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Titans To Sign CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

March 20th, 2023 at 8:46am CST by Adam La Rose

The Buccaneers were able to retain one key young member of their cornerback room this offseason, but another is set to depart. Sean Murphy-Bunting has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Titans, per Jordan Schultz of The Score (Twitter link). The pact has a maximum value of $5MM.

The 25-year-old saw his playing time peak in 2020 with Tampa, when he saw an 83% snaps share. That campaign came one year after he was named a member of the All-Rookie team, raising expectations for Murphy-Bunting. He saw his workload drop in each of the past two seasons, however, ceding playing time to fellow corners Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean.

Each of the latter have signed new deals over the past two offseasons, leaving Murphy-Bunting as the odd man out in the Buccaneers’ secondary. He has racked up 188 tackles, six interceptions and 21 pass deflections over the course of his career, adding three interceptions during the team’s Super Bowl in the 2020 postseason. In coverage, he allowed a completion percentage of 51.2% in 2022, the best mark of his career.

That could make this deal a highly effective one for the Titans, a team which ranked dead last in passing yards allowed (275 per game) last season. Tennessee has invested first- and second-round picks over the past three years in Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley and Roger McCreary. Murphy-Bunting will provide more experience than that trio, but his age points to him still having notable upside.

The Titans will have another option to choose from at the corner spot in 2023, as they look to get more consistent production from their young personnel group at the position. Murphy-Bunting is likely in line for an uptick in usage compared to his last two seasons in Tampa Bay, as he will look to find success in his new home and in doing so, boost his value heading into next offseason. Tennessee, meanwhile, has added another starting-caliber defender, having already inked linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to a new deal.

S Kevin Byard Balking At Titans’ Pay-Cut Request

March 17th, 2023 at 5:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Kevin Byard has been one of the NFL’s better safeties over the past several seasons, but the Titans have approached the All-Pro about taking a pay cut. This has not gone over well with Byard, as could be expected.

A seven-year starter in Tennessee, Byard has declined the organization’s request, Cameron Wolfe of NFL.com tweets. He does not believe his play warrants a pay reduction, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter adds (via Twitter). The sides have reached a crossroads on this matter, even though Byard has said he wants to finish his career in Tennessee.

Although the Titans have cut several veterans to start Ran Carthon‘s GM tenure, Byard has never missed a game as a pro and was a first-team All-Pro as recently as 2021. Pro Football Focus graded Byard as a top-10 safety in 2022. Byard is going into his age-30 season and tied to a $13.6MM base salary. Byard’s resume includes five seasons with at least four interceptions — including an eight-INT 2017, which preceded an unusual exchange in which then-NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders appeared unaware of the emerging safety’s NFL employment — and he has notched nine thefts over the past two years.

The Titans gave Byard a five-year extension back in 2019, ahead of his fourth season. The safety market has changed a bit since the former third-round pick agreed to that $14.1MM-per-year deal. At the time (July 2019), the contract made Byard the league’s highest-paid safety. But eight safeties now sit in front of the Middle Tennessee State alum. Two years remain on Byard’s extension.

Jon Robinson selected Byard during his first draft as GM, choosing the talented safety — who was not invited to the 2016 Combine — a round after taking Derrick Henry. That turned out to be a rather good day for the since-fired front office boss. Byard has joined Henry in becoming a two-time All-Pro. Given Byard’s performance level and durability, it would not have been surprising to see him angle for a raise — now that Derwin James has pushed safety money past $19MM per year. Instead, the prospect of Byard playing football with a non-Tennessee-based team for the first time since high school appears on the table.

Free agency this year has not produced a windfall for non-Jessie Bates safeties. Vonn Bell‘s $7.5MM-per-year pact represents the second-most money given to a back-line defender this year. This gap likely helped convince Harrison Smith to accept the Vikings’ pay-cut request. Minnesota chopped Smith’s salary from $14.7MM to $8MM this year. More money would await Byard in free agency, but it would also be interesting to see what teams would be willing to give up in trades. The deal includes a $13.6MM 2024 base salary as well.

Because the Titans have twice restructured his contract, Byard is on Tennessee’s cap sheet at $19.6MM this year. The team has already tacked on two void years to help for cap purposes in the past. This will be an early test for Carthon, whom the Titans hired to replace Robinson in January.

Titans Re-Sign WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

March 16th, 2023 at 5:48pm CST by Ben Levine

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will be back in Tennessee next season. The team announced that they’ve re-signed the wide receiver.

Westbrook-Ikhine was non-tendered by the Titans earlier this week, making him an unrestricted free agent. Even the lowest, right-of-first-refusal tender would have attached the wideout to at least a $2.6MM salary, so the Titans presumably got a slight discount by temporarily letting him hit free agency.

The former undrafted free agent out of Indiana saw time in all 33 games (20 starts) for the Titans over the past two seasons. After hauling in 38 receptions for 476 yards and four touchdowns in 2021, Westbrook-Ikhine contributed another 25 receptions for 397 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

Westbrook-Ikhine could be in store for an even bigger role in 2023. The Titans wide receivers room is currently in flux, with 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks joining the likes of Kyle Philips and Racey McMath.

Texans, Titans Pursuing LB Denzel Perryman

March 16th, 2023 at 12:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

MARCH 16: Perryman is meeting with the Texans on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The former Chargers, Panthers (sort of) and Raiders linebacker is looking to find a home for a ninth NFL season.

MARCH 15: This year’s crowded inside linebacker market has produced one big contract (the Bears’ Tremaine Edmunds pact) and a host of mid- or low-level agreements. While the legal tampering period has taken many off-ball ‘backers off the board, a few key names remain.

Denzel Perryman is one of the top options left, and he may end up deciding between two AFC South suitors. The Texans and Titans have shown interest in the veteran linebacker, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports.

Perryman hit free agency after two seasons with the Raiders. While those slates helped re-establish the former Chargers draftee’s value, his profile as a run-stopping linebacker — as opposed to a true three-down player with plus coverage skills — will impact his market. The 30-year-old defender logged a 70% defensive snap share last season. Pro Football Focus graded Perryman as a top-12 linebacker against the run, propelling him to a top-20 overall assessment.

The Panthers gave Perryman a multiyear deal in 2021, but he never ended up playing for them after a preseason trade to the Raiders. Gus Bradley, Perryman’s primary DC with the Chargers, put the former second-round pick to work quickly, using him on 83% of the Raiders’ defensive plays that season. Perryman finished the year with 154 tackles — far and away a career-high total — and helped Las Vegas rally to the playoffs despite a turbulent season.

The Raiders showed interest in a Perryman extension before the season, but nothing came to pass. They did circle back last month, though there is a real risk he departs now. The Titans have lost starters David Long and Zach Cunningham, though GM Ran Carthon is reuniting with ex-49er Azeez Al-Shaair. The Texans, who were also linked to Al-Shaair due to his DeMeco Ryans connection, but have not made a move at linebacker yet during the tampering period.

Houston has also shown interest in Mack Wilson, per Aaron Wilson. Mack Wilson spent last season with the Patriots, having been traded straight up for Chase Winovich, but logged 28 starts with the Browns from 2019-21. Houston is also interested in defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, Wilson adds, while also being in on centers Garrett Bradbury, Ethan Pocic and Jake Brendel, the latter of whom having ties to a few Texans coaches. But the center market has largely led to retention thus far. Bradbury, Brendel and Pocic have returned to their respective teams (Vikings, 49ers, Browns). The Texans are believed to be interested in former Lions center Evan Brown, however. The Detroit center/guard option has not signed anywhere yet; Brown has started 24 games over the past two seasons.

The Jets are trying to bring back Rankins, who has played for the team for the past two years. The Texans’ center interest stems from the team cutting Justin Britt, its two-year pivot starter. Britt is planning to retire.

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/15/23

March 15th, 2023 at 9:04pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s tender decisions from around the NFL:

RFAs

Tendered:

Non-tendered:

ERFAs

Tendered:

Titans Place Second-Round Tenders On OL Aaron Brewer, DT Teair Tart

March 15th, 2023 at 3:18pm CST by Ben Levine

The Titans made a handful of decisions on impending restricted free agents today. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Titans are placing a second-round tender on restricted free agent offensive lineman Aaron Brewer, while Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports (via Twitter) that the Titans are placing a second-round tender on restricted FA defensive tackle Teair Tart.

Brewer joined the Titans as a 2020 undrafted free agent out of Texas State. and he started six games through his first two seasons in the NFL. He started all 17 games this past season and, assuming he doesn’t get an offer in RFA, will be sticking around the Titans starting lineup in 2023, either at the same position or as a fill-in at center for Ben Jones.

Tart also joined the Titans as an undrafted FA in 2020. He started 10 of his 11 games during the 2021 season and started all 16 of his appearances in 2021, finishing with 34 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Another team could sign either player to an offer sheet but would be required to send a second-round pick to Tennessee if the Titans don’t match. If the players don’t receive an offer sheet, they’ll earn $4.3MM in 2023.

Meanwhile, two impending Titans RFAs who won’t receive tenders are wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (per Terry McCormick of Titans Insider) and tight end Cody Hollister (per McCormick on Twitter). Westbrook-Ikhine started 20 of his 33 appearances over the past two years, hauling in 63 receptions for 873 yards and seven touchdowns. Hollister has had a minor role on offense over the past four years, collecting 10 receptions for 112 yards.

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/14/23

March 14th, 2023 at 9:51pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

New England Patriots

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Titans To Sign DL Arden Key

March 14th, 2023 at 9:38pm CST by Ben Levine

Arden Key has parlayed a one-year, prove-it deal into a multiyear contract. The defensive lineman is signing with the Titans, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (via Twitter).

Key is inking a three-year deal worth $21MM, per Garafolo. The contract has the potential to hit $24MM in value and includes $13MM in guaranteed money.

The former third-round pick showed hints of his talent during his time with the Raiders, but he truly showed his stuff with the 49ers in 2021. Key got into all 17 games that season, finishing with 6.5 sacks and 17 QB hits. Considering his limited track record, Key was only able to get a one-year deal from the Jaguars last offseason.

He continued building off that 2021 campaign. In 17 games (three starts) with Jacksonville this past year, Key compiled a career-high 27 tackles to go along with 4.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and 15 QB hits. He finished the campaign as Pro Football Focus’ 28th edge defender (among 119 qualifying players), the second-straight season he’s finished as a top-40 edge.

In Tennessee, Key will be expected to provide some pass-rushing prowess on the defensive line. New Titans GM Ran Carthon was the 49ers’ director of pro personnel when Key had his breakout season, so he’s certainly familiar with the player’s potential.

Titans To Sign OL Daniel Brunskill

March 14th, 2023 at 8:08pm CST by Ben Levine

Daniel Brunskill is off to Tennessee. The Titans are signing the offensive lineman, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). It’s a two-year deal, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic (via Twitter).

[RELATED: Titans To Sign T Andre Dillard]

A former undrafted free agent out of San Diego State, Brunskill transformed into a versatile OL option for the 49ers. The 29-year-old has played right guard, both tackle positions, and center during his professional career, and his 42 games of starting experience makes him more than your standard swing lineman.

Brunskill started 33 games for the 49ers between 2020 and 2021, but he only got two starts in 2022. Still, he managed to appear in all 17 games and played more than 500 offensive snaps. He finished the 2022 campaign as Pro Football Focus’ 23rd-ranked guard among 77 qualifiers, the highest finish of his career.

The Titans have been busy reworking their offensive line during the early part of free agency. Yesterday, the team agreed to terms with former Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard,

Titans Expected To Sign LB Azeez Al-Shaair

March 14th, 2023 at 2:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

More off-ball linebacker dominoes are falling Tuesday, the latest involving the Titans. They are signing former 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets.

Al-Shaair has a clear connection to Tennessee, with new Titans GM Ran Carthon being in San Francisco when the 49ers acquired him back in 2019. After the 49ers gave Fred Warner a then-record extension back in 2021 and then extended Dre Greenlaw, it became clear Al-Shaair would need to sign his second contract elsewhere.

The former UDFA had multiple clear options — both in the AFC South — to choose from in leaving the Bay Area. DeMeco Ryans being the Texans’ coach created a clear avenue to Houston, and the Titans’ rivals were believed to be interested. But Al-Shaair will reunite with Carthon in Tennessee.

A Greenlaw 2021 injury opened the door for Al-Shaair to audition as a three-down linebacker. He made regular contributions to Ryans’ first San Francisco defense, and Pro Football Focus graded the Florida Atlantic product as a top-20 off-ball ‘backer in 2022. Al-Shaair, 25, came off IR around the midseason point and remained a regular, though Warner and Greenlaw garnered more playing time. Al-Shaair, who made 102 tackles during his extended audition in 2021, should have a chance to be a three-down ‘backer with the Titans.

The Titans are retooling at linebacker, and although this project may not be as significant as the one the team is working on along its offensive line, both David Long and Zach Cunningham are no longer on the roster. The Titans cut Cunningham and let Long agree to a Dolphins deal Monday. This opens the door for Al-Shaair, who will be a great be to be a three-down regular in Tennessee next season.

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