Breaking: A Titans 25-Year-Old Prospective Starter Retires During Preseason.
The Titans’ anticipated starting right guard has announced his retirement. What choices, both internal and external, does Tennessee have to replace him?
Saahdiq Charles, an offensive lineman for the Titans, announced his retirement earlier in the day on Tuesday. Turned on/retired from the team, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport. Charles inked a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, which includes a $250,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 roster incentive for each game, according to OverTheCap.
We hope Charles has the best possible future.
What Will Happen After the Titans’ 25-Year-Old Potential Starter Retires?
Titans’ Internal Choices for Saddiq’s Replacement Charles Dillon Radunz, who was supposed to be Charles’ backup right guard, might be the favorite to take over the position. His familiarity from practicing there during the offseason is evident. Daniel Brunskill, who is currently the backup center, could also take a step back and take his previous role. Bill Callahan, the offensive line coach, is most likely to elevate Radunz to the starting position.
As of Quandre Diggs’ signing, Tennessee has just over $24.1 million in cap space, ranking 12th among all teams according to OverTheCap. How can they replace Charles with some of that without going over budget?
In the offensive line market, Connor Williams Williams is the most well-known player still available. He will probably sign elsewhere, though. If nothing else, Tennessee needs to kick the tires. He would be versatile at both guard and center, but his cost would be high given that his last cap hit was more over $8 million with Miami.
If you’re still looking for work, Halapoulivaati Vaitai Vaitai is another possible possibility. Due to injuries and inconsistent play, the Lions released him this past summer. In 2020, he inked a four-year, $30 million contract. He doesn’t, however, have a lot of overlap with the existing workforce. His career has been impacted by the injuries, thus Tennessee may decide not to pursue him.
Scott Quessenberry
The Titans have seen Quessenberry’s face a lot throughout the years while he was with the Chargers and Texans. While on injured reserve for the entirety of the 2023 season, he was the Texans’ starting center in 2022. Choosing the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, he showed versatility as a center or guard to start his career. The former Houston player had an earlier this week workout with the Dolphins, but nothing has happened as of yet.
McCray, Justin
From 2014 to 2015, McCray played a few seasons as an undrafted free agent for the Titans. He has primarily been traded throughout the league, most recently to the Texans and Packers. In 2023, the former Titan played with the Panthers, moving from the practice squad to the playing roster. Being 32 years old, he may not have much left in the tank.
Phil Hanes
With Haynes, who has spent his whole playing career with the Seahawks, perhaps the Seattle to Nashville reunion trip will continue. He is one of the younger free agents still available at the age of 28. He has played left guard as well as right, but his primary position has been guard. It should also be a fair contract for him.
UFL
After a great start in 2024, the spring league sent over 60 players to the NFL this summer. Could the Titans scrounge around the league for a substitute? Donovan West, a guard for St. Louis, was close to General Manager Ran Carthon in their San Francisco days. In Cincinnati, head coach Brian Callahan briefly replaced Lamont Galliard of the DC Defenders. Pro Football Focus gave Steven Gonzalez a strong grade—he was ranked in the top ten in St. Louis. Other names that could be used are Derwin Gray, Vadal Alexander, and Yasir Durant. PFF held high regard for Terry Poole, Julien Davenport, Christian DiLauro (a former Titan), and Jarrid Williams.
