Tennessee Titans Best Remaining Free Agent Fits: LB Kyle Van Noy

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans could be making some important free agent signings in the near future with DeAndre Hopkins reportedly in agreement and George Fant set to visit on Saturday, but if they look for even more veteran help in free agency, Kyle Van Noy would be a perfect fit.

Kyle Van Noy - Linebacker

There is a specific role that Van Noy can fill for the Titans that would add value on it's own, but the ability to fill that role and provide production elsewhere makes Van Noy a great option for the Titans. To understand what Van Noy can bring, we have to understand Harold Landry's role.

Landry unlocks the Titans' multiple defensive front. He can put his hand in the dirt like an edge or stand up as a linebacker. This allows the Titans' defense to rotate from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-3 and back again and create the most appropriate look to stop the other team's offense. Landry also has the actual ability to rush effectively and operate in space to cover.

Van Noy isn't quite the athlete Landry is, but that is expected at 32 years old and entering your tenth season. Despite what stage of his career he is in, Van Noy can still rush the passer and drop back in coverage. A versatile skillset he has displayed for a decade now.

The Titans don't currently have anyone on the roster who can replicate that role that Landry plays. Van Noy could do that and still work in as a rotational pass rusher. The Titans have a big three of Landry, Arden Key and Rashad Weaver, but Weaver and Key have been rotation players, not starters, throughout their career and Landry is coming back from a torn ACL prior to last season.

The point is, some insurance would make a ton of sense. Outside of those three rushers, the Titans have zero proven depth. Sam Okuayinonu is the favorite for the next spot after playing 105 defensive snaps in six games with the Titans in 2022, but his performance in those snaps doesn't warrant a guaranteed roster spot.

Outside of Okuayinonu, undrafted free agent rookies like Caleb Murphy and Thomas Rush look to carve out a spot. Zach McCloud is another name to watch after he was added to the Titans' practice squad last December, but he has never taken an NFL snap either.

If the Titans are making a win-now turn, like the potential signings of DeAndre Hopkins and George Fant signal, Van Noy would be a wise addition. Even at his age, Van Noy is still fills up the box score as well.

Van Noy played in all 17 games with the Los Angeles Chargers last season and had five sacks. He has produced at least five sacks in five of the last six seasons. He fills a specific role in a backup capacity, but can also add value and experience to a roster weakness at edge rusher.

The Titans may choose to hold from here, but if they want to really get serious about the depth for the 2023 season, Van Noy would be a perfect fit.

Check out the "Best Remaining Free Agent Fits" for the Titans here:

- Brett Maher

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