Tennessee Titans Free Agents: Arguments For, Against Re-signing Center Aaron Brewer

NFL free agency arrives next week. Which new players might the Tennessee Titans sign? Which current Titans might be re-signed? 

On Monday, March 11, NFL teams can start negotiating with free agents. On Wednesday, March 13, NFL teams can sign free agents.

Titans general manger Ran Carthon must make choices on 24 free agents, including center Aaron Brewer. 

Should the Titans re-sign the four-year verteran or see if they can do better in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft?

First, here are some of Brewer's career highlights. 

• Brewer was an undrafted free agent who, as a rookie, secured a spot on the Titans roster in 2020. He provided depth at guard and center, appearing in 41 games and making 23 starts at left guard, right guard, and center throughout his first three NFL seasons.
• In 2022, Brewer started all 17 games for the first time in his career, with 15 starts at left guard and two starts at center. 
• Last season, Brewer became the Titans' starting center. 

Here are the arguments pro and con.

No. Move on

Brewer struggled to protect the quarterback on pass plays last season. He allowed six sacks, making him the second-worst center in this regard. He also allowed 34 pressures.

The statistics are concerning because pressure up the middle on a quarterback is arguably the most disruptive for a passing offense. Sacks are more challenging to avoid and the collapse of the passing pocket at the top makes it harder for the quarterback to step up and throw.

Also, in a league where the average offensive lineman weighs 315 pounds, Brewer's lack of size (274 pounds) could be an issue when bigger defensive tackles attack downhill. There are seven free-agent centers. Brewer is anywhere from 25 to 46 pounds lighter than the other six centers.

Yes. Keep Him

Brewer was a durable player on a Titans team that struggled with injuries. He played more than 1,000 snaps in 2023 and didn't miss a game. As bad as Brewer was in pass protection, he was solid in run blocking with a grade of 78.7, good for seventh among NFL centers. He was the 11th-rated center overall at 71.6. 

There's also a possibility that Brewer can benefit from Bill Callahan as an offensive line coach. Bill and head coach Brian enjoy working with athletic offensive lineman and Brewer fits the bill. 

The elder Callahan has an extensive reputation as a teacher with skills to help offensive linemen play their best. Brian Callahan and Carthon hinted that Callahan's development capabilities could re-ignite a player like Brewer, which would give the team more flexibility in the draft to address other needs like wide receiver. 

Brewer is still young (26) and can play guard and center. The projected contract, according to Pro Football Focus, is manageable (three years for $20 million).