REPORT: Tennessee Titans Place Tender on Restricted Free Agent Teair Tart
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans had a decision to make on restricted free agent Teair Tart this offseason and according to a report from Jonathan Jones from CBS Sports, the Titans have reached that decision. The Titans will be placing a second-round tender on Tart.
With restricted free agency in the NFL, teams get a choice of placing one of four tags on a player. A first-round tender, second-round tender, original-round tender or right of first refusal. The Titans will be placing a second-round tender on Tart, but what does that mean?
A second-round tender means that Tart can go negotiate a new deal with a new team. If Tart gets a deal he wants to accept, the Titans can choose to match the deal and bring Tart back to Tennessee or decline to match the offer and the team that signs Tart would have to fork over a second round pick to the Titans. If no one offers Tart a new deal and the Titans don’t want to work out a long-term contract, Tart would come back to the Titans on a one-year deal worth $4.3 million.
Tart has gone from undrafted free agent in 2020 to one of the better nose tackles in the NFL. While nose tackles typically aren’t stat-sheet stuffers, Tart made a huge impact there and on the film. In 2022, Tart put up 34 tackles with 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss. More than double the production of any of his first two seasons. Not only that, but Tart had ball production as well, which is rare for a nose. Tart had six passes batted at the line of scrimmage and even brought down an interception.
On tape, Tart is critical to how the Titans want to play defense. Tart can occupy multiple blockers at once and allow the Titans’ linebackers to flow freely and make plays on the ball. The Titans also love to stay in nickel with five defensive backs on the field. Putting more pressure on the defensive line to win, but Tart was able to deliver and give the Titans more defensive freedom.
It was vital the Titans found a way to bring Tart back and it appears they have made a decision to do so. The Titans should look to get a long-term deal done with Tart, but regardless of that outcome, Tart should be back on the Titans in 2023 or they will see themselves obtain a nice second-round draft pick.
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