Now that the distraction caused by Bud Adams’ desire to sign Peyton Manning is over, things seem to be getting back to normal for the Titans front office. DE Mark Anderson and OLB/DE Kamerion Wimbley have visited the Titans and Jim Wyatt now reports that five more free agents are scheduled to visit.
All of the prior teams of these free agents have salary cap issues and in some cases, we know that’s a primary reason why they haven’t re-signed those players. In other cases, it’s probably at least a contributing factor.
The free agents, and my take on them, after the jump.
C Jeff Saturday (formerly with IND) – As Titans fans, we know him better than any other opposing center in the league. He’s still a good blocker for both the run and pass. Saturday is durable, missing only 6 games in 12 years. He’ll be 37 this season, his 14th, and might have another year or two left in the tank.
The easy guess on Saturday is that he’d like to go to Denver to be reunited with Peyton Manning. Saturday has a visit scheduled with Denver later this week.
CB William Gay (PIT) – 27 years old, has 37 starts in five years. The Stoolers are letting him walk due in large part to salary cap issues.
CB Tracy Porter (NO) – Will be 26 this season, has 39 starts in 4 years. The Saints are letting him walk due in large part to salary cap issues.
I wouldn’t be particularly wild about having either Porter or Gay as a starting corner, but as a third corner, either would be a welcome addition. Veteran starting corners are nice to have as depth, just in case something happens to your starters. The Titans experienced that problem in 2009 when they didn’t have veteran depth and it was costly. And of course, we don’t know who the nickel will be this year. I hope the Titans get someone better than Ryan Mouton, who had to play in 2009. 🙁
TE Joel Dreessen (HOU) – Will turn 30 this year. Good receiver and blocker. The Texans are letting him walk due in large part to salary cap issues.
Dreessen would be a big upgrade over Daniel Graham. We’ve witnessed first-hand how effective Dreessen can be. If the Titans happen to get him, he’d be great in case of another Craig Stevens injury/concussion. Better receiver than Stevens, not quite as good a blocker. I could envision a lot of two-TE sets with Dreessen on the roster. He’d be a luxury for the Titans, certainly not a need.
DE Jamaal Anderson (IND/ATL) – Age 26. Former first-round pick, eighth overall, that the Falcons gave up on (yes, he has the bust label.) Good size, probably a strong-side DE in the Titans defense, good versus the run, not much pass rush. Will be affordable.
The Titans can use all the help they can get at DE although I don’t have any high hopes that Anderson will fulfill his draft potential with the Titans.
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