The Titans' edge rusher situation demands attention. Can a five-time Pro Bowler, despite injury concerns, provide the needed pass-rushing boost?
The Tennessee Titans went all out in free agency, but there's still a big need looming with the 2026 NFL Draft on the way.
I wrote about the remaining needs ahead of the draft, highlighting a few positions the team could address in April. Interior offensive line, receiver, linebacker and cornerback all carry some level of importance, but there may not be a more important need than edge rusher for the Titans.
The T'Vondre Sweat trade gave the Titans one of their starting edge rushers for Robert Saleh's defense. Jermaine Johnson is a bona fide starting edge rusher who will hopefully give this Titans' pass rush a major boost.
Tennessee ranked 14th in the NFL last season with 42 sacks. Outside of Jeffery Simmons, there really wasn't a productive pass rusher. Simmons led the way with 11 sacks, then was followed by Jihad Ward (5), Dre'Mont Jones (4.5) and Jaylen Harrell (4.5).
Johnson's best season with the New York Jets was in 2023, when he tallied up 7.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He hasn't been able to stay healthy the last two seasons, playing in 16 total games.
After free agency, it was clear that Johnson was going to be one of the team's starting edge rushers. Outside of that, it's not looking great.
Femi Oladejo is projected to start, but he hasn't played in many games thus far. Oladejo played in six games before suffering a season-ending injury as a rookie. Then, there's Jacob Martin, who knows Saleh's system and just had 5.5 sacks last season.
Still, there's another option.
Joey Bosa is currently a free agent, and the Titans were listed as the predicted landing spot for the five-time Pro Bowler by PFF's Mason Cameron.
Bosa is a proven commodity who was recently let go by the Buffalo Bills. He was on a one-year, $12.6 million deal
The question for the Titans is, does Bosa fit with the Titans? He has been used as more of a situational rusher, which could be just what Saleh needs.
John Franklin-Myers discussed how Saleh loves to use players to take advantage of mismatches, and Bosa could fill that role quite nicely for the Titans.
He'll bring in a veteran presence and could easily start opposite Johnson on the edge. He is 30 years old and may not need to be brought in on a massive contract either.
There is the reality that he's past his prime, however. Bosa hasn't finished with 10 sacks or more since 2021. Injuries have become an issue recently as well.
Bosa hasn't played a full season since 2017. He played in 15 games last season for the Bills, but was still limited by a hamstring injury.
He is also one of the few players without ties to either Saleh or offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Wan'Dale Robinson, Cor'Dale Flott, Austin Schlottmann, Martin, Johnson, and many others have all played for one or the other in the past.
Getting familiar with the system shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it will still be something to consider if the Titans do sign him.
There is a lot to consider for the Titans.
It's clear at this point in his career that Bosa would be a short-term solution for the team at edge rusher. He could be a bridge edge rusher who could start if the Titans draft someone in April to bring them along.
Signing Bosa to a one-year deal would be the best-case scenario for the Titans as they try to figure out their other starting edge rusher. However, with his injury concerns, it wouldn't be surprising if the team decides not to sign him.
It definitely won't be an easy decision, but Bosa could be put to good use in this defense, which uses versatile defensive linemen.