Hot Takes on Titans Free Agents: Arguments For, Against Re-signing Azeez Al-Shaair
NASHVILLE — Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair led the Tennessee Titans in tackles last season and is one of 24 pending free agents. Should general manager Ran Carthon re-sign him or let him go?
First, let's take a look at some of Al-Shaair's career highlights.
- Al-Shaair has 362 career tackles, including 163 last season.
- He posted a career-high nine tackles for loss during the 2023 regular season.
Here are the arguments
Let Him Go
The only way to make a case against him would be if his asking price exceeded the team's budget. Although he has some flaws in dropping back into coverage, his hard-hitting and aggressive tackling style makes up for it.
He could return to the San Francisco 49ers, where he started his career before signing a one-year five million dollar deal last offseason. If there becomes a bidding war, the Titans could let him walk, especially if Al-Shaair believes he has a better chance at winning a Super Bowl sooner with another franchise.
Keep Him
Al-Shaair is an exceptional linebacker who fearlessly attacks gaps in the run game. He bursts through blocks and fights with a second effort to make a play. He began his career as the third linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers but flourished as a starter with the Titans. In the previous season, Al-Shaair played over 1100 snaps on defense, the same as his total from the previous two seasons combined.
Al-Shaair will turn 27 this year and has proved to be a durable athlete. After spending four years with the 49ers, he had a breakout season with the Titans last year. Al-Shaair made 163 tackles, which ranked him fifth in the NFL. His ability to attack gaps in the running game is well-known. He brings an element of toughness and aggression to the team.
He also expressed a desire to stay with the Titans.
"I would love to be back with the Tennessee Titans next season. We’ll see how everything unfolds," Al-Shaair told alltitans.com "I would love to be here. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Nashville. The people here, it’s more of a southern background. It’s what I’m used to I guess. They people aren’t as mean as they were in California (laughs).
"Nashville is closer to home for me. I feel like I’ve started to build a new home here. I would love to be back with the Titans."
Pro Football Focus projects Al-Shaair signing a three-year deal at 6.75 million per year. which isn't a bad deal for the Titans.
NFL teams can begin signing free agents on March.
Do you think the Titans should re-sign Al-Shaair? Tweet us at @alltitansSIFN.
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