The Titans’ expected starting right guard has retired. What are Tennessee’s potential options for replacing him, both with players already on the roster and through external additions?
On Tuesday afternoon, news surfaced that Titans offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles had retired earlier that day. The franchise subsequently placed him on the reserve/retired list, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. OverTheCap reports that Charles had signed a one-year contract valued at $1.5 million, including a $250,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 per-game roster bonus.
We extend our best wishes to Charles in his future endeavors.
Titans’ 25-Year-Old Potential Starter Retires: What’s Next?
Titans’ Internal Options to Replace Saddiq Charles
Dillon Radunz seems to be the frontrunner to take over the job, given that he was originally set to be Charles’ backup at right guard. He’s been practicing in that role throughout the offseason, giving him an advantage in terms of familiarity. Another option could be moving the current backup center, Daniel Brunskill, back to his former position. However, it’s most likely that Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan will choose to elevate Radunz to the starting role.
As per OverTheCap, Tennessee currently has the 12th-most cap space, with just over $24.1 million available following Quandre Diggs’ signing. The question now is how they can utilize some of that space to replace Charles without overspending.
Connor Williams
“Williams is the most prominent offensive lineman still available, but he is expected to sign with another team. Nonetheless, Tennessee should at least explore the option. He would bring versatility at both center and guard, though his price won’t be low—his last cap hit with Miami exceeded $8 million.”
Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Vaitai is still on the job market after being let go by the Lions this offseason due to injuries and inconsistency, despite having signed a four-year, $30 million deal in 2020. He doesn’t have much experience with the current staff, and his injury history might make Tennessee hesitant to consider him.
Scott Quessenberry
Quessenberry is a recognizable name for the Titans, having faced them multiple times while playing for the Chargers and Texans. He was the Texans’ starting center in 2022 but was on injured reserve for the 2023 season. Starting his career with the Chargers as a versatile center/guard after being drafted in the fifth round in 2018, the former Houston player recently had a workout with the Dolphins, but no contract has been finalized yet.
Justin McCray
McCray played a few seasons with the Titans as an undrafted free agent from 2014 to 2015. He has had a varied career, with notable stints at the Packers and Texans. In 2023, he was with the Panthers, moving from the practice squad to the active roster. At 32 years old, he may have limited time left in his career.
Phil Haynes
The Seattle to Nashville reunion tour might include Haynes, who has spent his entire career with the Seahawks. At 28, he’s relatively young among the remaining free agents. Although he has mainly played as a right guard, he also has experience on the left side. His contract is expected to be affordable.
UFL
The spring league has successfully sent over 60 players to the NFL this summer after its debut in 2024. Could the Titans find a replacement from this pool? St. Louis guard Donovan West has connections with GM Ran Carthon from their San Francisco days. Lamont Galliard of the DC Defenders briefly worked with head coach Brian Callahan in Cincinnati. Steven Gonzalez received high praise from Pro Football Focus, ranking among the top ten in St. Louis. Other potential options include Derwin Gray, Vadal Alexander, and Yasir Durant. Terry Poole, Julien Davenport, Christian DiLauro (a former Titan), and Jarrid Williams were also noted favorably by PFF.
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