The Titans began to rebuild their cornerback position by agreeing to a deal with Chidobe Awuzie, the former Cincinnati Bengal.
Mike Garafolo reported the deal is for three years and $36 million with $23 million guaranteed. he also said despite interest from a few teams, the corner was interested in joining former Bengals OC Brian Callahan in Tennessee to help create the culture.
The Titans need that, as they've lacked a productive leader at the position for some time. They still need more.
Sean Murphy-Bunting agreed to a deal with the Cardinals so he won't be back. Murphy-Bunting had the right disposition for the position, but he was overly physical, drew too many penalties and didn't win enough.
The other starter from 2023, Kristian Fulton, needs more than a new head coach and shouldn't be back after he failed to live up to his status as a second-rounder in his four years and had some miserable games last year.
Former Titans scout Blake Beddingfield wrote about Awuzie in a recent free agency preview:
"Has been a very consistent player covering outside in the formation," he said. "Awuzie is a solid starting corner with good size and strength but only average top-end speed. He’s a good player against the run and pass who will be a bigger version of Roger McCreary."
Awuzie tore an ACL on Oct. 31, 2022 and returned to play in 15 games last season. The Titans have dealt with first-year returns from ACL repairs recently with Robert Woods, Bud Dupree, Taylor Lewan and Harold Landry. Those players were all still working their way back in that first season. Awuzie in his second season back should be far closer to his best form.
The addition of Awuzie made for a solid Day One three-pack on the first day of negotiating for the Titans, joining center Lloyd Cushenberry and Tony Pollard.
Gone are SMB along with Azeez Al-Shaair and Denico Autry, who both will join the Texans.
Al-Shaair's departure leaves the Titans with a significant hole at inside linebacker.
With Azeez Al-Shaair to #Texans, the #Titans don’t have a single starting-caliber ILB on their roster.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 11, 2024
Otis Reese is best of bunch that includes Jack Gibbens, Chance Campbell, special teamer Luke Gifford, Joe Jones, Garrett Wallow and JoJo Doman.
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