Hot Takes on Titans Free Agents: Arguments For, Against Re-signing Sean Murphy-Bunting
NASHVILLE — Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting is one of 24 Tennessee Titans pending free agents. Should general manager Ran Carthon re-sign him or let him go?
First, let's take a look at some of Murphy-Bunting's career highlights.
- Eight career interceptions, including two last season;
- Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; and
- 245 tackles in five seasons.
Here are the arguments.
No. Let Him Go
In four seasons with the Bucs, Murphy-Bunting played mainly as a nickel cornerback. He excelled at covering receivers in the slot position. When he moved to the Titans in 2023, he took on a more significant role and found it challenging to keep up with the better receivers he was assigned to cover.
His Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade was 57.6, which placed him 90th out of 127 cornerbacks in the NFL. In the previous season, while playing for the Bucs, he earned a grade of 71.8, good for 26th out of 118 corners.
The Titans ranked 26th in pass coverage, 29th overall among NFL defenses. Incoming defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has worked magic the past two seasons transforming the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens into league-leading pass defenses.
Get Wilson some new talent to develop, like potential draft picks Mike Sainristil, Khyree Jackson, or Nehemiah Pritchett. And spend some of that salary cap space on a proven cornerback such as Cincinnati's Chidobe Awuzie.
Yes. Keep Him Around
In 14 games in 2023, Murphy-Bunting tied a career high with 10 passes defended, intercepted two passes, and forced two fumbles. He played 800 defensive snaps for the second time in his career, despite missing three games due to injuries. Additionally, he set a career-high in tackles.
Yes, his coverage grades slipped when the Titans asked him to cover primary receivers, but those five seasons of experience matter. Let's see what Dennard Wilson can do to elevate Murphy-Bunting's play.
"It's really just playing football and finishing on a high mark,'' Murphy-Bunting said toward the end of the season. "You want to be healthy and be blessed to be out there and playing with the guys I'm playing with. And the coaches. It's not the record you want, but hey, show up every day with the the same energy and drive to help us be great. You can't ask for any more than that, so I'll keep on, and keep pushing myself.''
PFF predicts Murphy-Bunting will sign a one-year deal at $4 million, a relative bargain. Sometimes, there are gems in the bargain bin, and sometimes, you get what you pay for.
What do you think?
Tweet us at @alltitansSIFN.
Next free-agent hot take: defensive lineman Denico Autry.
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