How analysts graded Titans’ free-agent signings

Now that we’re nearly two weeks into free agency, it’s time to see what analysts from different media outlets think about the moves the Tennessee Titans have made thus far.

We start our grades round-up with USA TODAY’s Nate Davis, who gave the Titans a “C” for the biggest moves they’ve made so far this offseason. Here’s his thoughts:

They had roughly $80 million in cap space, more than any other AFC team, when the negotiating window opened. By collective bargaining rules, they had to spend a good amount of that … but the Titans seemed especially aggressive despite the appearance they’re near the start of a rebuild after saying goodbye to Derrick Henry, HC Mike Vrabel and QB Ryan Tannehill.

Nevertheless, GM Ran Carthon ponied up for Ridley (4 years, $92 million), even though he’s never truly established himself as a No. 1 receiver, C Lloyd Cushenberry (4 years, $50 million), CB Chidobe Awuzie (3 years, $36 million), Pollard (3 years, $21 million), and LB Kenneth Murray (2 years, $15.5 million), among others. Feels like a heavy expenditure for players who come with performance questions and seem unlikely to lift this team out of the AFC South cellar in 2024. But Carthon also had to provide second-year QB Will Levis and rookie HC Brian Callahan with ammunition.

Davis’ last sentence is the key point here for the Titans’ offseason. After having a disaster around him in 2023, the Titans needed to supply Will Levis with much more support if they were going to properly evaluate and make sure he’s “the guy” for the future.

There’s still more work to be done at the tackle spots, but there’s no question Tennessee is on the verge of doing what was paramount: setting Levis up for success.

Now, the rest of our grades round-up: