Tennessee Titans 2021 free-agency outlook

For the second consecutive season, the Tennessee Titans reached the playoffs, a feat the franchise last accomplished during the Jeff Fisher era more than a decade prior. While the Titans’ trajectory points upward, several obstacles remain.

This offseason, the team faces the departure of multiple starters. The biggest name on that list, Jadeveon Clowney, could walk after delivering his worst season since his injury-shortened rookie campaign. On offense, wide receiver Corey Davis will hit free agency following the best season of his career, potentially creating a large void in the passing game.

Lost revenue due to COVID-19 will impact every team. However, with so many free agents, the league-wide drop in salary-cap space could make things difficult. The 2020 number came in around $198 million with the 2021 number potentially falling to $176 to $180 million, according to Over The Cap, but is subject to change.

Options for franchise/transition tags

While probably not the best of the Titans’ pending free agents, tight end Jonnu Smith makes the most compelling case for the franchise tag. The tender required to tag a player at his position has fallen far below that of other skill positions, making Smith a bargain relative to pass catchers at other positions. Smith also comes off his finest season to date, setting career bests in receptions (41), receiving yards (448), and touchdowns (eight as receptions, one as a carry). Given how Tennessee’s Kyle Shanahan-inspired offensive system leans on the tight-end position, retaining Smith ranks as one of the team’s top offseason priorities.

Salary cap

Estimated 2021 cap space (Feb. 5): -$7,579,736

2021 transactions

Free-agent signings

TBD

Free-agent departures

TBD

Trades

TBD

Notable unrestricted free agents

* Denotes Restricted Free Agent (RFA)