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Tennessee Titans' 2020 NFL free-agent signings: Can Vic Beasley boost pass rush?

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What Tannehill's deal with Titans means to QB market (1:22)

Jeff Darlington details the Titans' 4-year deal with Ryan Tannehill and what it means for Tom Brady and other quarterbacks in free agency. (1:22)

NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2020 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from Bill Barnwell. The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2020 NFL draft begins April 23.

Here's a breakdown of every 2020 NFL free-agent signing by the Tennessee Titans and how each will impact the upcoming season:


Ryan Tannehill, quarterback

The Titans have agreed on a four-year deal with Tannehill that will pay him up to $118 million, a source told ESPN's Jeff Darlington on Sunday. The deal, which has an average annual value of $29.5 million, includes $62 million fully guaranteed, the source told Darlington.

What it means: Tannehill returns to the Tennessee, where he'll look to continue his success from the second half of the 2019 season. Tannehill seemed to have a firm grasp of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme and did an outstanding job making checks at the line of scrimmage. He was a more efficient player in Tennessee than his previous seasons with the Miami Dolphins, as shown by his league-leading 117.5 quarterback rating.

What's the risk: While Tannehill experienced a career resurgence with the Titans, the sample size was limited to 13 games (10 in the regular season and three in the playoffs). There's always a chance he reverts back to the mediocre play that plagued him in Miami. Tannehill also missed eight games due to injury in the two seasons before joining the Titans. If Tannehill doesn't sustain the success he had in 2019, the Titans will be hamstrung with a sizable cash investment.


Derrick Henry, running back

The Titans have placed the franchise tag on Henry, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Why he was tagged: The Titans had to bring Henry back for at least one more season. Counting the playoffs, Henry carried the ball 386 times last season. Tennessee will lean on Henry to carry the ball plenty in 2020. Can he continue to endure that kind of pounding? The tag also buys the Titans time to work out a long-term deal with Henry.

What he brings: Henry is one of the most unique backs in the NFL. His blend of size and speed makes him more than capable of breaking tackles at the line of scrimmage and outrunning defenses for big gains. The Titans use Henry to impose their will by wearing down defenses and putting games away in the second half. Henry scored 14 of his 18 rushing touchdowns (including the playoffs) in the second half of games.

Vic Beasley Jr., linebacker

Former Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Vic Beasley Jr. will sign with the Tennessee Titans, his agency, CAA, told ESPN's Dianna Russini on Tuesday.

What it means: Beasley was the No. 8 overall pick in 2015 and led the NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2016. Signing Beasley to a one-year deal shows the Titans believe in his ability to rush the passer. But they want to see how he will respond to working with Mike Vrabel and whether he can inspire the sixth-year pass-rusher to revisit past success. Beasley came on strong to close out last season when he had four sacks over the final four games. If that same motivation carries over to his new destination, the Titans could have a dangerous duo in Beasley and Harold Landry.

What's the risk: After an outstanding second year, he posted only 10 total sacks in 2017 and 2018 -- starting eight and nine games, respectively. Beasley fell out of favor with the Falcons' coaching staff. He drew criticism for his lack of run support and was labeled as a "sack chaser." The Titans pride themselves on being able to stop the run. One of their sayings is "You have to earn the right to rush the passer." If Beasley doesn't develop a complete game, the Titans may be searching for help again next season.


Dennis Kelly, OT

The Titans signed Kelly to a three-year, $21 million deal.

What it means: Kelly returns to the Titans on a much cheaper deal than Jack Conklin who moved on to the Cleveland Browns. There isn't much drop-off from a pass protection perspective so it's a good deal. Kelly will step in as the starting right tackle but could draw competition from a rookie if the Titans use an early draft pick on another offensive lineman.

What's the risk: The Titans offensive line hit their stride last year with Conklin at right tackle. Conklin is an elite run blocker so his presence will be missed. Kelly served as a solid swing lineman that could fill in at multiple spots but now he'll be pushed into a starting role.


MyCole Pruitt, tight end

The Titans re-signed MyCole Pruitt to a one-year deal.

What it means: Pruitt will continue to fill the blocking tight end and H-Back role. Bringing Pruitt back gives the Titans a player that helped spring Derrick Henry for some of his long runs over the last two seasons. Pruitt had a key block to open the door for Henry's record-setting 99-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. The Titans will use Pruitt along with fullback Khari Blasingame in some of their run-heavy personnel groupings.

What's the risk: There really aren't any risks in this signing. It's a low cost deal for a player that helps the Titans rushing attack. Pruitt won't be called upon to be a pass-catcher, though he has shown the ability to make plays when targets came his way.


Ty Sambrailo, offensive tackle

The Titans are adding former Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo on a one-year deal.

What it means: Sambrailo will battle with reserve tackle David Quessenberry for the swing tackle role. He has some starting experience at both tackle spots. Adding Sambrailo could mean the Titans don't have to target a versatile offensive lineman in the draft, especially in the mid rounds. The Titans now have three offensive linemen (Sambrailo, Quessenberry, and Dennis Kelly) that have a touchdown receptions on their résumé.

What's the risk: A one-year, low-cost deal for a reserve offensive lineman with starting experience doesn't come with any risks.


Kamalei Correa, linebacker

Correa signed a one-year deal with the Titans.

What it means: Correa had a strong finish down the stretch last season. The Titans still need to add help at pass-rusher. This deal doesn't mean the Titans won't still add one of the premier pass-rushers left on the market. GM Jon Robinson said he's not sure whether the Titans are done in free agency.

What's the risk: Correa is a high-effort player who is well-liked by the coaching staff. He posted sacks in six of the final eight games including the playoffs. The risk in signing this deal is that the Titans drop out of the Jadeveon Clowney free-agent sweepstakes.


Nick Dzubnar, linebacker

Dzubnar signed a one-year deal with the Titans.

What it means: Signing Dzubnar to a low-cost deal likely means that inside linebacker and special-teams captain Darren Bates won't be brought back. Dzubnar is a high-energy player who will have an impact as a coverage guy on the special teams. Titans special-teams coach Craig Auckerman was Dzubnar's special-teams coordinator in 2016 with the Chargers.

What's the risk: There are no risks in this deal. The Titans got younger and cheaper by adding Dzubnar.


Jack Crawford, defensive tackle

Crawford signed a one-year deal with the Titans.

What it means: Crawford gives the Titans a veteran player who adds depth along the defensive line. Crawford could compete to replace veteran Jurrell Casey, who was traded to the Denver Broncos. DaQuan Jones and Jeffery Simmons both have spots locked down. But after them, there are question marks up front. Crawford served primarily as a backup over the last three seasons with the Falcons so Tennessee will likely still add a defensive lineman in the draft.

What's the risk: GM Jon Robinson has done a series of one-year deals with veteran players. Like the others, this deal doesn't have any risks. It's not a costly deal and gives them much-needed depth up front.