Tennessee Titans’ Safety Position Set at the Top, but Questionable After Starters

The Tennessee Titans have Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker set as the starters at safety, but after that the depth at the position is certainly questionable.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are incredibly top-heavy at the safety position. They have two of the best safeties in the NFL set as their two starters, but after that the depth chart is quite the mystery. Without having a tremendous need, the Titans will likely only make some small addition at the position, but they do have a few safeties on the roster right now that are set to compete for those depth roles.

Under Contract

Kevin Byard - $19.6 Million Cap Hit

Byard is still a top safety in the NFL. Like in 2020, Byard was asked to move out of his best role as a roamer and play more man coverage in 2022 due to the amount of injuries in the Titans’ secondary. Byard still produced more than 100 tackles and four interceptions. The Titans may try to re-work his contract to lower his cap hit for the year, but Byard is still at the top of his game and the leader of the Titans’ defense.

Amani Hooker - $8.8 Million Cap Hit

Hooker didn’t miss a single game his first two seasons, but like most Titans in 2021 and 2022, he was bit by the injury bug. Hooker followed up playing 12 games in 2021 with only nine in 2022. Quite the disappointment for the Titans after giving Hooker an extension last offseason. Regardless of health, when Hooker is on the field, he is a playmaker. You could argue with Byard and Hooker the Titans have the best safety duo in the league, but again, that all relies on Hooker staying healthy in 2023.

Mike Brown - $870k Cap Hit

Shyheim Carter - $750k Cap Hit

Josh Thompson - $870k Cap Hit

All three of these names are going to be fighting for a chance to make the roster, but the truth is none of them will be good enough for what the Titans need. The Titans need two depth safeties behind Byard and Hooker, at minimum. One who can be a third safety in dime packages for passing downs and another who can be a special teams maven. Expect the Titans to add more safeties in summer free agency or very late in the NFL Draft.

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