The Tennessee Titans were expected to improve their offensive line this offseason. They did just that by reaching an agreement with Rodger Saffold.
According to Adam Schefter, the deal will be for $44 million over four years. It also includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money.
Saffold leaving is a huge loss to the NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams. They have now lost their starting left guard and center—John Sullivan—this offseason.
On the other side, the Titans are adding one of the best guards in the NFL to an already talented offensive line. Although, the Titans did allow the 10th most sacks in the NFL in 2018.
Adding Saffold makes them better in that regard and also improves their already dominant run game. In 2018, Tennessee ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing yards.
One of the six teams who rushed better than the Titans was the Rams who had Saffold leading the way. Instead of Todd Gurley, Saffold will now be pancaking defenders for Derrick Henry.
The price tag comes as a surprise as he will be tied with Gabe Jackson as the sixth-highest paid guard in the NFL. With how successful Saffold has been, he likely should've gotten more.
This deal also makes you question why the Rams didn't make a move to retain the veteran guard. Could the Rams have re-signed Saffold instead of re-signing Dante Fowler?
We won't know for sure but if that option was on the table I know Rams faithful would've loved to see Saffold back in Los Angeles.
Either way, the Titans land one of the best guards in the NFL this offseason.