Selecting the Next Titans Coach: A Look at Tennessee’s 24 Unrestricted Free Agents for March
Nashville, Tennessee Beginning on March 13, when free agency opens, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon, owner Amy Adams Strunk, and the team’s prospective coach will have to make a number of decisions. Derrick Henry’s option to resign with the Titans remains open, according to Carthon’s statement on January 9. Henry has been the focal point of the Titans offense for almost his entire career and made his fourth Pro Bowl this season.
At the conclusion of the season, Henry turned thirty, which is a warning sign for running back regression. Henry nevertheless amassed over a thousand yards of rushes. A week ago, Carthon stated, “Yeah, that’ll be the new head coach and I having a conversation.” On the way out yesterday, I had a great talk with Derrick (Henry). The door’s never closed, even after our conversation, which I’ll keep between him and me.
Among Tennessee’s 24 free agents is Henry. Three free agents with exclusive rights are available to the Titans: linebacker Jack Gibbens, defensive end TK McClendon, and running back Julius Chestnut. EFRAs have a contract that is about to expire and less than three years of NFL experience. An EFRA is not allowed to negotiate with other teams if the Titans offer him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons).
Chris Williamson, the cornerback, and tackle Calvin Throckmorton are restricted free agents. The Titans may choose to extend a qualifying offer (also known as a “tender”) to them, but they are free to engage in negotiations and sign with any team. The right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation are attached to these tenders. Let’s examine the free agents for the Titans.
