3 free agents Titans must target after 2024 NFL Draft

If you look at the Titans’ safety depth chart, it’s looking pretty bare. The only real starters the team has currently are Elijah Molden and Amani Hooker. And the Titans didn’t go after one in the draft, unless you’re counting Miami’s James Williams, who is said to be converting to linebacker. So, to say this is a pressing need is an understatement.

“That’s one that we’re going to address,” Carthon said. “There are a lot of good veteran safeties that are out there on the street.”

Former New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye seems like a pretty good option for the Titans. Many note how Maye and new Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson have ties to each other, dating back to their time together with the Jets from 2017 to 2020.

It’s not like Maye isn’t a solid option. When targeted, Maye allowed a passer rating of just 69.7 last season. The problem was that he couldn’t stay healthy and only played in seven games last season. He hasn’t played a full season since 2020. But from those years with Wilson, Maye was playing his best football, grading in the high 70s and lower 80s in overall defensive grades, per Pro Football Focus.

If Maye isn’t the option for the Titans, there are others, however.

Justin Simmons, S

The Titans have already met with former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons back in March but couldn’t close a deal. But as we’ve seen many times in free agency, just because the deal doesn’t go down the first time, doesn’t mean it won’t later on.

Just two seasons ago, Simmons recorded a career-high six interceptions. He had another three last season while allowing three touchdowns. His overall defensive grading wasn’t the best (67.9), but where he did stand out was against the run, where he graded at 77.6. Simmons is a free safety who will spend a decent amount of his time in the box.

Logan Thomas, TE

Look, if the Titans are looking for a tight end in free agency, there’s very slim pickings. But this is also an area of need the Titans failed to address in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“We need tight ends,” Callahan said before the draft. “We’ve only got three on the roster. Obviously, three tight ends aren’t what you’re going to take into training camp.”

The tight end room currently revolves around last year’s rookie Josh Whyle and Thomas Odukoya, along with two undrafted free agents in David Martin-Robinson and Steve Stilianos. As for Whyle, he saw little playing time last season, and Odukoya is more of a blocker. Just looking at the availability of the current tight end market, that leaves former Washington Commander Logan Thomas as the best option.

Thomas’ best season was in 2020 when he racked up 670 yards and six touchdowns. He did have a solid season last year, recording 496 yards and four touchdowns for what was a rather inept offense for the Commanders that ranked 24th in the league in scoring offense.

The Titans will most likely wait to see what’s available after the June 1 cuts when teams typically part ways with veterans for salary cap purposes. But if none become available or provide no standout options, Thomas is a solid choice.