Tennessee Titans guard Andy Levitre (67) during warm ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans made a huge effort last offseason to get better guards to block for star running back Chris Johnson, who unsurprisingly pointed the fingers at his offensive line for his struggles. But the Titans definitely needed big-time help at guard, and they aggressively addressed the position in the draft and in free agency by pulling an elite player through each avenue. Not only did they select can’t-miss prospect (he’s disappointed this season, but there’s hope that the “pro-ready” Alabama product can be great in the near future) Chance Warmack with their first-round pick, but they also signed former Buffalo Bills guard Andy Levitre.
While Warmack flopped in his first season with the Titans, Levitre was excellent and picked up right where he left off from his days starring with the Bills franchise. He and Michael Roos were excellent, as expected, this season, and they form one of the league’s safest left sides. More importantly, Levitre did an incredible job of paving the way for running back Chris Johnson, who could very well be done as a Titan.
According to the Nashville Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt, Andy Levitre will have minor hip surgery this offseason, as he played through a minor, nagging hip injury this season. It probably affected his play, but he was still excellent. This surgery is not a big deal at all, and Levitre will be good-to-go for all of the Titans offseason activities. There is little doubt that Levitre is an elite guard in this league, and the Titans can have one of the best guard tandems in the NFL if Warmack can come on strong, as most of us expect, next season.