New Titans GM has big connection to potential free agent fit
One of the first things newly hired Ran Carthon will need to do as Tennessee Titans General Manager is bolster the currently depleted offensive line, whether that be through free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft. The Titans finished the season without Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones, and Nate Davis, who all ended up on season-ending […]
One of the first things newly hired Ran Carthon will need to do as Tennessee Titans General Manager is bolster the currently depleted offensive line, whether that be through free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Titans finished the season without Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones, and Nate Davis, who all ended up on season-ending IR. Ultimately, the lack of pass protection would be one of the main contributors to Tennessee's seven-game losing streak to finish out the year.
Unfortunately, Carthon will have his work cut out for him if things are going to improve up front next season.
Davis is a free agent this offseason, Jones could be looking at retirement, and Lewan is owed nearly $15 million next season while coming off two ACL surgeries, making him likely to be cut from the roster. 2021 second round pick Dillon Radunz also tore his ACL at the end of December, and is unlikely to be back on the field by the start of the 2023 season.
That leaves just LG Aaron Brewer, who could move to center if Jones chooses retirement, and RT Nicholas Petit-Frere, a third round draft pick in 2022.
With three starting spots potentially open on the Titans' offensive line in 2023, filling those holes should be priority number one for Carthon. Luckily, the new Titans GM has a pre-existing relationship with one of the biggest potential free agent fits, San Francisco 49ers RT Mike McGlinchey.
Mike McGlinchey
McGlinchey was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers while Carthon was working in the team's scouting department. He has been holding down one of the league's best offensive lines ever since.
McGlinchey started every game in 2022, and played on 94 percent of offensive snaps throughout the season while allowing 0.89 QB hurries per game. He is 6-foot-8, 310 pounds, and just turned 28 last week. He is a reliable pass protector on the right side that is entering the prime years of his career.
In many ways, he is the perfect fit for what the Titans need next season, and given Carthon's history of scouting McGlinchey collegiately before the Niners drafted him 2018, Tennessee's new GM knows how he could fit better than anyone.
A free agent contract for McGlinchey could be similar to the extension Taylor Moton signed with the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 offseason. Moton agreed to a four-year, $71.25 million contract extension with $43 million guaranteed at signing back in 2021 at the age of 26. McGlinchey, while two years older, will receive a lot of interest this offseason as an unrestricted free agent, driving his price up.
Sure, it would come at a cost, but rebuilding this offensive line is the first domino that needs to fall before the Titans can construct the rest of their roster. Whether it's Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, an older veteran, or a 2023 draft prospect at quarterback for Tennessee in 2023, they will have a very difficult time succeeding without pass protection in front of them.
That's something McGlinchey brings to the table, and his relatively healthy past would make his price tag well worth it.
Image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
