Titans rely on Ran Carthon’s strength to replace David Long
The Tennessee Titans lost linebacker David Long in free agency on Monday
The Tennessee Titans lost linebacker David Long to the Miami Dolphins on Monday.
Long agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Dolphins after the legal tampering period opened on Monday at 11:00 AM CT/12:00 PM ET.
The deal can't become official until the new league year begins on Wednesday.
Tennessee didn't waste much time replacing Long. On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the Titans are signing linebacker Luke Gifford to a two-year deal.
This is essentially a "value signing" by the Titans — which is one of new general manager Ran Carthon's strengths.
Part of Carthon's responsibilities with the San Francisco 49ers was monitoring the wavier wire and evaluating available players. Carthon would then bring players that were a good fit to the general manager and head coach.
Carthon excelled in this area. A to Z Sports' Sam Phalen pointed out this week that during Carthon's time in San Francisco, the 49ers signed numerous "gems" in free agency.
Phalen noted that San Francisco signed center Alex Mack for $5.5 million in 2021 and they received a solid year of production (Mack's final year in the NFL). They also signed Arden Key in 2021 and the defensive end went on to have the best season of his career with the 49ers.
Carthon is tremendous at identifying under-the-radar talent that fills a need. And it appears that's what he's done with this Gifford signing.
Fans have to trust Carthon for now. This is his first offseason running a front office. Give him time to install his philosophy and bring in players that fit his vision and Mike Vrabel's vision. The track record of success is there. It might take some time, but Carthon can build a powerhouse in Nashville.
