Tennessee Titans free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: Golden Tate #19 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California . The Eagles defeated the Rams 30-23. (Photo by Rob Leiter via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 23: Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (93) rushes during a regular season game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions on December 23, 2018 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. DT Sheldon Richardson (Minnesota Vikings)

In recent years, the Titans’ defense has been mown more known for its ability to slow down the run than it has frustrating opposing quarterbacks. It’s one reason that the team has concentrated its efforts on upgrading the cornerback position via free agency with the signings of former New England Patriots’ Ryan Logan and Malcolm Butler, as well as the first-round selection of former USC standout Adoree’ Jackson in 2017.

However, the Titans slipped considerably this past year when it came to stopping other teams on the ground. Be it the shortcomings of defensive linemen such as DaQuan Jones and Austin Johnson or an inexperienced inside linebacking corps that misses free-agent defector Avery Williamson, the club slipped to 18th in the NFL against the run just one year after giving up the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the league.

Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey is one of the top interior defenders in the league. He’s also one of the better run-stoppers in the league at his position. But he certainly can’t do it alone. Veteran Bennie Logan played with 15 games without a start in ’18 but can once again become a free agent.

In any case, the defensive front needs to be addressed and one time New York Jets/turned Seattle Seahawks/turned Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson would be ideal in Pees’ 3-4 scheme. He’s more than adequate against the run and also totaled 4.5 sacks for the Purple Gang in ’18. And teamed with Casey, the Titans may be able to push the pocket a little more this fall.

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