In the NFL free-agent market, is an edge rusher a luxury or a need for the Tennessee Titans?
Nashville — The Tennessee Titans have seen firsthand how edge rushers can derail an attack. Last season, their quarterbacks were sacked 64 times, with 29 of those being pass rushes that targeted the Titans’ left side.
With his left tackles falling like dominoes, rookie quarterback Will Levis was near the bottom of the NFL. Even the most talented quarterback will struggle if the pass rush accelerates his internal clock.
As a result, the edge rusher has become a celebrity position — think Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett — and is in high demand in this year’s NFL free-agent market.
The Athletic’s ranking of the top 22 available free agents includes seven edge rushers.
Pro Football Focus (PFF), a sports analytics company that measures the performance of every NFL player, lists 25 edge defenders among their top 150 free agents. Depending on a team’s priorities and budget, the player price tags range from $5 million to $23 million in average annual salary.
Defensive coaches are constantly looking for ways to quickly generate pressure on the quarterback, and not just sacks. Hit the passer, make him uncomfortable, reduce the time needed to go through his receiver options.
A good edge rusher is typically the most direct route to the quarterback. Long arms help in the hand-to-hand combat with offensive tackles, typically the biggest players on the field. Strength is needed to move that blocker off balance. Quickness and foot speed are necessary to contain mobile quarterbacks and defend wide running plays by setting an “edge.”
Last season, the Tennessee Titans’ defense ranked 16th in the NFL for quarterback sacks.
Given the Titans’ pressing needs on the offensive line, secondary, and wide out, an edge rusher could be a luxury investment. However, a team cannot have too many pass rushers.
Free agency opens on March 13, and the Titans have approximately $65 million in salary cap space. ESPN, The Athletic, and PFF have ranked 10 edge rushers, so here are their profiles.
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers.
DANIELLE HUNTER, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
JOSH ALLEN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
CHASE YOUNG, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
ZA’DARIUS SMITH, CLEVELAND BROWNS
BRYCE HUFF, NEW YORK JETS
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