Robert Saleh didn't wait long to steal top free-agent target away from 49ers

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh has openly admitted how much he owes to his two-time former employer, the San Francisco 49ers.

But, in terms of business, he doesn't owe them anything now.

Armed with significantly more salary cap space than the Niners, Saleh's Titans would have little problem outbidding his former coworker, general manager John Lynch, when it comes to adding talent in free agency.

And Saleh managed to use this to his advantage on one free agent who was reportedly coveted by both teams.

Robert Saleh's Titans pry John Franklin-Myers from 49ers' grasp

Indeed, San Francisco made a splash in free agency by grabbing wide receiver Mike Evans on a three-year deal, addressing one key need both it and the Titans had.

But, a defensive-minded Saleh had no issue ensuring another 49ers target, soon-to-be former Denver Broncos defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, wouldn't head out west to California, rather the interior disruptor is off to Tennessee to reunite with his former head coach during their time together with the New York Jets, inking a three-year, $63 million deal:

According to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, the Niners were interested in landing the 6-foot-4 and 288-pound defender in an attempt to bolster what was the league's worst pass rush a season ago.

Ultimately, though, Saleh got the last laugh.

It's not hard to fault either Saleh or Franklin-Myers, though. Not only did the two pair up out in the Big Apple, but Tennessee's ability to spend much more than what San Francisco was likely to offer made the transaction almost inevitable.

So, the Titans get a key pass-rusher who's had at least seven sacks in each of the last two seasons, while the 49ers are left scrambling for contingency options.

And it's no longer Saleh's job to worry about what the Niners do to address that need.