tight end, however, […]
One big need for the Tennessee Titans this offseason is at the tight end position.
Tennessee's tight ends from last year (Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt, and Geoff Swaim) are all free agents.
It's possible that the Titans bring one (or more) of those tight ends back in 2022. Signing a free agent tight end, however, is still expected to be a priority.
A couple of potential free-agent options went off the board this week. Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, and David Njoku all received the franchise tag this week.
But there are still numerous options for the Titans to pursue.
ESPN's free agent tight prediction for the Titans
ESPN predicted this week that Tennessee will end up signing Maxx Williams.
Williams might not be the first name that comes to mind when looking for an offensive difference-maker, but he's one of the more intriguing tight end options available.
Williams' 83.8 PFF run-blocking grade since joining the Cardinals in 2019 ranks first among all tight ends — an important consideration on an offense like Tennessee's. There's a possibility that he could add more than anticipated as a receiver, as well. Williams caught 16 of 17 targets in an expanded receiving role prior to his Week 5 injury last season.
This wouldn't be a glamorous signing, but it wouldn't be surprising, either.
Williams fits what the Titans usually look for in a tight end — he's an excellent run blocker, which is absolutely necessary with Derrick Henry in the backfield. The offense is going to continue to run through Henry in 2022.
The big downside to Williams is that he doesn't contribute a lot in the passing game — his career-high in receiving yards (268 yards) came during his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2015.
ESPN noted that Williams had an expanded role in the Arizona Cardinals' passing game last season before his season ended in week five with a torn ACL. He can be effective in the passing game, but he's never going to be a tight end who takes over a game.
The Titans don't have a ton of cap space to work with this offseason, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them pursue a cap-friendly option. Williams is projected by Spotrac to get a two-year deal worth $12.7 million in free agency.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
