NFL free agency update: Dion Lewis to sign with Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made a move to build out their run game by adding former New England Patriots ball carrier Dion Lewis.

The Tennessee Titans added their second New England Patriot on Tuesday. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Titans are signing running back Dion Lewis just hours after signing cornerback Malcolm Butler.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that a whopping eight teams were in the market for Lewis’ services. The pool included the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, Houston Texans, in addition to the Patriots and Titans.

It’s not a banner year for running backs and Lewis’ value might be inflated because of the options on the market after Le’Veon Bell was hit with the franchise tag by the Pittsburgh Steekers.

Contract details

In Schefter’s initial tweet, the deal between Lewis and the Titans was reportedly for four years.  Before the tampering window opened, Florio reported that Lewis was in the market for a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $18 million.

The Titans were able to ink Lewis to a $20 million deal with $3 million in incentives according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo.

National reaction

Next: 2018 NFL Free Agent Tracker

Grade

Last year Lewis rushed 180 times for 896 yards with six touchdowns, sharing a backfield with James White and Rex Burkhead. Lewis steps in after the Titans parted ways with DeMarco Murray and he will share snaps with former Alabama star Derrick Henry. It will be interesting to see how Lewis pairs up with Henry in the back field, who will get the nod as the starter and how each will be used. Lewis is a well-rounded back who helped carry the Patriots offense. He proved he could be as effective on passing downs as he could between the tackles pounding the ball. That might put Lewis in position to be the Titans’ lead back.

Grade: B+