With the demand for quality offensive linemen being what it is in today’s NFL, Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin could be set up for a record-breaking payday in free agency.
From what ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe is hearing, Conklin might become the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL if he hits the open market this month.
From what I heard this week, OT market is about to explode. Some folks believe Jack Conklin will top Lane Johnson for highest-paid OL ($18M/yr). Laremy Tunsil extension may hit $20M/yr. OTs Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas could all be drafted top-10.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 29, 2020
The Titans declined to pick up Conklin’s fifth-year option prior to the 2019 season, which has led to him becoming a free agent this offseason — and that has certainly worked out for the 25-year-old.
[lawrence-related id=26214]
Tennessee drafted Conklin with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and after becoming a First-Team All-Pro in his rookie season, Conklin sputtered in the two years that followed.
He suffered a torn ACL in the playoff loss to the New England Patriots during the 2017 season, and in 2018 he continued to battle knee issues, leading to a down, injury-shortened third year.
Fast forward to 2019 and Conklin regained his status as one of the premier right tackles in the sport. While he was solid in pass protection for the most part, Conklin really thrived when blocking for the run.
Now, Conklin isn’t the best offensive lineman in the league to deserve such a hefty payday, but he is becoming a free agent at the perfect time, as he’s easily one of the most attractive players at his position available.
Of course, the Titans could prevent him from hitting the open market by applying the franchise tag, and from there could either make him play the season out, work out a long-term deal, or trade him.
Another option is the transition tag, which would allow Conklin to negotiate with other teams, but the Titans would have the right to match any offer sheet he signs.
The problem for the Titans is that they also have to make decisions on quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, both of whom could also be tagged.
By the looks of it, Tennessee’s best option might be to let Conklin walk and bring back Dennis Kelly, who proved he’s a starting-caliber right tackle when he filled in for an injured Conklin in 2018.
It will all come down to if the Titans are willing to pay up for the same guy they didn’t want to give a fifth year to. If it means making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, the Titans might just pass.
[lawrence-related id=25377,26436,26398]