Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser is receiving some hype ahead of the 2021 preseason, but is he the team’s best-kept secret?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes so. In an article naming the best-kept secret for every team in the NFL, Firkser was his choice for the Titans.
The Tennessee Titans lost tight end Jonnu Smith in free agency, which might be seen as a significant problem for the passing offense. Only, it might not be. While casual fans may not be familiar with tight end Anthony Firkser, he’s well-equipped to take over the starting role.
While we certainly agree, the secret is starting to get out, as Firkser also received recognition from Pro Football Focus, landing at No. 28 on the outlet’s list of the top 32 tight ends ahead of the 2021 campaign.
There are a slew of reasons why Firkser, who is coming off a career-best year in 2020 with 39 receptions for 387 yards and one touchdown, is getting extra attention of late.
For starters, the Titans lost their starting tight end from 2020, Jonnu Smith, in free agency this offseason but have so far failed to replace him via free agency or the draft.
That leaves Firkser in prime position to see increased snaps and serve as Tennessee’s primary pass-catching tight end, a role he should shine in.
On top of that, with the Titans having lost a pair of receivers in Corey Davis and Adam Humphries and only having replaced them with Josh Reynolds, there will be plenty of extra targets up for grabs in Nashville.
However, as bullish as we are on Firkser, there are reasons for pause before the hype train really leaves the station.
Unless Firkser’s blocking has dramatically improved, chances are he won’t be an every-down player at tight end and will have to split snaps with Geoff Swaim, who is a superior blocker.
It also stands to reason that Tennessee could add another veteran tight end who is more well-rounded than both Swaim and Firkser, which would cut into both players’ snaps.
Regardless, with Firkser’s ability to line up in the slot as well as in-line, he has multiple ways to contribute in the offense. At bare bones minimum, Firkser should top his production from last season.