The Tennessee Titans have been one of the most active teams in free agency this offseason. As we learned from their uninspiring 6-10 season in 2012, the Titans need help in a lot of areas. However, they are already being criticized for spending recklessly and overpaying for certain free agents.
Tennessee has signed offensive lineman Andy Levitre (six years, $46.8 million), tight end Delanie Walker (four years, $17.5 million), defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill (three years, $11.4 million), running back Shonn Greene (three years, $10 million) and linebacker Moise Fokou (two years, $2.8 million). The Titans have been incredibly aggressive, but owner Bud Adams said he is perfectly fine with the approach.
“We want the right players, that’s the main thing. We have to get the players we know can perform and make us look like we’re a tough team to play against again,” he said on Thursday, via The Tennessean. “(GM) Ruston (Webster) knows how I feel about this thing now. … He is getting the job done.
“There are certain guys we may have to pay a little more than they should maybe be getting, but I want to win. … We may have to pay some more money, but I’m in. I’m ready to go with it.”
Adams is 90 years old, so from a personal standpoint he doesn’t exactly have time on his side if he wants to see his team become a contender again. The Titans have spent more than $90 million on free agents this offseason, but none of that will matter unless they contend for a playoff spot. Adams certainly doesn’t want to have to have any more discussions like this with the team next season.
“I may have a heart attack if we don’t,” he joked. “I just had my 90th birthday and somebody asked me, ‘Adams, how long are you going to stay at this thing?’ I said ‘I’ve made it 90, so I might as well go to 100.’ And I’d like to get in the playoffs and see some winning football over that stretch, too.”
I doubt the fans are upset to see their team spending so freely. Money doesn’t always turn into victories, but the Titans certainly couldn’t sit on their hands. Have their overdone it? Time will tell, but at least the man who’s writing the checks is on board with the approach.
