Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Titans starting free agency options on the roster and from free agency

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Jack Gentry | Last updated 5/27/24

The Tennessee Titans have spent much of the offseason improving its roster on both sides of the football. With plenty of upgrades slotted in to start for the new look Titans there are still a few spots up for grabs.

Not only did Tennessee hire defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, but talented newcomers on the defensive side of the ball such as L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie and Kenneth Murray provide plenty of optimism for the 2024 season.

General manager Ran Carthon wasn't pinching pennies this offseason as the Titans are one of the NFL's biggest spenders since free agency kicked off in March. Though Carthon has undoubtedly filled in the cracks on the roster it's likely he still has another splash signing up his sleeve.

Carthon's next target could come at the free safety position. Four-time All-Pro Justin Simmons is still lingering on the market as is seven-year vet Marcus Maye. Both players have been linked to the Titans.

The Titans should prioritize signing safety Justin Simmons as the second wave of free agency begins to take shape.

Simmons is T-1st in the NFL with 23 INTs since 2019. He's a certified takeaway machine. pic.twitter.com/iGAIPqvB0Y
— Jack Gentry (@jackagentry) March 13, 2024

It makes sense for the Titans to check in on each free agency option considering the players on the roster currently vying for the starting role.

Elijah Molden leads the current options on the Titans roster for the starting spot alongside Amani Hooker. Molden had his moments in 2023 after switching from his role in the nickel to the safety position. He finished the season with 73 tackles, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one interception which he returned for a touchdown.

Elijah Molden to the CRIB pic.twitter.com/BfbwVNcdx9
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 17, 2023

Molden is low-level starter, but would be a great depth piece if the Titans sign one of the aforementioned free agency options. Behind him is Mike Brown who played in nine games for the Titans last year and Shyheim Carter who logged three games for Tennessee in 2023.

Whoever winds up starting in the defensive backfield will have less on their plate than the Titans safeties did a year ago. Sneed and Awuzie are known for physical press coverage which should give both safeties a bit more freedom to make plays and force turnovers.

Way-too-early prediction: Titans sign Justin Simmons to start at free safety

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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