REACTION: Titans Re-Sign Ben Jones to Two-Year Deal
The literal centerpiece of the Tennessee Titans’ offense, Ben Jones, is coming back. Tennessee re-signed Jones, who was slated to become an unrestricted free agent, to a two-year deal worth $14 million on Monday. Ian Rapoport had the news first. Jones first signed with the Titans in 2016, and he's been a steady force at […]
The literal centerpiece of the Tennessee Titans’ offense, Ben Jones, is coming back.
Tennessee re-signed Jones, who was slated to become an unrestricted free agent, to a two-year deal worth $14 million on Monday. Ian Rapoport had the news first.
Jones first signed with the Titans in 2016, and he's been a steady force at center ever since.
"Continuity is important, and I think Ben does a great job of always being available," head coach Mike Vrabel said at the combine. "Whatever his level of play is, his availability and durability is something I’ve respected the most.
"The husband he is, the father he is, the teammate he is, it's exceptional. His performance on the field, his availability and durability is something I’ll always admire.”
Vrabel's right: Jones has proven during his time with the Titans that he's one of the NFL's most durable players, missing just one game in his six seasons as the Titans' starter.
That streak wasn't the result of a stroke of luck; Jones often plays through various injuries and rarely leaves the field during games even when he gets nicked.
Beyond his availability, Jones is a solid and consistent player, particularly in the run game. He's continually improving, too, as 2022 was arguably his best NFL season.
Jones also serves an intellectual function for the Titans. He's in charge of their pass protection calls, and that makes life much easier for QB Ryan Tannehill.
"We realize how tough he is and we're thankful we have a guy that wants to battle it out there with us and really set the tone up front," Tannehill said in November.
The contract Tennessee gave Jones, most importantly, is affordable.
An average annual value of $7 million is more than reasonable for a player of Jones caliber⏤strong and steady, but not elite.
The Titans will certainly have some new faces on their offensive line in 2022, with Rodger Saffold departing and David Quessenberry potentially done as the starting right tackle.
Center is one spot where they won't have to worry, though.
Image credit: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today
