Tennessee Titans' Best Options at Tight End in Free Agency

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans had glaring needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver heading into NFL Free Agency, but one of the needs that stands out that is less discussed is at tight end.

Yes, the Titans have Chig Okonkwo, but due to his skillset and general roster requirements, they will certainly need two more. One of those additional tight ends should come from free agency even if the Titans, who finished 7-10 a year ago, add a tight end in the NFL Draft.

First, we need to talk about Okonkwo. Okonkwo had a dynamic rookie season for the Titans and will certainly get an increased role in 2023, but Okonkwo’s skillset at this point in his career doesn’t allow for him to be a do-it-all, every down tight end. Okonkwo doesn’t have the size or blocking chops to carry out all of the TE1 responsibilities. Okonkwo is incredibly explosive and can work as a move tight end or even in the slot, but that will require some specific complements.

It is a great class of tight ends in the NFL Draft so the Titans will certainly look to add one there, but without knowing whether the right fit will present itself in the draft, the Titans need to add a body who complements Okonkwo in free agency. Here are some names who could make a ton of sense.

Foster Moreau

What the Titans need to go with Okonkwo is a tight end with good size who can put their hand in the dirt and be an in-line option. Being able to line up next to the offensive tackle and take defensive ends one on one. That’s not where Okonkwo is at his best, so having someone who can do that is key. Here is the kicker though, whoever plays that role with Okonkwo, needs to be able to be a viable option in the pass game as well. Something Geoff Swaim could not offer in that role.

Enter Moreau who can provide exactly that to the Titans. Moreau isn’t the explosive threat that Okonkwo is in the passing game, but he has good after-catch ability and is a physical player willing to stick his nose in the pile and block. He would be a cheap complement to Okonkwo and give the Titans a little less desperation to find a tight end in the draft.

Drew Sample

Sample missed all but two games in 2022 with a knee injury, so that may make him less enticing for the Titans, but if healthy, Sample could be a perfect fit with the Titans. Sample is a big body at 6’4” and 258 pounds. He can catch the ball well enough to not be a non-factor in the passing game and has been a good blocker in his career. His last full season, in 2021, Sample graded out as a top-40 run blocker and a top-20 pass blocker at tight end. If he is healthy, he could be had at a discount and fill a specific role in Tennessee.

Marcedes Lewis

Lewis is drawing close to the end of his career. At nearly 39 years old, it is a shock that Lewis is still playing, but why not when you are getting the job done like Lewis does. Lewis was the thirteenth highest graded run blocker at the position in 2022. He is a savvy veteran who uses his size and smarts to win blocks. Compared to Swaim, Lewis gives you as much, if not more, as a receiver. No, Lewis isn’t a guy you want out on the field for a ton of snaps, but if the Titans plan on adding a tight end in the draft, Lewis could be a great addition to be TE3 and mentor two young players.

The Titans lost their last seven games a year ago and aren't expected to do much in 2023. According to the odds at Fanduel, they are 14th out of 16 AFC teams when it comes to odds to win the AFC.

Foster Moreau

Drew Sample

Marcedes Lewis

Related Titans stories