Over the course of his three-year career with the Tennessee Titans, inside linebacker Jayon Brown has become a key cog in the team’s defense and one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL.
Another stat showing that comes from Pro Football Focus, who notes that Brown has compiled the best grade in the league since 2018 when lined up against running backs and tight ends.
Brown has also graded as the fifth-best coverage linebacker in the sport overall since 2018, also per PFF. It’s amazing to think the Titans have gotten that kind of performance out of a fifth-round pick.
Not only has Brown been excellent in coverage, he finished second on the team in tackles in 2018, and third in 2019 despite missing two games.
The Titans will have a decision to make on Brown, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
It’s possible Tennessee decides to extend him before the 2020 season begins, but if not he’ll hit the open market in 2021 and will be one of the more attractive defensive free agents available at just 26 years old.
General manager Jon Robinson would be wise to take care of Brown’s contract situation sooner rather than, just like he did with Kevin Byard and Ben Jones last offseason. Doing so would avoid a bidding war with other teams that would drive Brown’s price tag up.
