Top pending free agents linked to new Titans coaching staff

2024 NFL Free Agency is closer than we think and the Tennessee Titans could have inside help in landing some of the top players hitting the open market come March. 

That's thanks to their new coaching staff hires: head coach Brian Callahan, defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and offensive coordinator Nick Holz. 

Below we'll take a look at which top pending free agents these Titans coaches could potentially bring to Tennessee. 

Top 7 Free Agents Linked to Titans New Coaches 

Callahan is linked to four of the free agents on the list from his time spent with the Cincinnati Bengals, including two wide receivers: 

WR Tee Higgins 

Higgins had an injury-riddled 2023 season but still managed to finish the year reeling in 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns. 

The former Clemson standout is about to enter the final year of his contract and the Bengals have a decision to make about whether they want to sign him to an extension or slap a franchise tag on him. 

It would be surprising to see Cincy just let one of their top targets walk, but if they do, you can expect Tennessee to be on his radar.  

WR Tyler Boyd

If Higgins isn't an option, then Boyd could be the next best thing. 

Boyd's role with the Bengals has decreased in recent years since the team drafted Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, which means they may not feel so inclined to keep him around. 

In the last two seasons, Boyd has logged a combined 125 catches for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns. 

OT Jonah Williams 

The Titans will be on the search for some upgrades on their O-line, especially at tackle. 

Williams showed off his versatility last season, switching to right tackle for the Bengals after spending his first three seasons in the league at left tackle.

He allowed eight sacks and 41 pressures in 2023. 

Through his three years at left tackle, Williams allowed 23 sacks and 105 total pressures. 

Williams having the ability to play both sides will bode well for him as he hits the open market, though it could also increase his asking price. 

CB Chidobe Awuzie

Awuzie may not be as nearly exciting as acquiring Higgins or even Boyd, but he would be an upgrade from Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton.

According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed 488 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns through 15 games (10 starts) this past year. 

He also was the Bengals' 2023 winner of the Ed Block Courage Award which goes to a player that best represents "professionalism, great strength and dedication." 

Moving on to Wilson, he could offer a hand if persuading one or two stud defenders to join the Titans from the Baltimore Ravens. 

LB Patrick Queen 

Queen would be far from a cheap addition ($18.25M APY), but he single-handedly would enhance the Titans' defense. 

In 17 games this season, Queen registered a career-high 133 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

The Ravens are likely to tag him and make it hard for him to get away, but one can dream. 

S Geno Stone

Stone, who signed a one-year deal in Baltimore last March, ended up finishing 2023 ranked second in the NFL with seven interceptions. 

Now teams everywhere are eyeing him as free agency approaches, but the Titans may have the best shot landing him if they want to. 

And then we have Holz's connection to Jacksonville. There's only one free agent from the Jaguars that's worth calling on and it's another wide receiver. 

WR Calvin Ridley 

Similar to Queen and Higgins, Ridley is another costly free-agent prospect but one the Titans may want to consider if they plan on upgrading their receiver room outside of the draft. 

Ridley just finished his first year with the Jags, catching 76 passes for 1,016 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2023.

He recently made it clear that he did want to stay in Jacksonville, though money will play a factor. But maybe the Titans and Ridley can work something out with Holz's help.