Wide receiver Andre Johnson is reportedly meeting with the Tennessee Titans. Is he a good fit for the rebuilding Titans?
The Tennessee Titans have struggled the past few seasons, but they look like they are beginning to turn things around with a few solid early draft picks the past few years. In the NFL, it is extremely important to have a solid player at the quarterback position, and the Titans hope that Marcus Mariota is their franchise quarterback for years to come.
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In addition to needing to find themselves a quarterback, the Titans have also had other issues on their team. Mariota had a good rookie season for the Titans, as he totaled 2,818 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Even though he played well, Mariota did it with a rather weak supporting cast.
This offseason, the goal for the Titans has been to get some weapons to surround Mariota to help him succeed in 2016. Upgrading the offensive line was a major priority, and the selection of Jack Conklin will help them in that area next season.
Arguably the most exciting area for the Titans in 2016 will be their running game that features DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. The improved offensive line should not only help Mariota as a passer, but it will give their talented running backs some lanes to run through. Murray was acquired in a trade this offseason with the Philadelphia Eagles, and will be motivated to have a comeback season after a poor 2015 season in Philadelphia. Despite trading for Murray, the Titans also drafted the Heisman Trophy winner to add another talented player to their backfield.
Andre Johnson spied at Titans facility today. He'd be a good fit 4 young WRs but no word on signing yet.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) July 26, 2016
The running attack for the Titans will be their offensive identity, but they will still need to be able to throw the ball. The Titans’ interest in Andre Johnson makes a ton of sense for the organization for a few reasons. Last season, the Titans’ passing offense was rather one-dimensional, as Delanie Walker was the team’s leader receiver as a tight end. Walker is one of the best tight ends in the game, but he isn’t enough to get the job done in the passing offense.
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Even though Johnson is not the wide receiver that he was in his prime, he can still be a productive veteran for the Titans. With a young receiving corps, Johnson would be a very good teacher to a player like Dorial Green-Beckham.
Last season, Johnson totaled 41 receptions, 503 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. It was certainly a down year for Johnson, but he would have still been the No.2 option on the Titans last season with those statistics. Adding a reliable receiver like Johnson would be very good for the development of Mariota, who with good reason targeted Walker a lot last season with limited options. Giving Mariota some more talent at wide receiver can help him grow as a quarterback, and compliment their running game nicely.
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Johnson won’t be a Pro Bowl player for the Titans, but his experience can help a young team that is looking to grow.