Titans Free Agent RB Options to Replace Hassan Haskins

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are doing something we didn't know was possible. They are losing the NFL's summer break. The suspension of Nicholas Petit-Frere was followed swiftly by running back Hassan Haskins being charged with aggravated assault. So, what now?

When looking at the running back position, the Titans could be left with a major hole without Haskins. While Haskins wasn't the most dynamic runner, he served multiple purposes for the roster.

Haskins provided value for the Titans as a pass protector on third downs, but primarily he was an important special teams player. Haskins was second on the team in 2022 with 13 special-teams tackles. He was a force on coverage units.

Haskins also returned some kickoffs. He had 19 returns for 414 yards in 2022. While the Titans likely wouldn't have Haskins as their primary returner in a perfect world, having the ability and acting as an emergency option brings value.

Who can match that on the free agent market? There aren't many good options, but here is who the Titans could look at.

Rex Burkhead

Burkhead has done two things that Titans head coach Mike Vrabel will love, he played for the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans. The Titans seem to constantly be sifting through both teams trash. They can do it again here.

Burkhead can be the third running back. He can take up to five carries a game and add value as a pass protector. However, Burkhead will be 33 years old this season and only played 17 snaps on special teams in 2022. He may not be the help on special teams the Titans would need.

Trenton Cannon

Cannon could return to the Titans after injury had him on injured reserve most of the year in 2022. When healthy though, Cannon can fit the ball as a depth running back. Cannon also provides some special teams value as well.

Cannon has had stints as one of the better kickoff returners in the NFL. In his first four seasons, Cannon played 150 or more special teams snaps in three of those seasons and had 32 kickoff return attempts for 742 yards. At only 27 years old, Cannon still has the juice need to be a special teams contributor weekly.

Malcolm Brown

Brown will turn 30 years old this season and at this point in his career he is not a very valuable member of his teams' special teams units. Brown hasn't played over 100 special trams snaps since 2019. While Brown may be the worst special teams option, he is a solid option as an actual running back.

Brown has averaged four yards per carry in his career including rushing for over 400 yards in 2020. He also has shown good skill catching the ball out of the backfield. Brown caught 23 passes for 163 yards in 2020 as well. If the Titans want more running back skill over special teams value, Brown is the top option.

Justin Jackson

Finally, we come to what I feel is the best option for the Titans. Jackson gives you everything you are missing if Haskins is cut. Jackson is 27 years old, tying him for youngest on this list. At six foot and 200 pounds, he is also the biggest of the players we have discussed.

Jackson has run for over 1,200 yards in his five seasons and has gone over 100 receiving yards in four of those five seasons. More importantly, Jackson played over 250 special teams snaps last year in Detroit. He also returned 23 kickoffs for over 600 return yards. Out of the backfield, on special teams or returning, Jackson gives the Titans a big body who can do all the things Haskins does.

Haskins may not ultimately be let go if his legal issues work out in a certain way, that would make this just a temporary concern for the Titans that doesn't require action, but if Haskins is proven to have done what he is accused of, the Titans should cut him instantly and look to one of these options for depth.

Titans Related Stories

• WILL LEVIS REMAINS THE ONLY UNSIGNED TENNESSEE TITANS DRAFT PICK: The Tennessee Titans have signed five of their six 2023 draft picks, with only second-round selection quarterback Will Levis remaining unsigned. CLICK HERE
• GOOD TITANS NEWS, AS TREYLON BURKS GETS MARRIED: After back-to-back days of bad news for the Titans, Treylon Burks married recently. CLICK HERE
• TWO DAYS, TWO ISSUES FOR TITANS, WHAT'S NEXT: After a suspension and a player arrest, what might be next for the Tennessee Titans if the adage of things coming in threes is true? CLICK HERE