The Tennessee Titans must improve their offensive line this offseason — particularly in pass protection — if they want to have any shot of winning a Super Bowl with Ryan Tannehill under center.
The Titans have already begun what could be an overhaul after the release of former left guard Rodger Saffold. The status of center Ben Jones and right tackle David Quessenberry remain up in the air, as neither one is signed.
While bringing Jones back is a no-brainer as long as the money isn’t crazy, the same can’t be said for Quessenberry, who was a very good run-blocker but struggled mightily in pass protection in 2021.
One potential solution Tennessee should explore that became available in recent days is right tackle La’el Collins, who has been given permission to seek a trade by the Dallas Cowboys.
Collins would be a massive upgrade over Quessenberry, especially in pass protection.
The LSU product (76.2 and 89.8) posted better pass- and run-blocking Pro Football Focus grades than Quessenberry (61.6 and 89.1), and allowed nine fewer sacks (11-2) and 26 fewer pressures (43-17).
Of course, Collins played in five fewer games than Quessenberry, but even if you take those numbers out and average them over 17 games, it still isn’t close.
Collins does come with some concerns, though. He missed 13 games in 2016 due to a toe injury, and then all of the 2020 campaign with a hip issue. The hip injury is obviously the bigger concern there.
His aforementioned five games missed in 2021 was a result of a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Collins got in trouble for missing multiple drug tests and trying to bribe the test collector.
Considering the level of talent Collins is at the position, combined with the fact that he’ll be just 29 in July, his salary is very reasonable. Any team that acquires him would have to take on a $10 million cap hit in each of the next three seasons he’s under contract. A restructure could also be possible to lower the cap hits.
As far as trade compensation is concerned, the Titans would have to send the Cowboys at least one pick, which could be as high as a Day 2 selection. The Titans have one third-round pick in 2022, but no second-round selections until 2023.
Good offensive line help doesn’t grow on trees, so there will be plenty of competition for Collins’ services, which will only drive up the price.
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