Carthon's Rebuilding Plan For Titans Coming Into Focus

When the Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with just one free agent on Monday, many people began asking, what was the plan for rebuilding this roster? On Tuesday, we got a glimpse that just might provide at least some clarity.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - After the opening day of the NFL's legal tampering period, the Tennessee Titans had agreed to terms with one free agent, former Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard. 

Fans and media types, who often aren't the most patient, began to wonder and openly ask about the plan for free agency for general manager Ran Carthon and the team. After all, he has multiple holes to fill and only added one player, and he was only a backup.  

On day two, the Titans have added two linebackers, former Dallas special teams ace/linebacker Luke Gifford and, most recently, former 49ers backup linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir.  

While neither of these new additions is big-name players, a closer look inside their stat lines shows at least part of Carthin's plan.  

Al-Shaair started 13 games in 2021, posting 102 tackles, 9 TFLs, and an INT. He missed the entire month of October 2022 after suffering an MCL tear in his right knee. 

Azeez Al-Shaair will fit right in with the Titans pic.twitter.com/Pp2mF4jO8g

— Jack Gentry (@jackagentry) March 14, 2023

While injuries are a concern, Carthon was one of the people involved in San Francisco signing Al-Shaair as an undrafted rookie out of Florida Atlantic in 2019.

Like Dillard, Al-Shaair was a role player and backup behind talented starters. Crthon's first-hand knowledge likely played a critical factor in this addition. 

So what have we learned, at least in part of the Titans plan? 

Carthon is an analytics guy, and at least part of his plan is to sign players who are talented in their own right but are stuck on a loaded roster. These players come cheaper than others but can fill a starter's role in Nashville.  

this is so perfect from Azeez Al-Shaair (51) I could cry pic.twitter.com/By0WGxWlYV

— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) January 25, 2023

This might not be the preferred approach by fans, but from all indications, these signings are quality players who will bring value at a lower price than other, more prominent names.  

I doubt this will be the building plan for every year going forward, but it seems a solid plan to find quality depth once the roster is rebuilt. 

Regardless of one's initial reaction to these signings, perhaps it's wise to hold off on the doom and gloom until we see what the outcome of this plan provides.