The Titans re-sign TE Anthony Firkser and four other Titans
So these players that I post about here are in no way posted in chronological order, I'm just trying to catch up on some of these free agency signings in my own way.
But these five players that were Titans last year contributed in various ways so I would like to write about the positive news. These are solid low-key re-signings that truly make up how quality your team is, through and through. These players may or may not all start but they can fill in and provide quality snaps, and at the very least hopefully can provide quality depth.
Bottom line is, that these are good players and good signings, the job of a successful team is to find as many good players as possible at every position.
I also just think it's cool to see the team re-sign players and just see some of the guys remain in two-tone blue.
Here are the five notable signings:
TE Anthony Firkser
Anthony Firkser came on pretty strong in 2020 and it was maybe a mild surprise. A pleasant one regardless. After catching just thirty-three passes in his first two seasons Firkser ended up surpassing that two year total in his third season alone, by catching 39 balls in 2020.
Signing him was pretty huge considering the team lost two key offensive playmakers in Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis. Firkser is an athletic guy with good hands. He is really a solid TE and I think he will be a big part of the offense once again in 2021, perhaps more so than in 2020. I'm sure he will be playing for a good contract as well since he signed a one year deal with the team.
Firkser could be a gem!
Firkser has spent three seasons in the NFL so far. He was on some practice squads and stuff like that, but he never saw any playing time. He has spent all three of his professional seasons with the Titans. In those three seasons with the Titans, Firkser has appeared in 43 games, while starting in 2. There's a strong possibility he will be the team's starter in 2021. Firkser compiled the following stats in the past three seasons in Tennessee:
- 72 receptions
- 816 receiving yards
- 3 receiving touchdowns
Firkser also played productively in the playoffs.
Wanna hear a cool stat? Firkser had 39 receptions in 2020, he also had 26 first downs gained. That means 26 of Firkser's 39 catches were for first downs. Firkser is effective!
This was a great play by Firkser from when the Titans beat the defending champion Patriots in the 2019/2020 playoffs, in Tom Brady's final game as a Patriot, in New England!
I'm excited to see how Firkser's career can progress and I hope he can have his best season yet in 2021!
FB Khari Blasingame
While I enjoy the passing attacks of today's NFL I will always love watching teams keep it simple and old-school by just running the ball and being tough. Having a great fullback makes that style of play that much easier. That's why I am really glad the Titans re-signed fullback Khari Blasingame to the roster!
Fullbacks like Kyle Juszczyk and others have helped see the fullback position get an uptick of relevancy in recent years when the position was seemingly becoming phased out of the game. Fullbacks like Juszczyk are not only great leadblockers for paving linebackers and others out of the way for running backs to gain yeards, but they also have the ability to impact the game with the ball in their hands, with catches or rushing.
Khari Blasingame has a similar skillset. He has only caught eight passes in the past two seasons, but he has shown flashes. He seems athletic and quick.
This play is a good example of what I mean.
His catch is at 1:08.
Glad to have ya back Khari, would love it if he was the Titans fullback for the future!
OT Ty Sambrailo
Ty Sambrailo was signed by the Titans last season, and he was supposed to be a backup tackle. Once the team's high level starting tackle Taylor Lewan went down with an injury, Ty was sent in to play and he played some solid football until HE was also injured. He does appear to have skill and looks to be a solid player, especially considering he is likely going to be in a backup/rotational role. Although the team's right tackle spot appears to be up in the air, so we shall see if maybe he does get a chance to start.
The team does take having good offensive lineman seriously so I'm glad we re-signed Ty, he's a solid lineman.
Sambrailo has spent six seasons in the league. Two with the Denver Broncos, three with the Atlanta Falcons, and one with the Titans. 2021 will be his second season in Tennessee. In his six seasons in the league, Ty has played in 67 games, while starting 18.
Fun fact: Ty is a Super Bowl Champion! He was a part of the 2016 Denver Broncos team that won it all!
All in all it's nice to see him back.
CB Breon Borders
With the Titans secondary seeing some pretty major changes, it's nice to know that the team re-signed a CB with actual game reps in a Titans uniform.
Breon has been mainly a player that has floated onto different team's practice squads throughout his career. A journeyman. He is still young though, he will only be 26 when the new season starts. Including the Titans, Breon has been a member of eight different NFL teams, while he is only entering his fifth season.
Perhaps you could argue that that is a bad thing, being shipped around throughout the league, but hey, teams keep signing him so I mean it's clear the guy has talent.
Perhaps Breon has found a home in Tennessee. The Titans' secondary was wrecked with injury in 2020 and Breon found himself some solid game time. In 2020 Borders started the most games he ever has in a season in his career, with five starts. He appeared in six games. Not only that but Borders also recorded his first career interception in a Titans' uniform.
Here is the pick!
Perhaps the young vet has found a more permanent home in Nashville.
Either way, I'm glad he's back in Tennessee in 2021!
TE Geoff Swaim
The first impression I got from Geoff Swaim was the dude looked like a viking. The guy is BIG man.
Geoff is first and foremost a blocker, at least as of now that appears to be his main role. Although he does have a decent knack for catching passes despite his large, almost clumsy look to him. He's surprisingly mobile with softer hands than I would have guessed. Perhaps with Jonnu Smith leaving the team, Geoff will get some chances at catches.
But like I said, he's a big dude and he is good at and enjoys blocking. Perfect for what the Titans wanna be. Big and physical.
Swaim is entering his seventh NFL season. He spent four with the Cowboys, one with the Jags, and now one (going on two) with the Titans.
In 2020 with the Titans Swaim caught 9 passes for 83 yards and 1 touchdown.
In his six year career with the Titans, Swaim has accumulated:
- 57 receptions
- 484 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
Another quality guy on this roster! Good experience and a willing blocker. Exactly what the Titans want. I hope he can help this team get some dubs in 2021!
I hope the Titans coaching staff can coach up these guys and really elevate their skills, so that the Titans can become champions! Lets go baby, #Titanup!