The Tennessee Titans finally addressed their need for another competent offensive tackle after it was officially announced that Chris Hubbard had signed with the team.
A nine-year veteran, the UAB product has played in 85 career games, 48 of which were starts, and has typically thrived more in pass protection than run-blocking, per Pro Football Focus grades.
Tennessee’s newest lineman is an explosive athlete who wins with his combination of fluid movement skills and sound technique, both of which help to make up for his severe lack of length (approximately 30.5-inch arms).
Hubbard also brings the type of versatility the Titans often look for in their offensive linemen, having started 41 games at right tackle and four at right guard. He’s also served as the primary extra tight end on three separate occasions.
Unfortunately, the former Browns lineman has hardly played over the last few years due to a variety of arm injuries, only appearing in four games in 2022 and totaling just 78 offensive snaps since the start of 2021, per Pro Football Focus.
Ultimately, the Hubbard signing is a move that is simply aimed toward trying to help the Titans survive Nicholas Petit-Frere’s six-game suspension for gambling.
If he wins the job, the 32-year-old will likely transition into a depth role upon NPF’s return.
I probably would’ve preferred George Fant if I had my choice of any free-agent lineman, but Hubbard is at least a decent attempt at addressing a need, and also shows the Titans are cognizant of their holes.
For that, I can at least give this an average grade, even if it’s hardly a guarantee to work out.
Final grade: C
