Revisiting Some USFL Talents The Tennessee Titans Could Target

We've gone down this road before and talked about some USFL receivers the Tennessee Titans could look to upgrade their roster. This time we go beyond receivers.

Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - Congratulations are in order for the USFL's Birmingham Stallions, who recently won their second consecutive league championship while finishing the season 10-2 overall in the eight-team league where only one other franchise finished above .500. 

While the Stallions are the most talented team in the fledgling league, other talented players, including the Tennessee Titans, could help some NFL teams. 

Here are three players, including one receiver, that should at least be on the radar of the Titans ahead of the opening of their training camp. 

Linebacker Rueben Foster 

The former University of Alabama Butkus Award-winning All-American, and first-round draft pick by San Francisco in 2018, has been out of the NFL since the 2020 season. His issues were well-documented, from his being sent home from the NFL scouting combine, a suspension for violating the league's conduct policy where he was arrested on a weapon and drug charge, and finally, his ACL injury that placed him on injured reserve in Washington as his contract expired, and was not renewed.  

Foster returned to football in 2023 with the Pittsburgh Mauler of the USFL, where he recorded 53 tackles (28 solo and 25 assisted) during his team's run to the championship game.

Granted, the USLF isn't at the same talent level as the NFL, but Foster has the ability if his head is in the right place. It seems worth a look for the Titans, who could stand to upgrade at inside linebacker for a player with first-round talent and a big-time hitter to boot. 

Wide Receiver Deon Cain

Yes, we talked about Cain before, but since then, the former Clemson standout and sixth-round pick by Indianapolis in 2018 has added a championship game MVP to his trophy case as a member of the Stallions.  

At 6-foot-1, 202 pounds, and with 4.43 forty-speed, Cain tore his ACL in 2018 while with the Colts. He would spend time with Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Philadelphia during the 2019-21 seasons before joining the USFL.

Cain worked out for the Titans in November 2022 but was not signed. It might be worth another visit for a team that could stand to upgrade their receiver room.   

40-yard touchdown reception from Deon Cain with defenders draped all over him. #Stallions are running away with it in the #USFLChampionship as Cain now has a hat trick.pic.twitter.com/yBXmo7n2SK

— USFL Center (@USFLCenter) July 2, 2023

Safety Kyree Woods

The former San Diego State Aztec had a great season as part of the USFL's Memphis Showboats. Standing 6-foot-0, and 190 pounds, Woods was the top safety in the league in 2023. 

While his 18 tackles and two interceptions aren't eye-popping, his 36 return yards on those interceptions are worth noting, along with his physical style of play as a big hitter and enforcer for the Showboats defense in 2023. 

Given the lack of proven depth behind Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker, Woods could be of interest to the Titans as a possible upgrade over some currently on the depth chart.

Kicker Chris Blewitt

The Titans have two kickers in camp, Caleb Shudak, and Trey Wolff, but neither has much experience. Add Blewitt to that list, as he has little NFL experience, but after a successful season in the USFL, he could be worth a look, especially if the competition winner struggles. 

In the NFL, the former University of Pittsburgh kicker, Blewitt, spent time with Chicago, Washington, and Cleveland and connected on just two of five attempts, with a long of 52 yards. 

However, as the kicker for the Maulers during the 2023 USFL season, Blewitt was 21 of 25 for the season (84%), including 4-4 in the team's championship loss. 

He was a perfect 9-9 from 20-29 yards and 3-3 from 30-39 yards. He was 5-6 from 40-49 yards and 4-7 from beyond 50 yards. 

Granted, those numbers aren't awe-inspiring, and I fully expect one of the two kickers currently on the roster to win the job, but given their lack of game experience, Blewitt could be one on the Titans Rolodex should the need arise. 

Titans Related Stories

• REMEMBERING STEVE 'AIR' MCNAIR NOW 14 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH: The 4th of July is a day of celebration in our nation, and for fans of the Tennessee Titans and those of us who covered this team in 2009, it's also the day Steve McNair died. CLICK HERE
• VRABEL RANKS IN NFL TOP 10FOR LONGEST TENURE AMONG HEAD COACHES: Mike Vrabel enters his sixth season as the Titans head coach in 2023, which puts him in the top 10 head coaches in the league when it comes to tenure with one team. CLICK HERE
• THE NICHOLAS PETITE-FRERE SUSPENSION AND THE TENNESSEE TITANS: In the face of the recent suspension of Titans right tackle Nicholas Petite-Frere, the team is faced with the question of who will replace him as he serves out his six-game suspension for violating the leagues gambling rules. CLICK HERE