NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2022 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began last Wednesday, and the first round of the 2022 NFL draft begins April 28 on ESPN.
The Tennessee Titans finished last season at 12-5 and secured their second consecutive AFC South Division title, but things will look different for the them when they take the field in 2022.
Tennessee enters free agency with 19 players set to become unrestricted free agents.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson was able to avoid using the franchise tag on outside linebacker Harold Landry III, but Tennessee kept Landry from becoming a free agent by agreeing to a five-year, $87.5 million deal on Tuesday.
More change could be on the way, especially considering that the team will look to add more playmakers to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Here's a breakdown of every 2022 NFL free-agent signing by the Titans, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Dontrell Hilliard, RB
Terms of the deal have not been released.
What it means: Hilliard adds depth to the running back room. The Titans signed Hilliard mid-season to help fill in for the injured Derrick Henry. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 56 attempts last season and caught 19 passes. Hilliard provides special teams value as well. He had eight kick returns last season.
What's the risk: The backfield behind Henry will be competitive. Adding Hilliard to the mix doesn't come with any risks. He produced for Tennessee last season and could see some time as a third-down back this year.
Randy Bullock, K
Terms of the deal have not been released.
What it means: Bullock emerged as the Titans kicker after an injury to Sam Ficken. The veteran kicker hit a few game-winners last year. Bringing him back gives the Titans a kicker they feel confident in. This move means it's unlikely that Tennessee uses a late pick on a kicker such as Cade York from LSU. However, it's possible that they bring in someone to compete for the job.
What's the risk: The deal isn't likely to be a high-cost contract. But there are some range limitations when it comes to Bullock. He was good on his one field goal attempt of 50 yards but was only eight of 13 on field goals between 40 - 49 yards.
Austin Hooper, TE
Hooper signed a one-year deal worth $6 million.
What it means: Signing Hooper gives the Titans their lead tight end. He's a proven pass catcher dating to his days with the Atlanta Falcons where he posted back-to-back seasons with over 70 receptions. While with Atlanta, Hooper played in a similar offense to what the Titans use. Hooper now gets the opportunity to lead a group of tight ends, and the move allows Tennessee to avoid the same approach as last season when it went with quantity over quality.
What's the risk: The only risk is it's a one-year deal. Hooper has had success in a similar offense and should get an opportunity to thrive. That would be great for this season, but not for the future. A productive season could put Hooper back in line for a big contract like the four-year, $40 million deal he signed with the Cleveland Browns two years ago.
Ola Adeniyi, LB
The Titans are bringing back Adeniyi on a one-year deal. Financial terms of the deal have not been released.
What it means: Adeniyi gives the Titans a special teams ace that helps on all of their coverage units. Additionally, Adeniyi will be a rotational player at outside linebacker. He's capable of having an impact there as shown by his sack against the Seattle Seahawks that helped set up the game-winning field goal in Week 2 last season.
What's the risk: There are no risks to this deal. Adeniyi is a valuable contribution to multiple phases of the game. His deal isn't likely to have a significant financial impact, which is a bonus for a player that will help set the tone on both defense and special teams.
Ben Jones, C
Jones signed a two-year deal worth $14 million to stay with the Titans, which was his goal all along.
What it means: Re-signing Jones means the Titans are bringing back a player who was the glue for their offensive line. Jones has been a rock for Tennessee, having started 96 out of 97 regular season games since joining the team in 2016. Jones has played through all types of injuries and his toughness has been an inspiration to his teammates. Having released Rodger Saffold, it was important for the Titans to bring Jones back to provide some continuity up front.
What's the risk: Despite Jones being 32-years old, this two-year deal doesn't have many risks. Jones has been a consistent part or the Titans lineup and has provided Pro Bowl caliber play. Getting Jones at $7 million per year is a low-risk deal.
Trenton Cannon, RB
Cannon agreed to a one-year deal, but the financial terms have not been released.
What it means: Cannon will immediately become a primary option in the return game and on the coverage units. He was known for his special teams ability with the San Francisco 49ers. The Titans should also be able to get a contribution from Cannon as a third-down back to spell Derrick Henry.
What's the risk: A one-year deal for a special teams ace and complementary back isn't a risk. Cannon is coming off of a injury but is cleared to return to the play.
A.J. Moore, S
Moore agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, which is fully guaranteed.
What it means: Moore fills the veteran safety/core special teams void that was opened when the Titans didn't re-sign Dane Cruikshank or Matthias Farley. Moore, who came over from inside the division with the Houston Texans, has connections to Titans defensive backs coach Anthony Midget from their days in Houston when Midget was his positional coach. Moore has some starting experience, so he could fill in for Kevin Byard or Amani Hooker if need be.
What's the risk: This is another low-risk deal for the Titans. It's not a splashy move, but it provides depth. The contract is fully guaranteed, but it's little cost for what should be a core special teams player.
Geoff Swaim, TE
The Titans will bring back Swaim on a one-year deal. The financial terms have yet to be released.
What it means: Swaim's versatility earned him a lot of snaps last season. He fills the Titans need for a blocking tight end while also giving them somewhat of an option in the passing game, especially in the red zone. His three touchdowns last season tied him for the third-most on the team. Signing Swaim is more of a move for depth, even though he started 16 games last season.
What's the risk: There really aren't any risks with this signing. Terms haven't been released, but it's a one-year deal that likely didn’t break the bank. This move gives the Titans a returning starter that has a chance to compete with whatever other tight end that are brought in. If Swaim doesn't earn a starting spot, he'll still get a nice share of snaps because of his blocking prowess.
Jamarco Jones, OT
Jones intends to sign a two-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, with the Titans. The former Seattle Seahawks tackle's contract is worth $5.75 million, including $3.15 million guaranteed.
What it means: Most of Jones' snaps have been at tackle. But he has also played guard. Jones figures to be a depth piece at both spots. He has seven career starts since being selected by the Seahawks in 2018. Signing Jones essentially replaces reserve offensive lineman Kendall Lamm, who was released to clear up cap space.
What's the risk: Jones spent part of the last two seasons on injured reserve. A back injury landed Jones on injured reserve in late November last year. Jones returned to action for the final game of the season. At that cost, Jones isn't much of a risk.
Buster Skrine, CB
Terms of the deal have not been released.
What it means: Skrine is back with the Titans after joining them midseason last year. The veteran cornerback provides much-needed depth behind Elijah Molden as nickel defensive back, and he's capable of playing on the outside. Second-year cornerback Caleb Farley is slated to start on the outside now that Jackrabbit Jenkins has been released. But Skrine could be in line for extended snaps on the outside as Farley works his way back from injury.
What's the risk: There aren't any risks in signing a low-cost veteran who has a chance to contribute and provide leadership in the locker room.
Jordan Wilkins, RB
Terms of the deal have not been released.
What it means: Wilkins was on the practice squad last season and figures to get a shot at the Titans' third-down back position this season. The competition for snaps behind Derrick Henry is wide open. Tennessee currently has three running backs under contract.
What's the risk: This is another no-risk, low-cost veteran deal. If it works, the Titans got a bargain contributor at a spot where they were thin. If it doesn't, the team isn't hampered with a significant financial loss.