3 Titans who won’t be back after disappointing playoff exit

Ben Jones, IOL

Look, winning in the trenches and being able to run the ball effectively is what has elevated the Titans to this level of dominance. This strategy has worked well for Tennessee and guys like Ben Jones are a huge reason for the success that this team has seen. Many Titans fans love having Jones on the roster.

But, with the Titans having to navigate some hefty contracts, keeping guys like Jones becomes kinda tricky.

Tennessee should do what it can to keep Jones.

Bringing him back to Nashville should be a priority, but preserving that continuity up front might not be feasible. Working under the assumption that it’s not, the Titans should probably prioritize keeping some younger players on their roster over Jones.

Tennessee should focus on maximizing success over an extended period of time. Jones, who is entering free agency at 32 years old, probably doesn’t have a decade of football left in his career. He definitely doesn’t have a decade of performing at a high level left in his career. That’s an unfortunate part of this game and time catches up to everybody.

The Titans previously had Jones on a two-year, $13.5 million contract. A deal like that could potentially be possible once again, but because of how much other guys are being paid and with other contracts needing to be examined (both now and later down the line), the Titans will need to remember to focus on their future.

They can’t overpay Jones at the expense of ensuring that younger, more talented guys (like Jeffery Simmons and A.J. Brown, for example) are with the Titans for the long haul.

All of that needs to be considered when it comes to contract negotiations with Jones. And that makes this situation kinda tricky.