PFF names Titans’ Ben Jones the most underrated FA at center

The Tennessee Titans have a laundry list of players headed for free agency this offseason and not a whole lot of money to work with. Actually, the Titans are sitting approximately $7 million over the salary cap, per OverTheCap.

Harold Landry highlights the Titans’ free agents this offseason. The 25-year-old had a career year, collecting 12 sacks, 75 combined tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, and 22 QB hits.

We recently discussed whether it would be advantageous for the Titans to use the franchise tag on Landry this offseason. The thinking here is to have the Boston College product prove that 2021 was not a one-off.

However, the Titans have a key piece on the offensive line in center Ben Jones, who is also set to hit the open market.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Anthony Treash, the 32-year-old is the most underrated free agent at the center position going into the offseason.

“Jones has consistently been a solid interior offensive lineman in the NFL, as he has never earned a PFF grade above 80.0 in his 10-year NFL career but has also never posted a grade lower than 70.0 outside of his 2012 rookie campaign. He’s fared particularly well in recent years, finishing as one of the top five most valuable centers in each of the last three seasons. Tennessee is going to want Jones back, but it could easily get outbid by a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, who are rich in cap space and desperate to improve upfront.”

After spending the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans, Jones has been in Tennessee for the last six.

The Georgia product has been a staple on the offensive line, and as PFF notes, he has been consistent during his tenure. His durability has been unmatched also, as he’s missed just one game during his tenure in Tennessee.

The Titans have a number of questions along the offensive line.

On the left side, both Taylor Lewan and Rodger Saffold could be salary cap casualties this offseason, which would free up a combined $23.3 million while carrying a $4.2 million dead cap hit.

On the right side, both Nate Davis and David Quessenberry were shaky in pass protection in 2021, with the latter accounting for 11 sacks allowed, the most in the NFL.

The Titans must improve their pass blocking next season to set quarterback Ryan Tannehill up for success. While the Titans will likely be saying goodbye to some familiar faces, retaining Jones would be a smart move.