As we’ve all come to know, the Tennessee Titans tend to not spend as much as they should when it comes to offseason moves. New GM Jon Robinson is spicing things up for the Titans franchise. Growing up in Tennessee, it’s always a nice feeling knowing that the hometown team is trying to change their ways and finally become a franchise people can believe in. Last year’s first round pick was a starting point in drafting Marcus Mariota as their franchise quarterback. They’ve made several offseason moves to help the offense produce more then 18.7 points per game which ranks 28 among 32 NFL teams from last year.
The biggest acquisition to date for the Titans comes from a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire star running back Demarco Murray. The Titans didn’t give much to receive Murray, as they traded a 2016 fourth round pick in exchange for Murray and Eagles fourth round pick. Given what the Titans have previously had in the backfield, Murray seems to be the best thing since Eddie George. Yeah, yeah, I know Chris Johnson had a few good years in Tennessee, but Murray has already proved himself as one of the best in the league. Murray was the 2014 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the same season when he set franchise records for the Cowboys in rushing yards(1,845) and scrimmage yards(2,261). Murray will help the offense tremendously, and it is a wonderful grab for Robinson and the Titans.
Now starts all the wheeling and dealing for the Titans. Titans have signed, thus far, five players among the free agency list: center Ben Jones, quarterback Matt Cassel, cornerback Brice McCain, wide receiver Rishard Matthews and lineback Sean Spence.
Jones come to the Titans from AFC South foe, the Houston Texans. A fourth round draft pick from the 2012 draft, Jones started all 16 games last season as the left guard. Jones has played in 64 straight games with 43 starts. Taylor Lewan, offensive tackle, already has the left guard position, so that puts Jones in the center spot, something he has played before. “I am not the biggest or the tallest guy or the most athletic. But by golly you are going to have to whip my tail every play,” Jones commented at his press conference signing with the Titans.
Many of us know Matt Cassel from being the back-up quarterback for the great Tom Brady. Robinson and Cassel have a connection, as they were in the same roles in New England. Since then, Cassel has played for the Chiefs, Vikings and Cowboys. Cassel, who’s thrown for over 17,000 yards in his 11 year career, would be a nice backup for Mariota.
McCain is very happy to be reunited for Dick Lebeau and to wear the Tennessee blue for the 2015 season. McCain will add depth for the very thin cornerback position. McCain has played in 100 games through his career with three different teams(Pittsburgh, Houston and Miami). Â He has nine total interceptions throughout his career.
After a breakout year Matthews had with the Dolphins, you’d be a little shocked as to why they didn’t re-sign him. The Titans are glad they didn’t, and he’ll be a wonderful addition to a unhealthy receiver core. In four short seasons, Matthews has 107 catches for just over 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns.
Another player under LeBeau’s old system is Sean Spence, who is the latest player to sign a deal with the Titans. In just the two past seasons, Spence has over 90 tackles and two sacks.
I’m not sure about you, but this Titans team is building up to be a team to compete, with all the talent and youngsters they have on their team. There shouldn’t be a problem, seeing how the Titans will be a 8-8 team this year. They have the right players; now with the right coaching, everything should be just fine.Â