So, I think we can all agree that with the “promotion” of Shane Bowen to defensive coordinator, the only way this defense improves will be with a bit of a roster shake up. First up, I’d like to talk about the defensive backs. Here are my thoughts to begin the discussion.
Safeties
Both of our starting safeties regressed in 2020 but after three stellar seasons from Byard 2017 to 2019, this last season really feels like an outlier. I have plenty of confidence in Byard going forward and his contract is too big to move anyway.
Vaccaro on the other hand is turning 30 next week and just had likely the worst year of his career. I expect him to be cut with a June 1 designation. So who replaces him?
Amani Hooker makes the most sense. He’s improved every year and graded better than both of our starters this year. His 4 picks were nice as well and he costs peanuts.
But… If the Titans feel the need to make a move here, they could make a run at either Jalen Mills or Keanu Neal. Both are coming off solid years, both are young and both wouldn’t break the bank.
Cornerbacks
Adoreeee! Who saw that year coming? Adoree is the obvious casualty here. I can't imagine the Titans would want to spend $10.2 million on him after this past season. They can cut him with zero dead cap. Sorry Adoree, it’s been fun.
Butler played possibly his best season this year… at age 30! This guy is under contract, a gritty defender and has a few more good years in him. I think he stays.
So who plays opposite him?
My feeling is we bring back ERFA Breon Borders to compete with Kristian Fulton for the spot. Hopefully one of them emerges in camp, otherwise we add some competition late.
Also, at slot corner, I’d really love to see us bring back Desmond King III at a reasonable price. He fit in well in the locker room and has loads of potential.
Thoughts on the Defensive Back situation for 2021?
Safeties
Both of our starting safeties regressed in 2020 but after three stellar seasons from Byard 2017 to 2019, this last season really feels like an outlier. I have plenty of confidence in Byard going forward and his contract is too big to move anyway.
Vaccaro on the other hand is turning 30 next week and just had likely the worst year of his career. I expect him to be cut with a June 1 designation. So who replaces him?
Amani Hooker makes the most sense. He’s improved every year and graded better than both of our starters this year. His 4 picks were nice as well and he costs peanuts.
But… If the Titans feel the need to make a move here, they could make a run at either Jalen Mills or Keanu Neal. Both are coming off solid years, both are young and both wouldn’t break the bank.
Cornerbacks
Adoreeee! Who saw that year coming? Adoree is the obvious casualty here. I can't imagine the Titans would want to spend $10.2 million on him after this past season. They can cut him with zero dead cap. Sorry Adoree, it’s been fun.
Butler played possibly his best season this year… at age 30! This guy is under contract, a gritty defender and has a few more good years in him. I think he stays.
So who plays opposite him?
My feeling is we bring back ERFA Breon Borders to compete with Kristian Fulton for the spot. Hopefully one of them emerges in camp, otherwise we add some competition late.
Also, at slot corner, I’d really love to see us bring back Desmond King III at a reasonable price. He fit in well in the locker room and has loads of potential.
Thoughts on the Defensive Back situation for 2021?