NASHVILLE, Tenn. – NFL free agency is on the move, and we’re tracking every major signing, trade, and exit from the 2022 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and expert notes. The league’s new year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can be made official afterward. The first round of the 2022 NFL Draft begins April 28 on ESPN.
The Tennessee Titans finished last season 12-5 and won their second straight AFC South Division title, but things will be different for them when they take the field in 2022.
Tennessee enters free agency with 19 players set to become unrestricted free agents.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson was able to avoid using the franchise tag on outside linebacker Harold Landry III, but Tennessee stopped Landry from becoming a free agent by agreeing to an $87.5 million contract on Tuesday. dollars over five years.
More changes could be on the way, especially as the team will look to add more point guards to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2022 NFL free agent signing from the Titans, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Terms of the agreement were not released.
What this means: Hilliard adds depth to the running room. The Titans signed Hilliard mid-season to help replace injured Derrick Henry. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 56 attempts last season and caught 19 passes. Hilliard also offers value to special teams. He had eight punt returns last season.
What is the risk: The backfield behind Henry will be competitive. Adding Hilliard to the mix is risk-free. He produced for Tennessee last season and could see some time as a third down this year.
Terms of the agreement were not released.
What this means: Bullock became the Titans’ kicker after an injury to Sam Ficken. The veteran kicker hit a few winners last year. Bringing him back gives the Titans a kicker they feel confident in. The move means Tennessee is unlikely to use a late pick on a kicker such as Cade York from LSU. However, it is possible that they will bring in someone to compete for the job.
What is the risk: The deal is unlikely to be a high-cost deal. But there are some scope limitations when it comes to Bullock. He was good on his only 50-yard field goal attempt, but was just eight of 13 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards.
Hooper signed a one-year contract worth $6 million.
What this means: Signing Hooper gives the Titans their tight lead. He’s a proven pass catcher dating back to his days with the Atlanta Falcons where he posted back-to-back seasons with over 70 receptions. In Atlanta, Hooper played in an offense similar to that used by the Titans. Hooper now has the opportunity to lead a group of tight ends, and the move allows Tennessee to avoid the same approach as last season, where quantity trumped quality.
What is the risk: The only risk is that it is a one-year contract. Hooper has had success in a similar offense and should be given the opportunity to thrive. It would be great for this season, but not for the future. A productive season could put Hooper back in line for a big deal like the four-year, $40 million deal he signed with the Cleveland Browns two years ago.
Jones signed a two-year contract worth $14 million to stay with the Titans, which was his goal from the start.
What this means: Re-signing Jones means the Titans are bringing back a player who was the glue of their offensive line. Jones has been a rock for Tennessee, having started 96 of 97 regular season games since joining the team in 2016. Jones has been through every type of injury and his tenacity has been an inspiration to his teammates. After releasing Rodger Saffold, it was important for the Titans to bring Jones back to provide some continuity up front.
What is the risk: Although Jones is 32, this two-year deal doesn’t come with a lot of risk. Jones was an integral part of the Titans roster and provided Pro Bowl-caliber play. Getting Jones to $7 million a year is a low risk deal.
Cannon agreed to a one-year contract, but financial terms were not released.
What this means: Cannon will immediately become a primary option in return play and on cover units. He was known for his special teams ability with the San Francisco 49ers. The Titans should also be able to get a contribution from Cannon as a third back to spell Derrick Henry.
What is the risk: A one-year contract for a special teams ace and complementary full-back is not a risk. Cannon comes out of injury but is cleared to return.
Moore agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, which is fully guaranteed.
What this means: Moore is filling the core safety/special teams veteran void that opened up when the Titans didn’t re-sign Dane Cruikshank or Matthias Farley. Moore, who came from within the division with the Houston Texans, has had ties to Titans defensive backs coach Anthony Midget since their days in Houston when Midget was his position coach. Moore has some starting experience, so he could replace Kevin Byard or Amani Hooker if need be.
What is the risk: This is another low risk deal for the Titans. It’s not a splashy move, but it gives depth. The contract is fully guaranteed, but it costs little for what should be a special teams entry-level player.
The Titans will bring Swaim back on a one-year deal. Financial terms have not yet been released.
What this means: Swaim’s versatility earned him plenty of shots last season. He fills the Titans’ need for a tight blocking end while giving them some option in the passing game, especially in the red zone. His three touchdowns last season tied him for third on the team. Swaim’s signing is more of a move for depth, even though he started 16 games last season.
What is the risk: There really is no risk with this signing. Terms haven’t been released, but it’s a one-year deal that probably didn’t break the bank. This move gives the Titans a returning starter who has a chance to match any other tight end that is brought in. If Swaim doesn’t earn a starting spot, he’ll still get a fair share of snaps due to his blocking prowess.
Jones intends to sign a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with the Titans. The former Seattle Seahawks tackle’s contract is worth $5.75 million, with $3.15 million guaranteed.
What this means: Most of Jones’ snaps have been at tackle. But he also played goalkeeper. Jones thinks he’s a deep play in both places. He has seven career starts since being selected by the Seahawks in 2018. Signing Jones essentially replaces reserve offensive lineman Kendall Lamm, who was released to free up space.
What is the risk: Jones spent part of the past two seasons on injured reserve. A back injury landed Jones on the injured list in late November last year. Jones returned to action for the final game of the season. At this price, Jones isn’t much of a risk.
Terms of the agreement were not released.
What this means: Skrine is back with the Titans after joining them mid-season last year. The veteran cornerback provides much-needed depth behind Elijah Molden as the nickel defensive back, and he’s capable of playing on the outside. Second-year cornerback Caleb Farley is expected to start on the outside now that Jackrabbit Jenkins has been released. But Skrine could be in line for some extended away snaps as Farley returns from injury.
What is the risk: There’s no risk in signing a low-cost veteran who has the chance to contribute and show leadership in the locker room.
Terms of the agreement were not released.
What this means: Wilkins was on the practice squad last season and thinks he can try his hand at the Titans’ third back position this season. The competition for the shots behind Derrick Henry is wide open. Tennessee currently has three running backs under contract.
What is the risk: This is another no-risk, low-cost contract for veterans. If it works, the Titans got an advantageous contributor to a spot where they were thin. If not, the team is not hampered by a significant financial loss.