Analysis of NFL Free Agents Sees Matches with Titans for Ravens Safety, Texans Cornerback
NASHVILLE — Pro Football Focus (PFF), the sports analytics company, played matchmaker on Wednesday and named the Tennessee Titans as a potential landing spot for two NFL free-agent defensive backs — Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone and Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson.
PFF specializes in in-depth NFL and NCAA Football analysis. PFF assigns 0-100 player grades and calculates various advanced statistics for teams and players based on their performance in every play of every game.
According to PFF, the Tennessee Titans ranked 26th out of 32 teams in pass coverage, with only six interceptions. So it's no surprise that the Titans' defensive secondary is a focus for improvement this offseason.
Geno Stone, safety, Baltimore Ravens
The former seventh-round draft pick enjoyed a breakout year in 2023 playing for Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, who now is the Titans' defensive coordinator.
Stone had an overall rating of 72.2, 25th out of 95 safeties last season, and his 84.9 coverage rating was seventh in the league.
PFF also listed the Seattle Seahawks as a fit for Stone because new Seahawks coach Mike McDonald was the Ravens' defensive coordinator last season.
"At the end of the day, Baltimore is always home, but business is business," he told NFL.com. "You know that being in this league this long. I've been through it all, especially my rookie year. I just want to be somewhere I'm appreciated, you know, who wants me and for me to be a starter, whatever it may be. I just want my value to be there."
PFF projects Stone signing a two-year deal at $6.5 million per year. One final note: Stone, who has played four seasons in the NFL, is still only 24 years old.
Steven Nelson, cornerback, Houston Texans
Nelson ranked 29th out of 127 cornerbacks in 2023. He had four interceptions and 63 tackles. Now 31, Nelson played more than 1,000 snaps last season and has played in multiple schemes during his career.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio didn't rule out Nelson returning while expressing appreciation for his efforts.
"Steve had a great year," Caserio said at the 2024 NFL Combine. "We have a lot of respect for the way Steven handled himself and the way he played this year."
PFF projects that Nelson could command a two-year contract with an average annual salary of $7.25 million.
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