The Tennessee Titans have acquired numerous free agents this offseason, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tony Pollard. The Titans have also added two defensive backs to the team this offseason, including cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and L’Jarius Sneed. Since the team massively underperformed last season, general manager Ran Carthon made these aforementioned notable signings to expedite the rebuilding process. These signings were necessary because the Titans lost their superstar running back Derrick Henry and their best cornerback Kristian Fulton. Since the Titans secondary was already performing poorly in 2023, the two cornerback acquisitions this offseason should help improve the cornerback room. Specifically, Sneed was the top cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs the past three seasons and won two Super Bowls. So, the Titans signing Sneed was imperative for their defense to improve next season.
Titans Sneed Can Replace Fulton
Although losing Fulton during free agency was tough, the Titans signed one of the league’s best cornerbacks to replace him. Sneed could fill Fulton’s role and perform even better than him as the top Titans cornerback. Fulton’s 2021 campaign was the best season in his NFL career, as he acquired two interceptions and 14 pass defenses. While that is a great stat line, Sneed matched those numbers this past season. Additionally, Sneed has more pass defenses and interceptions than Fulton in every season except 2021, making the signing even better. Sneed also has more tackles and sacks per season than Fulton, which could help the Titans poor tackling. Although Fulton is a couple of years younger than Sneed, they are both still relatively young and should have plenty of time left in the league. Since Sneed is the better overall player, the Titans have improved their secondary this offseason.
Sneed Brings Winning Mindset to the Locker Room
Sneed is only 27 years old, but he will be a veteran in the Titans locker room. Not only has Sneed won multiple Super Bowls, but he also was a key player for the Chiefs defense. Due to the youthful talent on the Titans, Sneed will have to become one of the leaders for the Titans in 2024. Although defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons has been a vocal leader for the team, he will need some help due to the absences of Henry and safety Kevin Byard. Additionally, with the numerous changes to the coaching staff this offseason, there need to be voices in the locker room to guide the team. So, Sneed’s addition to the Titans locker room will be imperative because of the leadership he will provide.
Titans Sneed Can Help Younger Cornerbacks
Similar to how Ridley can help improve the development of wide receiver Treylon Burks, Sneed can help the young cornerbacks. Specifically, cornerbacks Roger McCreary and Caleb Farley are two talented players that have not lived up to their full potential. Since Sneed is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, he can give McCreary and Farley some useful advice. Additionally, the young cornerbacks can watch Sneed practice and pick up some skills via observational learning. McCreary has shown the capabilities to be a starting NFL cornerback, but he has struggled recently. So, the addition of Sneed can hopefully bring McCreary back to his better form. Although Farley has not seen much playing time due to injuries, he showed incredible talent in college at Virginia Tech. So, the Titans have decent depth at cornerback and should greatly improve in pass defense next season.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Arizona Republic
