The Tennessee Titans offensive line was a problem in 2023, allowing new quarterback Will Levis to be sacked 28 times in just nine games. Knowing this was an issue, general manager Ran Carthon quickly did his best to fix that unit through the first two days of the NFL free agency legal tampering period. First, h e added Lloyd Cushenberry at center to be the centerpiece of the new and improved Titans offensive line Tuesday afternoon. Then he followed that up by signing yet another interior offensive lineman late Tuesday night.
According to Dianna Russini of the Athletic, the Titans are set to add former Commanders left guard, Saahdiq Charles to a 1-year deal. The contract will become official Wednesday afternoon when NFL free agency truly begins.
Saahdiq Charles was actually teammates with the Titans' new center Lloyd Cushenberry at LSU back in 2019 when the Tigers went 15-0, winning a national championship. Charles was playing left tackle at the time, charged with protecting the blind side of Joe Burrow on that national championship-winning roster. However, despite his consistency and on-field success Charles was severely under-drafted in 2020, falling all the way to round four.
In his first three NFL seasons Charles spent time plugging in where he was needed, logging snaps at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. However, in 2023 he finally won the starting job at left guard for the Commanders. Expectations were high coming out of the pre-season last fall, and for good reason, as you can see in the post here below from Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report.
Unfortunately for Charles, the Commanders' entire team fell apart in 2023, especially along the offensive line and at quarterback. Charles actually posted his best career season by the numbers that matter, with pass block efficiency marks above 95%. However, the strong effort from Charles alone wasn't enough to keep Sam Howell upright, as the team gave up the second most sacks in the league behind only the New York Giants.
The real issue with Charles that made him such an amazing value at $2.5 million dollars via free agency is his health. He's struggled to play full seasons ever since he joined the league back in 2020. If Charles can stay healthy there's a real chance he wins the starting right guard position for the Titans this fall.
Will Levis and the Titans were looking for a difference maker on the interior this free agency cycle and Saahdiq Charles might just be that guy. Especially if he can quickly form chemistry with his former college teammate Lloyd Cushenberry and he stays healthy.
Be looking for more Tennessee Titans free agency coverage in the coming days and weeks here at A to Z Sports. And be sure to follow us @AtoZSportsNFL on X (Twitter) for all the latest news too!
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