Believe it or not, we are a little over one week away from the start of free agency, which unofficially begins with the start of the legal tampering period on Monday, March 11, and officially begins on Wednesday, March 13.
Unlike last year, this is an exciting time for the Tennessee Titans, as the team is flush with cap space after having to dig into the couch for loose change last offseason.
In fact, the Titans’ $75.6 million in cap space ranks fourth in the NFL, according to Over the Cap, and that’s before Tennessee makes any cuts.
The Titans figure to bring in at least some help in free agency, but they will also bring back some of their own free agents, a list that includes 26 players.
We’ve already shared our thoughts on what the Titans should do with each of those players. You can check out defensive players here, offensive players here and specialists here, in case you missed those articles.
With free agency almost here, we thought we’d take a look at the projected market values for each of the Titans’ most notable pending free agents, all of whom will officially hit the open market on March 13.
The projected market values for each player are courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Spotrac, when available.
RB Derrick Henry
Spotrac: One year, $10.3 million
PFF: Two years, $20 million
As much as I love Derrick Henry, I’m not paying him $10 million per at this stage of his career. The Titans should go younger and cheaper at the position in 2024, especially when you consider who they bring in will be the No. 2 behind Tyjae Spears.
QB Ryan Tannehill
Spotrac: One year, $4.9 million
PFF: Two years, $11 million
Ryan Tannehill is not coming back to Tennessee, no matter what. That said, these are reasonable figures for Tannehill, who will be a solid backup wherever he goes.
DL Denico Autry
Spotrac: N/A
PFF: One year, $7.25 million
Denico Autry at this price would be a steal for the Titans. Sign me up.
LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Spotrac: N/A
PFF: Three years, $20.25 million
This would amount to a raise from the $5 million he got last year, and it would be well-deserved for Al-Shaair. Turning 27 in August, Al-Shaair should factor into Tennessee’s long-term plans.
C Aaron Brewer
Spotrac: Three years, $15.7 million
PFF: Three years, $20 million
These projections are reasonable, but I still don’t want Brewer as the starting center in 2024. He simply isn’t good enough in pass protection and that has to be paramount with anyone who starts upfront next season.
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
Spotrac: Two years, $13.5 million
PFF: One year, $4 million
Another very reasonable projection. I’m good with Sean Murphy-Bunting being a bridge No. 2 cornerback with long-term potential, but wouldn’t go more than two years in a deal.
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Spotrac: One year, $2.5 million
PFF: One year, $2.75 million
These projections would amount to about double what NWI made in 2023. I’m fine with bringing him back as a No. 5 or No. 6 option, but I’d draw the line at $2 million.
CB Kristian Fulton
Spotrac: Three years, $6.7 million
PFF: One year, $3 million
As far as the players on this list go, only Tannehill is less likely to be back than Kristian Fulton, but there isn’t a wide gap there. I think teams around the league would be willing (and should be) to take a one-year flyer on Fulton at these prices, but the Titans won’t be one of them.
