Pro Football Focus will be providing analysis for every major NFL signing and trade during the 2015 free-agency period, accounting primarily for the quality of the player and his fit with his new team and focusing less on the financial terms of the deal.
Here is the grade for the reported deal between Da'Norris Searcy and the Tennessee Titans.
Grade articles on every major deal
Tennessee Titans: A-minus
After three years of making the most of his opportunities, Searcy became the Bills' starting strong safety in 2014 and quickly made his mark against the run. When he lined up within eight yards of the line of scrimmage, he made 12 run stops in 91 run snaps. His run-stop percentage of 13.2 percent was the best for all safeties within eight yards of the line of scrimmage -- PFF's strong safety designation.
While Searcy's main responsibility was stopping the run, he was also successful in coverage when targeted. When quarterbacks threw his way, they had an NFL passer rating of just 21.5. That was the fourth-best mark among starting safeties. He had three interceptions compared to just nine catches allowed.
With George Wilson a free agent and Bernard Pollard released, Searcy will likely get handed the starting job in Tennessee. He is a younger, better player than both Wilson and Pollard, which is the ideal way to upgrade. While the Titans have other weaknesses that need an upgrade on defense, this is a very nice step in the right direction.