Titans Need to Watch These Franchise Tag Candidates Closely

The Tennessee Titans should be paying close attention to how things play out with a couple of Franchise Tag candidates around the NFL. Whether trade or signing, the Titans may have interest in bringing them to Nashville.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans most likely won’t be using their franchise tag or transition tag this offseason, but they should be paying close attention to what other NFL teams do with their deserving candidates. There are two tag candidates on other teams that could become available should their current team decide not to apply a tag by the March 7 deadline.

Lamar Jackson

The former MVP is currently the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, but so far the team and the player have not been able to agree on a deal. While both have publicly implied they want to continue their partnership, it seems there is a better chance of Lamar playing on the tag in 2023 than getting a long term deal in place. The Ravens could, of course, tag Jackson and then get a long-term deal done by mid-July, but by then the damage could be irreparable and Jackson could simply want to move on to a new team.

If Jackson does hit free agency he will command a historic pay day. Jackson has a 45-16 record as a starting quarterback and has put up gaudy numbers throughout his career. Stuffing the box sheet with 12,209 passing yards and 101 passing touchdowns while adding in 4,437 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns. He is simply the best dual-threat quarterback we have ever seen.

Jackson does have some concerns though that may be preventing the Ravens from giving him the guaranteed money he wants. Jackson has missed 14 games over the last four season for a variety of reasons and has dealt with a strange amount of injury and sickness during that time. However, he is still one of the most dynamic players in the entire NFL and if he were to become available on the open market, the Titans would be wise to be interested.

Orlando Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs’ star left tackle has been here before. Brown was tagged by the Chiefs prior to last season and it is expected he will be tagged again. If for some reason the Chiefs let Brown hit the market, the Titans may consider jumping on the opportunity to land the stud left tackle.

Brown would fill the Titans’ biggest need on the roster and he has been one of the best tackles in the game for a few years now. On top of being skilled as a pass blocker and a run blocker, Brown is insanely durable. He has missed one game in his entire career(2021). He is coming off a Super Bowl championship as well to add to his four Pro Bowl appearances.

Brown would likely get top of the market money in free agency, but with the importance of left tackle and the Titans’ healthy cap situation in 2024, it would be wise to lock up the big man and no longer worry about the disaster that was the Titans’ left tackle position in 2022.

While neither of Jackson or Brown is likely to hit free agency, if for some reason they do, the Titans should be at the front of the waiting line to speak with both of them. Monitoring how their situations play out would be smart of Titans’ new general manager Ran Carthon and his front office.

Titans' Running Back Review: Despite having one of the best running backs in the NFL under contract, the Tennessee Titans have some difficult decisions to make with their ball carrier group this offseason. CLICK HERE

Titans' Quarterback Review: The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback room is one of the most interesting spots on the team. The Titans have a number of different routes they could go and tough decisions to make. CLICK HERE

Titans' Free Agent Fits - Offensive Tackle: The biggest need the Tennessee Titans have on the roster right now is at left tackle. There will be a bevy of viable options to fill that need in free agency this offseason, at all price points. CLICK HERE