As the initial storm of free agency news settles, the Titans have made a flurry of significant moves. While Tennessee may not have made a number of splash free agent signings, their signings so far have laid the groundwork for the 2025 roster.
The signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million deal has been one of the more controversial signings of this free agency cycle. Many on the national stage have dismissed this deal as a massive overpay. Although it was an overpay, it doesn’t make the signing any less vital.
Moore’s price tag is a direct result of offensive tackle inflation in free agency. Good offensive tackles do not hit free agency. As a result, bad offensive tackles get starting-level paychecks, and mid-level starting tackles get superstar paychecks.
In spite of the overpay, Moore was the best OT in free agency, and his signing allows 2024 seventh overall pick JC Latham to kick back to right tackle. Despite the hefty contract, Moore’s deal is an integral part of the Titans’ 2025 offseason plan and fills a massive hole at OT.
One of the most underrated signings of this free agency period, the Titans signed former Denver Broncos linebacker Cody Barton to a three-year, $21 million deal.
Barton’s signing fills a large hole at inside linebacker for Tennessee, and provides a quality starter for only $7 million annually. While Barton’s pass coverage ability leaves something to be desired, he’s a force when run-blocking, and is a clear upgrade to Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens.
While probably the least inspiring signing on this list, wide receiver Van Jefferson’s one-year, $2.5 million contract is a low-risk investment. Jefferson hasn’t been a productive member of an offense in quite some time, and his path to a starting role is unclear.
Regardless of how much is left in the tank for Jefferson, he adds a veteran presence to a dangerously barren receiver room in Tennessee.
Widely considered the best acquisition of this group, former Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler signed a one-year, $9 million deal.
Despite his age, Zeitler continues to be a consistently high-quality starter on the interior offensive line. On another team-friendly deal, Tennessee plugs a gaping hole at right guard with a significant upgrade over Dillon Radunz.
In the most polarizing punter signing of this cycle, Johnny Hekker signed a one-year deal with the Titans. After a surprising departure from Ryan Stonehouse, Tennessee reunites Hekker with his former special teams coordinator John Fassel in Nashville.
Bolstering their offensive line depth, the Titans signed former Jacksonville Jaguars OL Blake Hance to a one-year deal worth $1.327 million.
While not the most exciting addition of this free agent class, Hance has the versatility to play all positions on the offensive line. Hance serves as a nice depth piece in a revamped offensive line room.
The signing of former Seahawks defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones has flown under the radar of many, but is one of the most significant Titans signings so far. Tennessee signed Jones to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Despite playing mostly on the interior defensive line in Seattle, Jones is the first piece of the Titans’ revamp for their edge rusher room. Jones will most likely play a role as a five tech run-defending edge rusher on early downs, and kick inside to three tech on passing downs. Tennessee still has a dire need at edge rusher, but Jones is a quality starting piece in a rebuild.
After reportedly being in (and missing out on) Jevon Holland, safety Xavier Woods was Tennessee’s consolation prize on day two of free agency. The Titans signed Woods to a two-year, $10 million deal.
Filling another hole at the safety opposite of Amani Hooker, Woods is a consistently reliable safety option. At 29 years old, Woods serves as a stop-gap option, allowing Tennessee to potentially take a swing on a stacked safety class in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The latest of the acquisitions on this list, quarterback Brandon Allen signed with the Titans on a one-year contract. Allen will serve as the new backup quarterback after the departure of Mason Rudolph, igniting a former connection with head coach Brian Callahan.
Despite not being the most polarizing class, first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi’s first free agent class is riddled with good process. A cycle full of short-term cheap deals and heavy roster turnover is clearly indicative of a rebuild, and Borgonzi is taking it down to the studs.
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