If the Tennessee Titans are looking to make a big splash in free agency this offseason and bring in a top-notch pass-rusher, there might not be a ton of options out there.
The first guy who reportedly might be taken off the board of available players is Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass-rusher, Shaquil Barrett.
Were you a fan of landing defensive end Yannick Ngakoue in free agency? Too bad, he’s probably going to get the franchise tag from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Matthew Judon was also an attractive potential option, but now he may also be off the board as a free agent.
Ok, ok, at least there’s still a chance with Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, Bud Dupree, right?
Think again.
If all of these reports come to fruition and each of these pass-rushers do get the franchise tag, the only option the Titans will have at landing any of them is via trade.
The only problem with that is there will be plenty of competition for those that get put on the trading block, which will drive up the price.
And, even if the Titans pull off a trade, they’d then have to go ahead and sign the player they acquire to a lucrative, long-term deal.
Of course, there are still currently other top-notch options that haven’t been tagged – like Jadeveon Clowney, for example – but even their availability could change rapidly in the coming days.
With their options dwindling, the Titans might have to get desperate and pull the trigger on a trade that has them giving up valuable assets just to have a chance to sign an elite pass-rusher.
General manager Jon Robinson can’t afford to be too stingy and he might have to go all out if he’s going to adequately fill what is easily the Titans’ biggest need aside from securing a starting quarterback this offseason.
