Hot Takes on Titans Free Agents: Arguments For, Against Re-signing Azeez Al-Shaair

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is one of 24 Tennessee Titan free agents. He's perhaps the easiest decision for general manager Ran Carthon. But does Al-Shaair want to remain with the Titans?

NASHVILLE — Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair led the Tennessee Titans in tackles last season and is one of 24 pending free agents. Should general manager Ran Carthon re-sign him or let him go?

First, let's take a look at some of Al-Shaair's career highlights.

• Al-Shaair has 362 career tackles, including 163 last season.

• He posted a career-high nine tackles for loss during the 2023 regular season.

Here are the arguments

Let Him Go

The only way to make a case against him would be if his asking price exceeded the team's budget. Although he has some flaws in dropping back into coverage, his hard-hitting and aggressive tackling style makes up for it.

He could return to the San Francisco 49ers, where he started his career before signing a one-year five million dollar deal last offseason. If there becomes a bidding war, the Titans could let him walk, especially if Al-Shaair believes he has a better chance at winning a Super Bowl sooner with another franchise. 

Keep Him

Al-Shaair is an exceptional linebacker who fearlessly attacks gaps in the run game. He bursts through blocks and fights with a second effort to make a play. He began his career as the third linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers but flourished as a starter with the Titans. In the previous season, Al-Shaair played over 1100 snaps on defense, the same as his total from the previous two seasons combined.

Al-Shaair will turn 27 this year and has proved to be a durable athlete. After spending four years with the 49ers, he had a breakout season with the Titans last year. Al-Shaair made 163 tackles, which ranked him fifth in the NFL. His ability to attack gaps in the running game is well-known. He brings an element of toughness and aggression to the team.

He also expressed a desire to stay with the Titans.

"I would love to be back with the Tennessee Titans next season. We’ll see how everything unfolds," Al-Shaair told alltitans.com "I would love to be here. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Nashville. The people here, it’s more of a southern background. It’s what I’m used to I guess. They people aren’t as mean as they were in California (laughs).

"Nashville is closer to home for me. I feel like I’ve started to build a new home here. I would love to be back with the Titans."

Pro Football Focus projects Al-Shaair signing a three-year deal at 6.75 million per year. which isn't a bad deal for the Titans. 

NFL teams can begin signing free agents on March.

Do you think the Titans should re-sign Al-Shaair? Tweet us at @alltitansSIFN.

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