The Titans have agreed to sign running back Dion Lewis to a four-year deal, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Lewis’ new contract is worth $20MM in total and contains $3MM in incentives, per Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link). He’ll collect $11.5MM in guarantees, reports Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
The running back’s decision ultimately came down to the Titans and his former team, the Patriots (via ESPN’s Dianna Russini on Twitter). This is the second former New England player to head to Tennessee, as the Titans signed cornerback Malcolm Butler earlier today.
Lewis is an ideal pass-catching alternative for number-one running back Derrick Henry. When healthy, Lewis was one of Tom Brady‘s top targets over the past four seasons, and he’s gradually improved in the rushing game, as well. 2017 may have been Lewis’ best NFL season, as he finished the campaign with a career-high 896 rushing yards and six touchdowns (5.0 yards per carry). He also added another 32 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus was seemingly a fan of Lewis’ versatility, as he ranked fifth among 58 eligible running backs. Lewis placed 29th in our rankings of the top-50 free agents.
With Lewis out of the picture, the Patriots will likely lean even more on James White in the passing game. Meanwhile, Henry and Lewis will likely see the bulk of the snaps for the Titans, with David Fluellen and Khalfani Muhammad currently slated as backups.
Damn it!! This was the one guy I wanted the 49ers to really sign. That’s sucks lol
Very curious to see what the 9ers do at RB after missing out on this guy. Great pick up for the Titans in my opinion
I think I’m perfectly fan as a SF fan. I think Lewis would taken much of our cap space. I think they might deal down and try to acquire a high 2nd round pick and get Sony Michel from Georgia who I think the front office loves.
Too much of the cap space? We have a ton of cap space and that wouldn’t even have dented it lol. We have no RB in my opinion at the moment that would be worth being calling our number one back. I’ve always hoped we would bring back Hyde or gotten this guy but doesn’t seem like either will happen. I’d think we would go after someone in free agency and i still think we do but just curious who that might be.
You forget they also have to exercise some options next year. Also, I’m hearing with a strong season next year they might extend Buckner as well. I rather worry about getting a big time Free agent WR next year (Cooks, OBJ) than to sign it on a RB. Lewis got overpaid and Lynch was smart to realize they are better/cheaper options come late April.
I’m with Raz. Draft is loaded with RB talent and Michel would fit perfectly in our system with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
I agree. Sony Michel or Ronald Jones should be the play here.
Draft is deep at RB so they will draft one
Mike Vrabel the ex-patriots player is dipping into the Bill Bilicheck pool. Can’t fault him. Two great signings. Lewis will be a great compliment to Derrick Henry. Thunder and Lighting. Tennessee is starting to shape up. Defense is gonna improve under Vrabel. Logan Ryan. Malcolm Butler. Adore Jackson. If Mariota cam stay healthy and the WRs catch on. Could be a tight race between Jacksonville and Tennessee
He will be a great compliment but do you pay someone a top 10 rb salary to be a compliment?
Is Henry still on his rookie deal because if he is, that RB tandem is cheap enough overall that they can afford to slightly overspend on Lewis. Frankly, suppressing Henry’s numbers for a year or two could drive down his future cap hit and potentially help in the long run, but that’s way overthinking it.
Why won’t the titans give Derrick Henry a real chance to be their main rb
Because he can’t pass block and doesn’t catch real well.
Geez