The Tennessee Titans added to their defensive line on Tuesday night with the signing of veteran Jack Crawford.
The move was announced by his agency, DEC Management.
Here are three things to know about the 6-foot-5, 288-pound lineman.
Titans connection
The Titans’ current defensive line coach, Terrell Williams, spent his first three seasons as an NFL coach in the same role with the Oakland Raiders from 2012 through 2014.
Crawford spent his first two seasons in the NFL with the Raiders from 2012 to 2013 after being drafted in the fifth round out of Penn State, so there is some familiarity between he and Williams.
This is a depth move
No, this is not the Titans’ solution to replace the recently-departed Jurrell Casey, who was traded to the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round pick a few weeks ago.
Let’s not forget that Tennessee also lost Austin Johnson to the New York Giants in free agency, who was valuable depth on the defensive line last season.
As long as he makes the roster out of training camp, Tennessee will fill that void with Crawford, who has spent most of his career as a backup.
Crawford offers versatility
During his eight-year career, Crawford has played at both defensive end and defensive tackle, so he can be moved all around upfront in 2020.
His best season came in 2018 when he spent time at both positions and totaled a career-high six sacks and nine QB hits. Last season, Crawford was primarily a backup and finished with 0.5 sacks and 24 combined tackles.
Crawford checks all the boxes that Johnson was able to as a valuable reserve player in 2019.
The Tennessee Falcons?
The Titans seem to like former Atlanta Falcons this offseason.
Crawford is now the third ex-Falcon the Titans have signed this offseason. He is added to a list that includes pass-rusher Vic Beasley, whose deal was finally made official on Tuesday, and swing tackle Ty Sambrailo.
Like Sambrailo, Crawford offers valuable versatility that will offer the Titans some flexibility behind their starters.
