Five Free Agents On Offense Titans Must Bring Back During Offseason

The Tennessee Titans have several intriguing free agents on offense who they should strongly consider bringing back in 2023. With that in mind, who are five specific players on offense that played well enough in 2022 to earn either short-term or long-term extensions this offseason?

Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports

NASHVILLE -- As we get closer to NFL free agency on March 15, the Tennessee Titans will have some tough decisions to make when discussing who they might want to bring back in 2023. New GM Ran Carthon has already been busy, as the team chose to part ways with two offensive players in left tackle Taylor Lewan and wide receiver Robert Woods on Wednesday.

Given the needs in several areas around the team, there are five free agents on offense who I believe the Titans must bring back this offseason. Here's a closer look, in no particular order, into five offensive free agents that the Titans must bring back for the 2023 season.

Austin Hooper, TE, Age 28

Let's kick off my list with tight end Austin Hooper. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal last offseason and recorded 41 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns during the 2022 season, tying for third-most on the team with wide receiver Treylon Burks.

Even though Tennessee struggled as a passing offense in 2022, Hooper appeared in all 17 games and made some plays in key moments. At the right price, bringing back the veteran tight end makes too much sense for Tennessee.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Age 25

Next on the list is wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Over the last two seasons, Westbrook-Ikhine has 873 total receiving yards and seven touchdowns for the Titans. Without A.J. Brown, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason, Westbrook-Ikhine had a much bigger role within Tennessee's offense in 2022.

The 25-year-old has not only performed rather well over the last few seasons, but he's also been available, appearing in 33 total games (20 starts) over the previous two seasons. For these reasons, a short-term deal for Westbrook-Ikhine makes a lot of sense for both parties.

Nate Davis, RG, Age 26

Of all the free agents the Titans have this offseason, right guard Nate Davis could very well be their most important. A former third-round pick, Davis has arguably been Tennessee's best offensive lineman during each of the last few seasons.

Davis posted a 70.6 grade on the Pro Football Focus scale, the highest of his four-year career. Additionally, Davis only allowed three sacks on the year, the second-lowest mark of his young career.

The Titans' offensive line gave up 49 sacks in 2022, and Davis was a bright spot at right guard all season long. With a need at other positions along the offensive line, including left tackle after Tennessee released Taylor Lewan, re-signing a quality starting guard in Davis should be of priority for Tennessee.

Dontrell Hilliard, RB, Age 27

In his second season with Tennessee, Hilliard found a fair amount of success behind starter Derrick Henry. In 2022, Hillard amassed 145 rushing yards and caught a career-best four touchdowns through 12 games.

Although Hilliard suffered a season-ending neck injury, the versatile back played a key role for the Titans' offense last season, especially on third-downs. To me, a short-term deal makes a lot of sense for both Hillard and the Titans.

Aaron Brewer, LG, Age 25

The final free agent to make my list of five is left guard Aaron Brewer. Brewer has spent the past three seasons with the Titans and was the starting left guard for all 17 games in 2022.

Despite having some struggles, including allowing four sacks, Brewer's availability all of last season makes him a player that Tennessee should look to bring back in 2023, even if it's as a backup.