The Tennessee Titans were busy to start the legal tampering period on Monday.
The team started things off by reportedly agreeing to terms with running back Tony Pollard. Then, the team pivoted to the offensive line and agreed to a deal with Lloyd Cushenberry
In the afternoon, the Titans turned their attention to the defense and agreed to a deal with veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who was the first of two defensive signings, along with linebacker Kenneth Murray.
Awuzie is a solid veteran who racked up 57 tackles and six passes defensed in 2023 for the Cincinnati Bengals. For his performance, Awuzie earned a 62.6 PFF grade.
For reference, Roger McCreary was the only Titans corner to score a higher grade than Awuzie last season.
The addition of Awuzie is even more critical after the news of Sean Murphy-Bunting agreeing to a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Awuzie will step into the outside corner role and will help mentor a young Titans secondary.
As far as compensation, Awuzie will reportedly get a three-year deal worth $36 million, with $23 million guaranteed.
New #Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie's deal: Three years, $36 million with $23 million guaranteed. A few teams were after Awuzie but he was interested in joining former #Bengals OC Brian Callahan in Tennessee to help set the culture there. pic.twitter.com/VMh2SjsrYq
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2024
That averages out to $12 million per season, which is the 14th-highest average salary among all corners in the league, according to Spotrac. Awuzie checks in at 15th among corners in guaranteed money.
So, while the number seems large, this could end up being a bargain for the Titans if Awuzie plays up to his potential.
In 2021, Awuzie collected 64 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 passes defensed passes. PFF awarded the corner an elite 83.3 grade for his performance in that season.
The 28-year-old tore his ACL in 2022 in the midst of a great season and didn’t quite regain his form in 2023. However, with another offseason of healing, Awuzie could be right back to his pre-injury form.
The Titans needed a reliable, veteran corner, and Awuzie is just that. In a weak corner market, the Titans got arguably the best option at a reasonable price. It’s hard to be mad at that.
Grade: A
