Titans free agents Arthur Smith might want on the Falcons

We don’t know yet who will be on Arthur Smith’s coaching staff, but we make find out who’s going to hit free agency for the Tennessee Titans this spring. The mere fact that these players played for or at least on the same team that Smith coached means that speculation about an influx of former Titans to Atlanta is a very reasonable thing to speculate. Let’s do it today.

A tip from my hat to my old friend Aaron Freeman, who saved me several minutes by gathering all of the Titans 2021 free agents of interest in one tweet.

On the list above, here are the candidates most likely to join Atlanta, IMHO. Prepare to be largely disappointed, considering the Falcons won’t be sitting on a huge amount of ceiling space, and there are only a small handful of strengths in this class for Tennessee. I’ve added two players who weren’t on Aaron’s roster but deserve to be considered, and we’ll hit them first.

RB D’Onta Foreman

Foreman is a legitimately intriguing addition for the Falcons’ backfield, although I didn’t expect him to necessarily play a leading role there. Foreman racked up 95 yards on 22 carries in a very limited role in Tennessee last year and showed flashes in 2017 as a rookie. He has since rebounded from injury and the Texans cut him for what they called bad work habits, but he will only be 25 in 2021, run on energy and be affordable. With only Ito Smith, Qadree Ollison and Tony Brooks-James under contract, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team add Foreman to the mix alongside a draft pick.

AND Jamil Douglas

The old Falcon would be affordable depth for a team with very little depth on the inside. It’s not particularly exciting, but it’s true.

TE Geoff Swaim

We would all love to see Jonnu Smith in Atlanta, given his productivity and talent, but I have a feeling that teams like the Patriots, Jaguars and Jets that are hungry for pass catching options at the post. will put more money and muscle behind trying to grab it. Swaim, however, appears to be a strong candidate to join.

The blocking tight end caught 9 balls for 83 yards and a touchdown last year and played 33% of the offensive shots, as well as 34% of the special teams shots. He was helpful in opening holes for Derrick Henry and would almost certainly be called upon to play a similar role in Atlanta, with Hurst likely dominating the shots and targets. Considering the intersection of skills, cost and familiarity with Smith, Swaim and MyCole Pruitt are worth watching.

OL You Sambrailo

You all missed this man, didn’t you?

Sambrailo has played 39% of the shots and started 5 games for the Titans in 2020, earning a respectable 65.9 rating from Pro Football Focus. The Falcons don’t have many reserve offensive linemen under contract – although they should make Matt Gono’s re-signing a priority – and Sambrailo’s familiarity with Smith and his proven ability to do a good job. in his attack bode well for his chances of coming back. in Atlanta. We can only hope Smith has an unlikely touchdown pass prepared for him.

DL Jaedeveon Clowney

It’s probably a long time, but I’m including it because I remain attached to Clowney and his value in the open market may not be what it once was.

The past two seasons, Clowney has had three sacks combined. He played just 8 games in 2020 after just 13 games in 2019, and he only handled 12 presses (by professional football benchmark) in those 8 games. He’s still a force against the run and still a capable passing runner, but he hasn’t produced at an elite level since 2018.

He’s still only 28 and would be a great addition to a hungry team for help from the defensive line. If the right defensive coordinator comes in and Clowney’s next contract doesn’t break the bank, he should be a target.

DL Jack Crawford

He’s perfectly capable of playing defense and turning indoors and was a fan favorite during his days in Atlanta. Versatility, his solid job as a passer and possible links to Smith’s new defensive staff could make him a deep budget signing for this Falcons side.

CB Desmond King

The Falcons are suffering for the reserve cornerbacks. We don’t know who will lead Arthur Smith’s defense, but if it’s someone from the current Tennessee staff, King could play the reserve role who could compete for a starting role. He’s had starting experience since his days with the Chargers, has handled punt returns in the past, and probably won’t break the bank on that. Very little is settled after AJ Terrell on this depth map, so King might find Atlanta an attractive landing point for that reason as well.

Who would you add if you were Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith?