News broke on Tuesday afternoon that Titans offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles had retired earlier in the afternoon. The franchise placed him on the reserve/retired list, per Turron Davenport of ESPN. According to OverTheCap, Charles signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with a $250,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 per-game roster bonus.
We wish Charles well in his future endeavors.
Titans’ 25-Year-Old Potential Starter Retires: What’s Next?
Titans’ Internal Options to Replace Saddiq Charles
Dillon Radunz could be the favorite to inherit the job, as he was slated to be Charles’ backup right guard. He has been practicing there throughout the offseason, bringing familiarity. Another possible option is for the current backup center, Daniel Brunskill, to return to his old position. The most likely choice that Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan will make is to promote Radunz to the top spot.
According to OverTheCap, Tennessee has the 12th-most cap space, with a shade over $24.1 million as of Quandre Diggs’ signing. How can they use some of that without breaking the bank to replace Charles?
Connor Williams
Williams is the biggest name left on the board in the offensive line market. However, he is likely to sign elsewhere. Tennessee, at least, has to kick the tires. He would provide versatility at the center and guard positions but won’t come cheap, as his last cap hit was north of $8 million with Miami.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Vaitai is another potential option still looking for a job. The Lions released him this past offseason due to injuries and inconsistency after he signed a four-year, $30 million contract in 2020. However, he doesn’t have much, if any, crossover with the current staff. The injuries have affected his career, so Tennessee might not look in his direction.
Scott Quessenberry
Quessenberry is a familiar face that the Titans have run across over the years during his time with the Chargers and Texans. He was the starting center for the Texans in 2022 but spent the 2023 season on injured reserve. He began his career with the Chargers with center/guard versatility as a fifth-round selection in 2018. The former Houston man worked out with the Dolphins earlier this week, but nothing has yet materialized.
Justin McCray
McCray spent a few seasons with the Titans as an undrafted free agent from 2014 through 2015. He has mostly bounced around the league, most notably with the Packers and Texans. The former Titan spent time with the Panthers in 2023, jumping from the practice squad to the active roster. He’s a bit older at 32, so there might not be much left in the tank.
Phil Haynes
The Seattle to Nashville reunion tour could continue with Haynes, who has played for the Seahawks his entire career. At 28, he’s on the younger end of the free agents who are still available. He has been primarily a right guard but also has experience on the left side. The contract should also be reasonable for him.
UFL
The spring league has sent over 60 players to the NFL this summer after a successful debut in 2024. Could the Titans mine the league for a replacement? St. Louis guard Donovan West has ties to GM Ran Carthon during their San Francisco days. Lamont Galliard of the DC Defenders crossed over briefly with head coach Brian Callahan in Cincinnati. Steven Gonzalez was highly rated by Pro Football Focus, earning a top-ten grade in St. Louis. Derwin Gray, Vadal Alexander, and Yasir Durant are other possible names. Terry Poole, Julien Davenport, Christian DiLauro (former Titan), and Jarrid Williams were also well-regarded by PFF.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons/USA TODAY NETWORK
