Titans named as a team to watch for former All-Pro with AFC South ties
The Tennessee Titans entered the 2024 offseason with more holes on its roster than a pair of jeans in East Nashville. General manager Ran Carthon has done well to satisfy some of the team's major needs, but could turn to free agency to give the Titans one final boost before training camp. There is no […]
The Tennessee Titans entered the 2024 offseason with more holes on its roster than a pair of jeans in East Nashville. General manager Ran Carthon has done well to satisfy some of the team's major needs, but could turn to free agency to give the Titans one final boost before training camp.
There is no position group on the current roster with more question marks than the Titans have at linebacker.
Tennessee signed first-round letdown Kenneth Murray to fill the void left behind by Azeez Al-Shaair. Murray is looking to redefine himself in a new environment, but he will have to do so with a subpar running mate playing alongside of him. The Titans' current options for the other inside linebacker spot are Jack Gibbens, 2024 fourth-round pick Cedric Gray, or Otis Reese IV. Gibbens has the edge in experience, but that is nullified by his lack of range.
The Titans would love for Gray to emerge as the green-dot guy, but first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is still working to implement his system. It's important to note that both Gibbens and Reese went undrafted which speaks to the level of talent the Titans lack at the position.
The Draft Network's Justin Melo proposes an interesting solution to one of the Titans' biggest questions ahead of the 2024 season. In his latest article, Melo links three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard to the Titans.
From The Draft Network: The Titans arguably have the most unproven group of linebackers in the NFL. The team leader in 2023 tackles Azeez Al-Shaair departed in free agency. He was replaced by former first-round bust Kenneth Murray, who is a reclamation project. More concerning, he's also Tennessee's No. 1 linebacker. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has his work cut out for him.
Murray will be flanked by either Jack Gibbens, Cedric Gray, or Otis Reese IV. If you're keeping score, that's either a third-year undrafted free agent, rookie fourth-round pick, or second-year UDFA. The organization is familiar with Leonard, who routinely tormented them as a member of the Colts. Furthermore, new Titans defensive line coach Tracy Rocker was with Leonard in Philadelphia last season.
Melo also notes the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams as potential suitors. Leonard was in a class of his own with the Colts in his first four seasons in the NFL (2018-2021). He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and received first-team All-Pro honors three times in that span.
Titans fans are familiar with Leonard's talents, but injury issues have derailed his career. The 28-year-old has dealt with back troubles which included two back surgeries within five months of each other in 2022.
Leonard was able to play in 14 games last season where he totaled 88 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. Although Leonard might never return to his All-Pro form, the Titans should absolutely consider turning over this stone.
Even if Leonard is half of the player he was once was, then that might be just enough for him to crack the Titans' 53-man roster. The Eagles signed Leonard to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million after the Colts waived him in November of last year, so he is affordable. If his health checks out then there is no reason for the Titans to pass on a low-cost high-ceiling free agent such as Leonard.
