Johnathan Cyprien Reportedly Will Sign Contract with Tennessee Titans

Safety Johnathan Cyprien is set to begin a new chapter in his career, as the tackling machine reportedly agreed to a deal with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report that Cyprien will sign with the Titans when free agency officially opens, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed.

Cyprien spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected him with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft out of Florida International.

He has appeared in and started 60 of a possible 64 games, including all 16 contests during the 2016 campaign.

Cyprien has topped 100 tackles in each of his NFL seasons, but 2016 was arguably his best season, as he set a career high with 128 stops.

That ranked him 12th overall in the NFL and first among defensive backs.

Despite his big-time production, the Jags allowed Cyprien to test free agency and see what type of market value a run-stopping safety has.

With just two interceptions in four NFL seasons, Cyprien isn't a prolific coverage man, but there are few safeties in the NFL better at stacking the box and helping to control opposing running games.

Cyprien's presence was a big reason why Jacksonville tied for sixth in the league in 2016 in yards per carry allowed at 3.8.

While Cyprien built a solid reputation in Jacksonville, he was noncommittal when asked about potentially giving the Jaguars a hometown discount in free agency, according to SiriusXM NFL's Radio's Moving the Chains (h/t Mike Kaye of WTLV):

"

That's something I definitely have to pray on, speak to my agent about and speak to my family about. It's just something that you have to do. I would definitely have to think about that, of course. I know I want to be in Jacksonville, it would be a lot easier on my family [and] myself. At the same time, me, myself and my family have to make a decision that's best for me and my future.

"

Cyprien formed a solid safety combination with Tashaun Gipson in 2016, as their skills complemented each other well.

Although Gipson excels at freelancing and attacking the football, Cyprien is far more useful near the line of scrimmage.

Due to the synergy between Cyprien and Gipson, it seemed likely that Jacksonville would still make a push to retain the former in free agency.

The Titans apparently came up with a better offer, however, and took a big step toward improving their run defense in 2017 by securing Cyprien.

In addition to having a strong track record, Cyprien is still only 26 years of age and may not have reached his peak yet.

With Rashad Johnson set to hit free agency, the signing of Cyprien will allow Tennessee to pair him with Da'Norris Searcy as part of a Tennessee secondary that ranked 30th against the pass in 2016.