Why the Tennessee Titans prioritized re-signing Ben Jones
NASHVILLE — While the Tennessee Titans have yet to be overtly active in free agency, they've prioritized keeping key pieces home. Center Ben Jones was high among them. Jones signed with Tennessee as a free agent in 2016 and has been a staple for the Titans offense ever since. The veteran offensive lineman was among general […]
NASHVILLE — While the Tennessee Titans have yet to be overtly active in free agency, they've prioritized keeping key pieces home. Center Ben Jones was high among them.
Jones signed with Tennessee as a free agent in 2016 and has been a staple for the Titans offense ever since. The veteran offensive lineman was among general manager Jon Robinson's first acquisitions to a roster that needed an influx of talent fast.
On Monday, Jones signed up for a reported two-year, $14 million contract extension. The move was essential for Tennessee, keeping the former fourth-round pick as the anchor of the offensive line.
Availability is the best ability, as the cliché goes.
Jones want to retire with the Titans
Jones has rewarded Tennessee's continued faith in him by being one of the most reliable players in the game.
He is the only one of Titans linemen to start at least 96 of a possible 97 games since joining the team in 2016, per the team's PR. Since being drafted a decade ago by the Houston Texans, Jones has appeared in 160 of 161 possible regular season games. He started all but one of those 160 appearances.
How much longer will he play, and will he finish his career in Tennessee?
"Very excited that I'm back," said Jones on Friday. "I wanted to finish my career here, and the things we had going. We have some stuff that we need to take care of and finish here."
Jones made all 17 regular season starts in 2021, withstanding the rigors on an expanded NFL slate. While 91 total players put on a Titans jersey due to rampant injuries, Jones' durability helped keep the team on-track as everything else unraveled. Tennessee's offense finished fifth in rushing yards per game last year, despite losing running back Derrick Henry for nine weeks of football.
Leading by example and being there for his teammates is something that Jones prides himself on.
Jones nearly left the Titans
NFL business can be fickle like that sometimes.
Those close to the situation described Jones's representation and the front office in Tennessee as being "pretty far apart" days before terms were agreed upon. One of Robinson's offseason objectives was to re-tool a unit that allowed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to be sacked 47 times.
Jones, 32, was the only pending unrestricted free agent of last year's group.
"Yeah, there was a point where we were looking to move on," said Jones. "But they got it done. And I’m happy we got it done. But it was a point where I had to have that talk with my wife. It’s like, `Hey, we might have to leave.’ Those are not easy talks and anything like that. But you have to have those talks."
Robinson will be tasked with finding at least one new starter to help keep Tannehill upright.
Left guard Rodger Saffold was released and signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. Tackle Taylor Lewan and right guard Nate Davis return alongside Jones. The team did sign free agent Jamarco Jones who has experience at both guard and tackle in 10 total games three-year career.
While change is coming to the Titans offensive line, Jones influence was critical to retain.
Featured Image: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports.
