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2021 NFL Free Agency: 4 Free Agents the Titans Should Sign Before the Draft

A majority of the big names available in the 2021 NFL free agency pool have either found a new home or re-signed with their team. There are still a few solid players remaining though, and the Tennessee Titans should highly consider making a few more moves before the NFL draft. 

It’s not like the roster is filled with holes, however, finding some much-needed depth helps push this franchise in the right direction. The front office elected to let go of Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson in the secondary, while also choosing to not sign one of the top wide receivers available to give AJ Brown a sidekick. 

The Titans have been aggressive in signing help in the front-seven, as they signed Bud Dupree and Denico Autry. Even with nine picks in the upcoming draft, the Titans would still benefit from a few more free-agent signings. With not much cap space, the front office should be focusing on signing players to cheap deals. Here are four free agents the Tennessee Titans should consider signing before the NFL draft. 

2021 NFL Free Agency: Best Remaining Free Agent Fits for Tennessee

Jadeveon Clowney

This is a player Titans fans seem up in the air about, as Jadeveon Clowney didn’t quite live up to expectations last year. After only playing in eight games, Clowney finished with an abysmal 19 total tackles, one forced tackle, and zero sacks. 

The lack of sacks is the most alarming part of Clowney’s season last year, however, that’s not out of the ordinary. He’s been in the league for seven years and only has 32 sacks to show for it. However, he has one of the highest quarterback pressure rates in the league, that kind of makes up for his low number in sacks. 

Before an injury sidelined him for the year, Clowney was ranked ninth in the league in terms of pressuring the quarterback. He’s a nightmare for offensive linemen but just can’t finish the play. With the additions of Dupree and Autry, bringing Clowney back could elevate the Titans’ pass rush to an entirely new level. With Dupree’s consistency in getting sacks, Autry’s underrated ability on the defensive line, Jeffery Simmons’s massive presence, and Harold Landry on the edge, Clowney’s play could be exactly what Tennessee needs to become an elite pass rush. 

If the front office can convince Clowney to sign a cheap deal, the Titans front-seven could become one of the best in the NFL during the 2021 season. 

Brian Poole

Another under-appreciated player in the league, Brian Poole has yet to sign with a new team. Playing for the New York Jets the past two years, Poole has emerged as a consistent cornerback for New York. He only played nine games due to injury, but he was on pace for a career year, as he finished with 44 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions. 

The Titans did make a move at cornerback after cutting Bulter and Jackson, as they wound up signing Janoris Jenkins away from the New Orleans Saints. Jenkins has been a solid cornerback throughout his career, however, it’s unclear whether or not he’s still capable of playing as a solid starter. With Kristian Fulton and Jenkins currently the top two corners on the team, Poole would come in as a strong third option that would benefit the Titans whenever they lineup in the nickel package. 

It’s likely the Titans select a cornerback in the draft this offseason, however, it’d be smart to bring in someone like Poole during the 2021 NFL free agency period. He’s only 28 years old and has shown steady improvement every year of his career so far. He’s also pretty solid in man coverage, which is exactly what the Titans are looking for in the secondary. Having Fulton, Jenkins, Poole, and a high draft pick rookie potentially gives Tennessee the secondary that was missing last season. 

Mitchell Schwartz

It’s no secret Geoff Schwartz is a pain in the side of Titans fans everywhere. However, his brother, Mitchell Schwartz still plays in the league and could be a solid right tackle for the Titans to add onto the offensive line. Additionally, it’d be a nice change of pace to watch Geoff Schwartz have to root for the Titans, which is something he clearly doesn’t want to do. 

After cutting Dennis Kelley, and trading away former first-round draft pick, Isaiah Wilson, the Titans are searching for a replacement at right tackle. They did sign Kendall Lamm, however, he’s been a backup so far throughout his career. Bringing in Schwartz would at least create a position battle in Tennessee, ensuring the Titans have the best starter at right tackle for the season. It’s also possible the Titans select an offensive tackle at some point in the draft, but signing Schwartz would be Tennessee’s best bet in maintaining their elite offensive line play. 

Demarcus Robinson

The Tennessee Titans chose to sign any of the top wide receivers in the 2021 NFL free agency pool. Instead, they sat back and brought in Josh Reynolds from the Los Angeles Rams. Reynolds is a tall receiver that shows promise, however, he seems more likely to be competing for the fourth receiver spot on the depth chart. However, Demarcus Robinson seems like a receiver who has the ability to play the slot well, which is something the Titans offense is still searching for this offseason. 

Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs last year, Robinson seemed to improve across the board. He capped off last season with 45 receptions, 466 yards, and three touchdowns. However, his most impressive stat is his 76.3% catch percentage, as it makes him a reliable target in the NFL. 

Robinson has been fighting for playing time with Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman throughout his career. Additionally, it’s not like Patrick Mahomes ventures away from Travis Kecle or Tyreek Hill all that often either. Signing a deal with the Titans could be the breath of fresh air Robinson needs to advance his career in a big way. With the Titans very likely to draft a receiver (or three) this year, Robinson has the potential to be a strong WR3, and thrive in the slot for this franchise.

Thanks for reading my article on potential signings for the Titans in the 2021 NFL free agency.

For more great content follow me on Twitter @TalksVitale, also, follow @OT_Heroics and @OTH_Fotball for all of your NFL needs.

Main Image Credit

2021 NFL Free Agency
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Brian Poole #34 of the New York Jets celebrates his third-quarter interception return for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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