DL Denico Autry
The Titans have enough needs as it is and failing to bring back Denico Autry would only create another one.
The 33-year-old defensive lineman had 11.5 sacks in 2023, the first time he has reached double-digit sacks in his 10-year NFL career. He has also been a consistent veteran presence for the Titans defense that would be greatly missed if he leaves in free agency. Autry has a work ethic and motor that translates to consistent production.
After signing three-year, $21.5 million with Tennessee in 2021, Autry has recorded eight or more sacks in all three seasons with the organization. He is only the second player in Tennessee Titans history to have 8+ sacks in three different seasons, with Jevon Kearse being the other.
There is every reason to believe that Autry would be open to returning in 2024. "It's a good fit for me. I like it here," he said in late December. A to Z Sports projects Autry get a one-year, $9 million contract with $6 million guaranteed this offseason.Getting that done should be a priority for GM Ran Carthon.
CB Sean Murphy Bunting
The Titans will need to add more than just 1-2 players to their secondary this offseason. Outside of Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden, and Roger McCreary, there is very little experience when it comes to Tennessee's defensive backs.
Both Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting are unrestricted free agents this offseason. While Fulton feels due for a change of scenery, I'd love to see Murphy-Bunting back in the two-tone blue in 2024.
SMB had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and tied a career-high 10 passes defensed in 14 starts for the 2023 Titans. He is both a starting caliber cornerback and locker room leader that would welcome a reunion.
Murphy-Bunting spoke openly at the end of the season about the bonds he formed with teammates and how much he enjoyed his year in Nashville.
"When you get into an environment where you feel so welcome and you feel so valued and appreciated, you don't want to lose that. But you don't know. You don't have control of what's going to happen," said SMB.
"I think I show up to work every day the same. I try to be a leader in the ways that I can lead. I try to be a mentor to the younger guys that need it. For me, it's always been about being myself. "I'm always going to have a smile on my face and be a guy that people can lean on, but I've enjoyed my year to say the least."
Spotrac's current market value projection for Murphy-Bunting is a two-year, $13.5 million contract. Which is a price the Titans should be more than willing to pay to bring back a player of SMB's ability at a position of need.
LB Azeez Al Shaair
Azeez Al-Shaair's 163 tackles last season were the most ever recorded in a single season by a Tennessee Titans player.
The former San Francisco 49ers linebacker finally got his opportunity to shine in a defense where he was not blocked by Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw and made the most of it.
PFF now projects Al-Shaair to get a three-year contract worth close to $20 million. He's certain to have a good number of suitors, but shared on locker room cleanout day that he wants to be back in Tennessee.
"I definitely want to be back here. Anytime anybody has ever asked me that...I would love to be back here. I feel like I fit in very well. These guys accepted me and allowed me to be a leader on this team," said Al-Shaair.
Behind Al-Shaair, the Titans' depth at inside linebacker was rough in 2023. After Jack Gibbens was placed on Injured Reserve in December, Tennessee's inside linebackers behind Azeez were all poached off practice squads around the league. Without Al-Shaair on the roster, it becomes a massive need for this defense.
More must-reads: