The Tennessee Titans have been a consistent playoff contender over the past few years. Their 2021 campaign was no different as they finished the regular season with a 12-5 record to sit atop the AFC South. However, like in previous seasons, they still ran out of gas and fell short in the playoffs with a Divisional Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

After another failed postseason bid, the Titans must try to retool their roster and form a more competitive team in 2022. However, they will have restrictions as they only have around $300,000 left in available cap space at the moment. Given those constraints, Tennessee would still need to clear cap casualties and restructure contracts in order to accommodate their new reinforcements for next season. Note that the players listed below were considered with respect to the team's current cap situation.

With that said, let's take a look at the three best talents the Titans can target in the NFL's upcoming free agency period.

Tennessee Titans Free Agency Targets

3. Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph has been a respectable tight end during his days with the Minnesota Vikings. However, his most recent stint with the New York Giants didn't pan out the way he expected. He concluded the 2021 season with only 257 receiving yards on 26 receptions and a touchdown.

Despite those low numbers, Rudolph has already proven that he can be a viable threat in the passing game. He primarily excels in blocking and would surely be an upgrade over the Titans' current tight ends in Geoff Swaim, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt.

After having a subpar campaign, Tennessee could potentially acquire Rudolph on a bargain deal. It might end up being a low-risk, high-reward type of deal for the Titans, especially if the veteran gets to perform on both the blocking and receiving ends. Hopefully, a change of scenery will also allow Rudolph to get his career back on track and play a sizable role on the field next season.

2. JuJu Smith-Schuster

Another talent who recently struggled with his level of production is Smith-Schuster from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He only appeared in five games in 2021 due to a season-ending shoulder injury, finishing with just 15 catches for 129 yards without a score.

Despite regressing in recent years, Smith-Schuster remains a valuable player who thrives as a slot receiver. His physicality and hands remain key aspects of his game that would allow him to make a difference in the Titans' passing game.

Still only 25 years old, Smith-Schuster can definitely get back on track and regain his old Pro Bowl form in the near future. His possible arrival in Tenessee would give quarterback Ryan Tannehill another solid weapon alongside A.J Brown and Julio Jones, making superstar running back Derrick Henry even more dangerous.

1. Joseph Noteboom

Noteboom, previously with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, has already heard his name involved in free agency rumors regarding the Titans. He was able to put up solid performances when veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth was sidelined for some time during the 2021 regular season, helping Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp keep the Rams' offense firing on all cylinders.

Noteboom appeared in 15 games last season and has shown that he can be a solid pass protector at left or right tackle. Though he needs to gain more experience, many teams already see the upside that he possesses at the age of 26.

Whitworth has yet to make an official statement about his retirement plans, leaving the door open for teams Noteboom to play elsewhere next season. His potential relocation to Tennessee would make sense since starting left tackle Taylor Lewan is a likely cap casualty for the Titans in the offseason.