A breakdown of the initial wave of free agency for the Tennessee Titans:
Overall grade: B. The Titans have lost more players than they've gained so far, but they've upgraded in quality. Tennessee did well by adding a potential No. 1 cornerback in Malcolm Butler to complete a strong trio and a playmaker in RB Dion Lewis to form a nice one-two punch with Derrick Henry. They made smart business moves getting rid of older, overpaid veterans. They also re-signed two starters in Josh Kline and DaQuan Jones, who should help solidify both lines. They also missed out on Ndamukong Suh, who went to the Rams. There are still some holes, particularly at inside linebacker and edge rusher. But it's been a solid free agency thus far.
Most significant signing: It's certainly Butler, who landed a five-year, $61.25 million deal to join the Titans. He should bring the physicality, competitiveness and press-coverage ability to challenge top receivers. Butler has 36 pass breakups and eight interceptions since 2015, per Pro Football Focus. On paper, Butler's arrival turns the Titans secondary into one of its biggest strengths. Butler also brings the underdog background that general manager Jon Robinson loves, and he'll likely be motivated for a bounce-back season after a rough 2017 campaign that ended with an odd Super Bowl LII benching.
Most significant loss: Avery Williamson. The Titans had some interest in retaining Williamson, but they didn't come close to matching the Jets' offer and saw their starting inside linebacker leave in free agency. Williamson was a bit limited in his pass-coverage ability, but he was a strong tackling and run-stopping linebacker. The Titans haven't signed anyone to replace him yet, leaving a hole there. Second-year player Jayon Brown, along with others added later in free agency or the draft, will do their best to fill it.
Player they should have signed: Mike Wallace or John Brown. Tennessee hasn't added a receiver yet, and they bring back a group that struggled to help out Marcus Mariota consistently last season. Corey Davis should be much better in Year 2, and Rishard Matthews is an underrated receiver, but the Titans could use another speedy receiver to threaten defenses deep and compete with Taywan Taylor. Wallace still shows that at 31, and the Eagles signed him for a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Former Cardinals receivers John Brown and Jaron Brown would have also been good Titans additions, and each was signed to a short-term deal worth $5 million or less per year.
Additions: Malcolm Butler, CB; Dion Lewis, RB; Kevin Pamphile, OL; Blaine Gabbert, QB; Xavier Su'a-Filo, OL
Subtractions: Avery Williamson, LB; DeMarco Murray, RB; Sylvester Williams, NT; Da'Norris Searcy, S; Eric Decker, WR; Matt Cassel, QB; Karl Klug, DL; Harry Douglas, WR; Brice McCain, CB; Eric Weems, WR; Curtis Riley, DB; Brian Schwenke, G/C; Brandon Weeden, QB.
What’s next: They can finally move on after Suh made his decision. There's no huge defensive line need, but the Titans will also look into adding depth at that position as well as at linebacker, receiver, edge rusher and safety. The market has settled enough for Tennessee to find important value signings.