With the Tennessee Titans likely to have some money to spend on free agents other than their own this offseason, it’s important for the franchise to have some good qualities that make players want to come to Nashville.
Fortunately for general manager Jon Robinson, the idea of playing for the Titans has become increasingly attractive over the years, and it’s why this team has as good a chance as any to reel in a big fish on the open market.
Here’s a look at three reasons why that’s the case.
No state income tax
Tennessee is one of nine states with no income tax, which means players take home a bit more in their paychecks.
Adding to that, the cost of living in the state is very reasonable, so a dollar goes further, and Tennessee is just a great place to live in general.
Now, Tennessee does own the highest sales tax rate in the country, but it’s also important to note that some states with an income tax also have a high sales tax rate, like New York and California, for example.
Bottom line: if the Titans were to offer the same money to a player as another team in a state with an income tax, the player would take home more in Tennessee.
A player’s coach
If there’s one thing we know about Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, it’s that his players love and respect him.
Vrabel is a former NFL linebacker who had a successful 14-year career loaded with accomplishments, so he knows what it’s like to be on the player side of things.
Adding to that, Vrabel is one of few coaches who is actually hands-on during practice and will hop right in the middle of drills and work with players just like he’s one of them.
There’s a lot to like about playing for the Titans’ head coach.
A chance to win
Despite finishing with a 9-7 record and barely making the playoffs last season, the Titans turned it on when it mattered most.
Tennessee upended both the New England Patriots and top-seeded Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs en route to the AFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, Tennessee’s magical run ended at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
But it’s clear this team isn’t far from being able to take that next step to the big game. As long as it can retain some of its own free agents, while also making improvements from outside the organization, Tennessee could be right back in the same spot in 2020.
