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Titans should focus on solidifying OL, adding big-play threats in free agency

Justin Pugh could provide the Titans with a boost to their interior offensive line. Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire

Here are the moves the Tennessee Titans should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 14:

Solidify offensive line: The Titans were one of the NFL's best offensive lines in 2016, but the interior group took a huge step back in 2017. They are faced with a dilemma: Maintain the status quo, returning what they have with maybe an additional draft pick for competition or aim high and try to upgrade in a seller's market of offensive linemen.

Tennessee has interest in re-signing their starting left guard Josh Kline, but they have yet to meet his asking price. If Kline goes elsewhere, the Titans could pony up a little more money for a guy like Justin Pugh, who would fit great in the Titans' zone scheme and also has the versatility to play right tackle as Jack Conklin recovers from a torn ACL. Striking out or passing on Kline, Pugh, Jack Mewhort, Josh Sitton and top dog Andrew Norwell would be quite a risk.

The Titans are planning to tender restricted free agent Quinton Spain at the lowest level, a one-year, $1.9 million deal with the right of first refusal. It's possible they could lose Spain, their starting left guard, to another team without receiving compensation. An extension with Taylor Lewan that could make him the NFL's highest paid left tackle is also on the horizon.

Sign John Brown, Taylor Gabriel or another speedy WR: Simply put, the Titans were slow on offense last season. Some of that was a result of former head coach Mike Mularkey's scheme, but a big portion of it was because the offense was made up primarily of big, possession receivers. The Titans need speed and versatility, at receiver and running back.

They could find a good value signing in someone like John Brown, who has battled injuries but has a 1,000-yard season and the ability to play inside and out, or Taylor Gabriel, a small matchup nightmare who excelled with now-Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur in 2016. Mike Wallace, who is 31 but still can win deep and led the Ravens in receiving over the past two years, and Paul Richardson could also be options.

The Titans don't need to break the bank for a receiver because they still believe that Corey Davis will be a No. 1 receiver and Rishard Matthews is an underrated No. 2.

Find value, don't overpay for defense: The Titans rank in the top-10 in cap space available with just under $60 million, but that doesn't mean they should go on an all-out shopping spree. Some should be saved for Lewan and the eventual Marcus Mariota extension. The Titans should also consider re-signing DaQuan Jones, Avery Williamson and Erik Walden if the price is right.

Titans general manager Jon Robinson has done a good job finding value midtier free agents to provide depth and starting contributions. This year's defensive targets should include a solid starting cornerback like Rashaan Melvin or Morris Claiborne and a decent pass-rusher like Adrian Clayborn or Pernell McPhee.

Sign Josh McCown or a top-tier QB2: Some backups are more important than starters and the Titans need to find a strong backup for Mariota. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel compared their search for a backup quarterback to looking for a long reliever who can win a game after the starter gets rocked in the third inning. McCown is the best option, with Tom Savage, Trevor Siemian and Matt Moore also making sense.

McCown might be looking for a starting role, but if he doesn't then the Titans should pony up the cash to lure him to Tennessee on a one- or two-year deal. McCown, who will turn 39 in July, would be a great mentor and teammate for Mariota, but more importantly he's proven he can step in and win if the Titans' starter gets hurt.