As we outlined in a separate article, the Tennessee Titans have 28 notable players who are in a contract year, but there are seven players in particular who could have a huge 2020 campaign en route to getting a big payday in 2021.
While some of these players are likely to be moving on after 2020, others could see a contract extension offer from the Titans prior to the start of the season, or at the latest, next offseason.
Regardless of what the Titans decide to do with each individual player, let’s see which players on Tennessee’s roster could land themselves a big payday with a huge season in 2020.
TE Jonnu Smith
After Delanie Walker was cut earlier this offseason, Smith will be the official No. 1 tight end in Tennessee in 2020 — and it comes at the perfect time for him.
Smith is in the final year of his rookie deal, and while it’s possible the Titans could ink him to an extension before the upcoming season, chances are he’ll play out the year and hit free agency next offseason.
The former third-round pick had his best season as a pro in 2019, finishing with career-highs in receiving yards (439) and touchdowns (three), and he also had a clutch, one-handed touchdown grab in the playoffs.
While the coronavirus has restricted much of everything this offseason, it hasn’t stopped Smith from working on his chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, as the pair has been getting together multiple times per week.
That should help Smith garner more trust and more targets, and ultimately, more production in his fourth season, which could lead to a nice payday in 2021.