Titans view unheralded free agent signing as potential Week 1 starter
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made some noise during NFL free agency with the additions of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed among other moves. The Titans had some big holes to fill and many of the players they acquired this offseason were brought in to be Week 1 […]
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made some noise during NFL free agency with the additions of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed among other moves.
The Titans had some big holes to fill and many of the players they acquired this offseason were brought in to be Week 1 starters for Tennessee. Many of them were also paid like starters. The Titans have been the NFL's top spender this offseason for a reason.
But even some of the more lowkey additions the Titans made could wind up getting serious playing time. That includes unheralded offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles.
Saahdiq Charles
Charles was a fourth-round pick by Washington in the 2020 NFL Draft that has played 35 games with 18 starts over the last four seasons. In 2023, he started 10 games for the Commanders at left guard and allowed four sacks with 37 pressures (per PFF).
His deal with the Titans is for one year and $1.5 million. On the surface, that’s a signing that’s made for depth on the offensive line. But after speaking with Titans' offensive coordinator Nick Holz on Wednesday afternoon, it’s clear that the organization believes Charles can be much more in 2024.
"He's really a power player. You looked at him in Washington and when he came off the ball, you could really see that. For us, he's attractive because if we can get that level of play consistently, he's a starting guard in the NFL," said Holz when I asked him how Charles could fit in with this offensive line. "To get him how we got him and get him as quickly as we did, we're really excited."
Holz added that new Titans running backs coach Randy Jordan, who was previously with Washington for 10 seasons and familiar with Charles, spoke very highly him in free agency. We also know the weight that Bill Callahan's opinion carries within the organization, and Holz said that Callahan really enjoyed Charles' tape.
Peter Skoronski has left guard locked down, so Charles will need to make a switch to the right side if he wants a chance at starting in 2024. Luckily, he has 402 career snaps of experience as a right guard and should have no trouble making the transition back.
I think the right guard spot could be a much more open competition than I initially thought. Returning veteran Daniel Brunskill is probably the early favorite to win the job, but if Bill Callahan and the Titans see something in Charles that they believe will fit their offense, I wouldn't be surprised to see him overtake Brunskill in training camp.
NFL Mock Draft: Titans make risky trade and add three starters in Top 50
Two-round Titans mock draft with a big trade!
