Titans: A-
The Titans avoided giving up a first-round pick next year and deferred the extra Day 3 pick compensation until 2023. From that end, GM Jon Robinson hit the deal out of the park, knowing his team could use an impact veteran starter opposite young star A.J. Brown after losing 2017 first-rounder Corey Davis (Jets) in free agency.
Tennessee is one of the NFL’s run-heaviest teams, featuring Derrick Henry in the power rushing attack. That philosophy won’t change with former tight ends coach Todd Downing promoted to offensive coordinator in replacement of Arthur Smith, now the Falcons’ rookie head coach.
But the presence of Henry also has given the Titans an explosive play-action passing game for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Brown (6-0, 226 pounds) has been a big part of that field-stretching success, averaging 20.2 and 15.4 yards per catch in his first two seasons, respectively. Jones (6-3, 220 pounds) is known to be a dangerous deep threat throughout his 10-year career, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. The Titans have raised their home-run ability and now have a second strength-speed matchup nightmare on the outside.
The Titans also added receivers in former Rams backup Josh Reynolds and Louisville’s Dez Fitzpatrick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Adding Jones is huge in trying to replace the 192 combined vacated targets of Davis, slot receiver Adam Humprhies (Washington) and tight end Jonnu Smith (Patriots).
But with Jones, the Titans need big offensive results that will add up to going further than the Chiefs, Bills and other AFC powers in the playoffs. As well as Tannehill has performed in their system, the offense still has a ceiling in relation to the upside of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
The Titans already could move the ball and score with anyone, but no matter what Jones does to boost their offense, their pass defense issues — with big changes in the edge rush and secondary — still are what will likely keep them short of the Super Bowl.
Jones is also 32 and has a history of soft-tissue injury wear. He was hamstrung for much of 2020, missing seven games. Jones must be healthy and produce at his best level in the short term, because even with some contract finagling by the Titans, age and money suggest Jones has a small window with his new team. Tennessee also must dole out a high-end contract to Brown, whose rookie deal expires in 2023.
The Titans were smart to be aggressive now, but picking up Jones isn’t a risk-free move by any means. Should Jones give them All-Pro rewards, however, upgrade them to an A+.
