Names such as Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Alge Crumpler will dominate the headlines when free agency begins at the end of this week. Teams looking for the quick fix or the final piece of the puzzle will place numerous phone calls to the agents of high caliber players that will be available to the highest bidder once the clock advances past midnight on Friday.
Coming off of a 10-6 season and a playoff birth, the Titans will be one of those teams searching for the type of help that will allow them to become a member of the league’s elite. Blessed with a tremendous amount of salary cap room, the Titans are in a position to be one of the major players in free agency.
As much as we dream of having a Randy Moss or even an Alge Crumpler in a Titans uniform next season, their will also be lesser known free agents available that are more than capable of providing a positive impact on the Titans 2008 season.
Here is my list of under the radar free agents that could help the Titans next year.
Andre Davis WR/KR
Davis did a great job of filling in for an injured Andre Johnson last season. With Johnson on the sideline, Davis emerged as a more than viable threat in the Texans offense, averaging nearly 18 yards per catch.
In addition to his receiving skills, Johnson is also one of the leagues most scintillating return men. He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns last season while averaging over 30 yards per return.
If the Titans are looking for a less expensive option at WR that is also capable of providing a spark in the return game, Davis may be the guy.
Chris Canty DE
Canty is a 6-7 300 pound monster that is adept at rushing the passer as well as stopping the running game. Canty had his best season as a pro in 2007, amassing three and a half sacks while consistently stuffing opposing running backs.
Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy are unrestricted free agents, so the Titans may be in the market for a new DE. Canty is a restricted free agent who will probably fetch a high price if a team is willing to attempt to pry him away from Dallas. Considering Cantys youth and size, the price may be worth paying.
Madieu Williams S
Despite suffering a scary injury that ended his 2007 season, Chris Hope is expected to play next year. However, given the nature of neck injuries, the Titans may decide to bring in a safety as an insurance policy.
Madieu Williams is a playmaking safety who is an unrestricted free agent. In four years in the NFL, Williams has intercepted nine passes. He has been one of the lone contributors on a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has struggled over the last couple of seasons. If Hope is unable to go next year, an investment towards a ball-hawking safety such as Williams may not be a bad idea.
Ben Utecht TE
The Titans have emerged as a favorite to land coveted free agent TE Alge Crumpler, who is expected to visit Nashville at the onset of free agency.
Utecht is a big guy (6-6) who is a good pass receiver and an improving blocker. Last season, Ben hauled in 31 catches for 364 yards, including a season high 5 catch performance against the Titans in Week 2. . If Crumpler leaves Tennessee without a contract, Utecht would be a solid second option to fill the need at the TE position.
Rock Cartwright RB/KR
Cartwright is the epitome of an under the radar free agent. He has emerged as one of the leagues better kick returners and is also a stud on special teams coverage.
Trapped behind Clinton Portis and LaDell Betts, Cartwright was unable to contribute to the Redskins running game last season. However, in 2005, Cartwright averaged over seven yards per carry in limited opportunities.
Cartwright is a lunch pail type guy who plays with a lot of emotion and is capable of helping out a team on special teams and in the running game. He is the type of role player that is often found on a winning football team. Rock would be a great fit in Nashville.
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