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NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans offensive line has to be the focus of the offseason. Most of the talk has been about improving the offensive tackle position, but the Titans have an equally pressing need on the interior of the offensive line that could become even more urgent if a few offseason dominos fall.

The Titans three starting interior linemen from 2022 could all be off the roster by the time free agency rolls around on March 15. Ben Jones has been a constant at the pivot since 2016, but could choose to retire in the coming weeks due to medical issues and age. Jones finished the year on injured reserve and will be 34 years old by the time the 2023 season begins. Nate Davis and Aaron Brewer, who were the starting guards in 2022, are both free agents(Brewer is restricted).

The Titans could be replacing all three and the NFL Draft will be an option to do so, but undoubtedly the Titans will have to add a piece or two in free agency as well. If they decide to, here are some names that make sense on the free agent market.

All estimates courtesy of Spotrac.com or Pro Football Focus

GUARDS

Isaac Seumalo - $12 Million/Year Estimate

Seumalo comes from the Philadelphia Eagles who had one of the best offensive lines in the league last year. It would make sense the Titans would want to poach a piece from it. Seumalo can block in a zone scheme and can hold up in pass protection. Pass protection may be an area of focus for the Titans and it is something Mike Vrabel mentioned earlier in the offseason as something the Titans must improve at. Seumalo gave up zero quarterback hits from Week 11 on. Seumalo is the most expensive option on the market and he will be turning 30 years old during the season, with that in mind the Titans may choose to pass.

Ben Powers – $9.4 Million/Year Estimate

Powers comes from a physical run game in Baltimore. While he performed better as a pass blocker, coming from that system proves he can get the job done in the run blocking. Powers didn’t allow a single sack throughout the year. That is something the Titans desperately need. Powers is only 26 years old and comes at a price cheaper than Seumalo. He could be a perfect fit for what the Titans are looking for.

Dalton Risner - $9.5 Million/Year Estimate

Risner was one of the only bright spots on the Denver Broncos’ offense last season. He played in every game except the season finale in Week 18 and he finished the season with only three sacks allowed. His pass blocking grade of 72.6 in 2022 was the second best of his career. Risner isn’t a pro bowl level guard, but he is a solid starter who could be what the Titans need as they re-tool their offensive line.

Will Hernandez - $4.5 Million/Year Estimate

Hernandez would help the Titans in pass blocking. In over 800 snaps last year Hernandez had the eighth-best pass blocking grade of any guard. However, he has struggled to find any consistency as a run blocker which could affect his appeal to the Titans. Hernandez is much cheaper than the options above him though. The Titans could choose to go after the 27 year old at a bargain compared to the rest of the market.

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CENTERS

Ethan Pocic - $7 Million/Year Estimate

Pocic finished the season as the third highest graded center in football, per Pro Football Focus. He was a part of a strong running game in Cleveland with a zone-run foundation that matches what the Titans like to do. Pocic wouldn’t break the bank for the Titans at around $7 million per season and he is only 27 years old. The Browns have spent a ton of money on their offensive line in recent years, so letting Pocic go is a function of that more than anything. Pocic makes sense schematically and timeline wise.

Connor McGovern - $7.5 Million/Year Estimate

McGovern is a model of consistency. He always plays football. The Titans, who have been ravaged by injury the past two seasons, could be very interested in that quality. McGovern has played over 1,000 snaps per season for a half of a decade. He is a better pass blocker, but gets it done in the run game as well. McGovern ranks in the top sixteen at his position in pass blocking and run blocking grade over the past two years. McGovern is nearly 30 years old though and that could be a turn off to the Titans as they look to get younger.

Garret Bradbury - $6.5 Million/Year Estimate

This may be the sweet spot for the Titans in terms of age, fit and value. Bradbury is still only 27 years old with a lot of football left to play. He is cheaper than the options we have discussed at center so far. Bradbury, unlike the other center options, is a much better run blocker than pass blocker. Bradbury struggles with someone of the stronger defensive linemen in pass protection, but he has improved in that area, positing his best pass blocking grade of his career in 2022. His athleticism would allow him to be a perfect fit in the Titans’ system.

Bradley Bozeman - $4.5 Million/Year Estimate

If the Titans want to go to the bargain bin and take a chance, Bozeman would be a good option. Bozeman is the cheapest of the center options discussed so far, is still only 28 years old and plays with a physical nature that will appeal to the Titans. Bozeman only allowed two sacks and 12 pressures in 2022, but finished with a 53.3 pass blocking grade. His 67.3 run blocking grade could catch the Titans’ eye. Bozeman overall was ranked as the nineteenth best center in the league and if Ben Jones retires, that could be an upgrade over what the Titans would have available at that point. 

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