The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a unique position in 2020 when it comes to the ability to keep their own free agents.
Because no new CBA has been passed, teams have the opportunity to use both the franchise and transition tags in the same year, as opposed to the norm where only one can be used.
However, that can change rapidly if a new CBA is agreed upon before the start of the league year on March 18th. As of right now, a proposal has already been ratified by the owners and players are expected to vote on it soon.
But until that happens, using both tags is currently on the table, and being able to do so would be a huge benefit for Tennessee.
Let’s take a look at what the Titans should do with their top four free agents if no new CBA is passed. Tennessee has about $50 million to spend this offseason before making cuts, per Over the Cap.
Ryan Tannehill: Sign to long-term deal
Projected market value (per Spotrac): Four years, $122 million ($30.5 million annual average salary)
Everything changed when the Titans inserted Ryan Tannehill under center as the starter in Week 7. After a 2-4 start, Tannehill helped launch the Titans’ offense into a different stratosphere and compiled a 7-3 record in the last 10 games en route to the playoffs.
It’s been a long time since the Titans have been able to say “that’s our guy” at quarterback, and it’s why general manager Jon Robinson should lock him up. Signing Tannehill to a multi-year extension also gives the franchise extra time to plan for its future solution at quarterback via the draft.
I think Spotrac’s market value is a bit high for what Tannehill will get from the Titans. I expect it to be more in the ballpark of what Alex Smith got from the Washington Redskins ($23.5 million average salary).