The Tennessee Titans have encountered quite literally all of the ebbs and flows that come along with being an NFL franchise. Over the years, the Titans have reached the Super Bowl and served as a perennial playoff team while shortly thereafter becoming one of the worst teams in the league for quite a few years. Having accomplished everything in between as well, the Titans are once again on the upswing as Tennessee is fresh off of an appearance in this past season's AFC Championship Game. Not only that, but the Titans have strung together four consecutive 9-7 regular seasons while reaching the playoffs twice during that span.
Although the Titans have drafted well for the most part in addition to executing more than a few solid trades, the AFC South franchise has also picked up some notable free agents over the years. With the team's most recent resurgence becoming the first major highlight in “Music City” since back in 2008, the majority of the team's top free agents stem from the last decade or so.
Nonetheless, there are still several names that happen to stand out more than the rest in terms of the best free-agent signings in Titans history.
Kevin Mawae, C
Spending four seasons as a member of the Tennessee Titans, former New York Jets center Kevin Mawae made an immediate impact for the AFC South franchise. In 2008, Mawae's presence as the anchor of the team's offensive front helped the Titans become the top team in the AFC during the regular season. As a result of the following season, Mawae once again led the way as running back Chris Johnson rushed for over 2,000 yards. It is also worth noting that in his four years with the team, the Titans finished in the top five in the league in rushing three times. Mawae is now a Pro Football Hall of Famer as well.
Delanie Walker, TE
Former San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker became a household name as one of the best in the league in his position upon making his way over to the Tennessee Titans. Quickly becoming one of the team's best players en route to becoming a legitimate option in the passing game, Walker started as the 49ers' blocking tight end. Before finally getting his shot in Tennessee, that is. Thanks to his production year after year until injuries ultimately derailed what would become his final years in Nashville, it is hard to argue against the fact that Walker is the best tight end in franchise history.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE
An injury-riddled player for the Arizona Cardinals that originally broke into the league as a second-round pick, veteran defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch ultimately came over to the Tennessee Titans and exceeded just about every expectation initially thrown his way. Compiling 38.5 sacks across 74 appearances and five seasons with the Titans, Vanden Bosch's Tennessee tenure culminated with three Pro Bowl appearances. With his injury troubles quickly becoming a thing of the past, he also appeared in all 16 regular-season games in four of his five seasons with the Titans.
Nate Washington, WR
Although the Tennessee Titans are not known for the wide receivers that the team has produced over the years, veteran pass-catcher Nate Washington is undoubtedly one of the best in franchise history. Coming over from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington immediately transformed the Titans offense while becoming a top target for a team that struggled to produce points for quite some time. Because Washington was a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers, he provided the Titans with a serious threat at the wide receiver position to coincide with his ability to lead in the locker room as well. There is no doubt that Washington was a big reason for any success that the Titans had passed that 2008 campaign until his departure in 2014. Washington was one of the few bright spots for the Titans during a very dark period of time in terms of winning football games.
Kerry Collins, QB
Veteran NFL quarterback Kerry Collins notably led the New York Giants to an NFC Championship and an appearance in the Super Bowl before becoming something of a journeyman. Upon initially making his way to Tennessee as a backup, Collins was then thrust into the starting lineup in Week 1 of the 2008 campaign as Vince Young went down with a season-ending injury. Not only did Collins help keep the Titans afloat, but he infamously led the team to the top record in the AFC standings with the 2008 season serving as the team's only postseason appearance for just shy of 10 years.
Honorable Mention:
Ryan Tannehill, QB
- Although the Tennessee Titans originally acquired the former Miami Dolphins quarterback via trade, the AFC South franchise just re-signed Ryan Tannehill to a long-term free-agent contract this offseason — a move that could pay dividends for years to come.
Logan Ryan, CB
- It was just revealed that veteran cornerback Logan Ryan would not be back with the Tennessee Titans. However, he had three very solid seasons in Tennessee after winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots while capping off his Titans tenure with a pick-six off Tom Brady on the road in the playoffs.
Randall Godfrey, LB
- Even though veteran middle linebacker Randall Godfrey came over to the Tennessee Titans after the team's run to a Super Bowl in 1999, he immediately helped transform the team's defense upon coming on board at the turn of the century. Godfrey's tackling prowess helped lead the Titans to quite a bit of success during the early 2000s.
Brian Orakpo, OLB
- Longtime Washington Redskins pass rusher Brian Orakpo came over to the Tennessee Titans right before the team really began to take off. Now retired, Orakpo certainly gave the Titans a much-needed veteran leader both on and off the field at the perfect time.
Chris Hope, S
- Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Chris Hope notably spent six of his 11 NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans and helped reshape both the team's roster and defense in the process.
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