When the Tennessee Titans reportedly signed Vic Beasley to a one-year, $9.5 million contract (up to $12 million with incentives), we gave the move a “C” grade overall.
That was mostly based on the thought that it might be the team’s only move to add a pass-rusher in free agency, which in my opinion wasn’t sufficient to fill the Titans’ need for an EDGE.
Now, this move will look even better if the Titans add a top pass-rusher like Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, also. That would mean Beasley isn’t the main squeeze here, but rather a solid pass-rusher in what would be an embarrassment of riches at the position.
As fair of a grade as that was, Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com doesn’t see it as being even a decent move. In fact, he named Beasley’s contract from the Titans as one of the worst in NFL free agency.
If Beasley couldn’t be trusted in big situations in Atlanta, there’s little reason to think that will change in Tennessee. He makes this list because he cost twice as much based on his first-round draft pedigree. A fourth-round pick with the film Beasley has put up the last three years would not have come close to earning $10 million on a one-year contract.
While I get where Rosenthal is coming from because of the effort and consistency concerns surrounding Beasley, calling it one of the worst contracts of the offseason is a bit of a stretch.
After all, it’s only a one-year pact and not some lucrative, long-term deal. It’s the definition of a “prove it” contract with sack incentives, and that’s perfect for a player with the kind of aforementioned issues Beasley has.
Beasley did total eight sacks last season and has compiled as much as 15.5 in a season during his career. Players who can get to the quarterback simply don’t come cheap.
There is clearly a lot of upside with Beasley, as he’s still only 27 and has shown he can be productive. I have faith that, with a little more help around him to take pressure off, Beasley can really thrive in Nashville.
Was this the move Titans fans wanted at EDGE? Certainly not, but it’s not like Tennessee has bet the farm on Beasley for 2020.
Beasley can be a stopgap option for the Titans while they look in the 2020 NFL Draft for a long-term solution, but he could also end up being that long-term solution if he has a great season because of his relatively young age.
