Free agency kicks off Wednesday, March 14th and that means teams will be sending armored trucks to various players’ houses. By cutting running back DeMarco Murray the Titans saved $6.5 million and increased their cap space to a total of $53 million. That might seem like a lot but they will be dedicating a lot of that money to offensive tackle Taylor Lewan.
Lewan’s deal will reset the tackle market heading into next year. They also need to be mindful of Marcus Mariota‘s impending free agency next year. That being said they are still capable of breaking the bank on one player this season, and that player is Sammy Watkins.
The Titans hired Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur to the same position and that means they will be spreading the ball around. Watkins was traded to the Rams last summer and was at times a game-breaking receiver. He didn’t get as many touches because of the emergence of Cooper Kupp and fellow former Bills’ receiver, Robert Woods.
Watkins is only 24 and can still be a deep threat. Second year receiver Corey Davis still needs time to develop and Rishard Matthews needs someone to take the pressure off him. This also helps out tight end Delanie Walker who is Mariota’s favorite target. Running back Derrick Henry also stands to benefit as he has time to develop as a pass catcher.
Watkins’ health is still a concern. Buffalo was willing to move on from him because he’s had issues with his feet. If the Titans sign him to a lucrative, albeit incentive laden deal it’d be a major coup. Mariota needs someone capable of breaking big gains and in LaFleur’s system, Watkins can do just that. The Titans offense could resemble what the Rams built last year and they’d be even deadlier considering Mariota’s mobility.