The biggest and only addition they’ve made to their secondary thus far, the Tennessee Titans signed former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in free agency this offseason.
Awuzie’s contract is for three years and $36 million, and includes $19 million fully guaranteed, per Over the Cap. The $12 million annual average ranks 14th at the position.
As has been the case with each of the Titans’ biggest free-agent signings so far this offseason, Awuzie has a low Year 1 cap hit, coming in at just $6.9 million. The cap hit rises to $14.5 million in Year 2 and 3.
Here’s the full breakdown, per OTC:
In terms of outs, Year 3 is the best avenue, as the Titans will be hit with a dead-cap charge of just $2.5 million and a cap savings of $12 million if Awuzie is cut in 2026.
It’s far more expensive in Year 2, with Awuzie accounting for $12.5 million in dead money if cut pre-June 1, and $10 million if cut post-June 1. Those two avenues would save just $1.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
Overall, this is a good deal for the Titans.
They aren’t stuck in a long-term commitment and the money is fair for the caliber of cornerback Chido is. Not to mention, he was one of the best options available at the position in free agency.
And, if he returns to the form we saw prior to his 2022 ACL tear, it’ll be an absolute steal.
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