NFL Free Agency update: Will Compton joins the Titans

Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson finally filled a void at the inside linebacker spot with the signing of Will Compton.

In 2016, only the Dallas Cowboys allowed fewer rushing yards per game than the Tennessee Titans. This past season, just three teams in the league were better at stopping the run than coordinator Dick LeBeau’s unit. But the legendary coach is no longer with the club. Neither is productive inside linebacker Avery Williamson, who signed a free-agent contract with the New York Jets in March.

The team had a hole to fill inside to pair with Wesley Woodyard. Enter Will Compton, who spent the previous five seasons with the Washington Redskins. The former undrafted free agent started a combined 25 games for Jay Gruden’s club from 2015-16. But injuries took their toll this past season and he was limited to nine contests. Now he hopes to aid a Titans’ team led by new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Contract details

The team announced the addition of Compton, per Jim Wyatt of TitansOnLine.com. Cameron Wolfe of ESPN reports that the former Redskins’ defender inked a one-year deal. ESPN’s John Keim reports that the contract could be worth up to $2 million and Compton received $250,000 to sign.

National reaction

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Grade

It’s safe to say that the 28-year-old linebacker has some big shoes to fill on a defensive unit now led by coordinator Dean Pees. Williamson missed only one regular-season game in his four seasons in Tennessee and made 59 starts. He twice led the club in tackles and this past year was second on the club in stops. Williamson also aided the pass rush with 11.5 career sacks while totaling two interceptions. Compton will have to up his game a bit to equal or top that kind of production. But he does bring experience to a spot that was looking for a veteran answer.

Grade: B