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The veteran quarterback market will move quickly this week
Seemingly out of nowhere last night the Las Vegas Raiders sent a third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Geno Smith reuniting him with his former coach Pete Carroll. It had been assumed by most people that Russell Wilson would end up with Carroll in Vegas. That is not the case and means Wilson will be looking for a different landing spot. It is also assumed now that Sam Darnold will end up in Seattle.
Ian Rapoport had a tweet this morning with what he is hearing on where the veteran quarterbacks could end up:
So you could see Daniel Jones staying in Minnesota to be some insurance if JJ McCarthy isn’t ready...or he could end up with the Indianapolis Colts. That would be a fun training camp battle to follow between Jones and Anthony Richardson.
I love the “Aaron Rodgers lurks” line. It seems fitting. My guess is that he does end up with the New York Giants.
Justin Fields is expected to have a strong market according to Rapoport, but I’d bet on him staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That leaves the Tennessee Titans to consider names like Wilson, Jameis Winston and/or apparently Zach Wilson amongst others.
Winston would be the most fun because he has a tendency to make plays for both teams when he is on the field. That would at least make the games entertaining to watch - which was not the case for the Titans last season.
Thoughts on this and more on today’s Home Run Throwback podcast. Listen here.
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After failing to find a trade partner, the Tennessee Titans have decided to release edge rusher Harold Landry, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Landry was a really good player for this franchise. It’s always sad when you see a guy who has been as good for the team come to an end, but there was just no way they were going to pay him the $17.5 million he was owed this year based on how his production had dropped off. The move will save the team just under $11 million against the cap.
Of course, this makes the need the Titans have at EDGE even bigger. It probably doesn’t change what their plan is at the top of the draft that much in regards to Abdul Carter, they knew this move was coming, but it makes an easier tie-breaker between Carter and Travis Hunter if they trade down and have the option of either guy.
Landry ends his Titans career with 50.5 sacks in six seasons played for the team. He did miss the entire 2022 season after tearing his ACL right before the season started. All in all that’s pretty good production from a guy they drafted in the second round.
You cannot bet on “next team” props for players in Tennessee, but if you are somewhere that you can, put some good money on the New England Patriots. We know that Mike Vrabel loves him. You might also want to sprinkle some money on the New York Giants with Shane Bowen being the defensive coordinator there. Bowen got some really good production out of Landry when both guys were with the Titans.
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Safety is an underrated need for the Titans
Cameron Wolfe said on the NFL Network last night that the Tennessee Titans are expected to have interest in safety Jevon Holland. The 25-year-old safety is expected to have a robust market and could command up to $20 million per year when he signs somewhere next week. He spent the first four years of his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Safety is really an underrated need for the Titans. We have spent most of the offseason talking about the need at quarterback, at EDGE, and on the offensive line, but safety is definitely in the next tier of needs. They have Amani Hooker on one side but a big hole on the other side. Hooker has been really good for them but also has missed a ton of time with injuries in the last couple of years.
I wasn’t expecting the Titans to do much in the first wave of free agency, but it is possible that they will identify a couple of key guys that they want to add on deals that are front-loaded while they still aren’t paying a quarterback.
Holland was a second-round pick by the Dolphins out of Oregon back in 2021.
You can hear more on my thoughts about this on today’s Home Run Throwback podcast. Listen here.
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Harold Landry reunites with Mike Vrabel.
I told you earlier this week when the Tennessee Titans cut Harold Landry that he would either land with the New England Patriots or New York Giants. Well, I was right. Landry signed a three-year deal with the Patriots today that includes $26 million in guaranteed money.
It will be interesting to see what Landry has left in the tank. He did have 9 sacks last season, but it was the quietest 9 sacks that I have every seen. It is hard to remember a single play that he blew up. He never really had the same burst after he tore his ACL right before the 2022 season.
The Titans had a huge need at EDGE before they cut Landry. It’s even bigger now. That is why my preference is for them to trade down in the draft to a place where they get a future first-round pick and are still able to come away with Abdul Carter. I’m looking at you, New York Giants.
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Somebody has to play quarterback, right?
Connor Hughes is reporting that your Tennessee Titans are among the teams interested in Russell Wilson. With both Sam Darnold and Justin Fields off the market, Wilson is near the top of the list of the veteran quarterbacks available. The New York Giants are rumored to be in the mix as well.
We know the Titans are going to add a veteran to at the very least come in here and compete with Will Levis. Wilson could also be used as a stopgap if they use the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Cam Ward - although it remains to be seen if Russ has an interest in mentoring a young quarterback.
It is interesting that the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t seem to have much interest in bringing Wilson back. There are rumors that the Steelers could go after Aaron Rodgers. Both of those guys have had storied careers and carry quite a bit of baggage with them at this point in their respective careers. I do think I would prefer Wilson over Rodgers but wouldn't be thrilled with either guy.
Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers last year and threw for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
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The Titans are placing a lot of faith in Dan Moore by also altering JC Latham’s position
The Tennessee Titans made a sizable decision on Monday that will have a ripple effect throughout its roster by signing free-agent offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year contract worth $82 million. New general manager Mike Borgonzi overpaid, making Moore the ninth-highest paid offensive tackle in the league. His arrival in Nashville also alters JC Latham’s future with the team.
The Titans had been clear going into the offseason that they were open to moving Latham from left to right tackle, back to his more natural college position after asking him to become a blindside blocker just last offseason. Latham’s versatility allowed the Titans to consider all offensive tackles, meaning they weren’t hyper-focused on just right tackles in free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. They ultimately moved quickly on Moore, who will assure Latham will be a right tackle next season.
Moore has played more than 4,000 career snaps at left tackle. The Titans didn’t make him a top-10 paid tackle in the NFL for him to switch positions going into his fifth professional campaign. No, that onus will fall at Latham’s feet, who spent last offseason making the opposite switch.
Moore was credited with allowing a league-high 12 sacks and 41 pressures last season, but the advanced metrics are far more endearing. The former Texas A&M standout finished with a one-on-one quarterback protection rate of 10.3%, according to Nate Tice. The league average mark is 9.3%, and Moore matched Kolton Miller’s mark (a very good left tackle), and was slightly ahead of Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin in this department.
Moore is an above-average starter. The Titans were willing to pay a premium to ensure players like Nicholas Petit-Frere don’t completely derail the offense again next season. That makes sense, given how painful the pass protection was to watch throughout 2024. Tennessee’s willingness to acquire Moore changes the career pathway for Latham, but they’ll possess full confidence in his ability to continue developing at right tackle.
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The Tennessee Titans add an eight-year veteran to their secondary
The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran safety Xavier Woods to a two-year contract worth $10 million. It was first reported on social media by Adam Schefter. Woods immediately steps into a starting role at a position of need opposite Amani Hooker.
Durability has been a theme for Mike Borgonzi in his first offseason as general manager. In signing offensive tackle Dan Moore, he got an offensive tackle who’s been healthy to play more than 4,000 snaps in four seasons. Woods follows a similar theme. Woods played a league-leading (offense or defense) 1,218 snaps for the Carolina Panthers last season. He appeared in all 17 games and played every snap for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
It wasn’t a fluke. It marked the second consecutive campaign Woods played 100 percent of defensive snaps. Woods has played 91 percent-or-greater of all defensive snaps in seven straight seasons. It’s borderline unheard of.
Woods totaled a career-high 119 tackles last season. He’ll complement Hooker well as a near-the-line-of-scrimmage safety, with Hooker roaming the secondary as a ball-hawking safety. Woods added three interceptions and six pass breakups to his defensive totals in 2024, but did allow five touchdowns in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.
Woods initially entered the league as a sixth-round selection of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a three-year contract with the Panthers three offseasons ago. He played out the entire duration of that contract in Carolina, surviving regime changes. He previously endured a one-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings.
Borgonzi no longer needs to utilize a premium draft-pick at safety. Hooker and Woods are the 2025 starters. On Tuesday, the Titans also re-signed safety Mike Brown to be Dennard Wilson’s third safety, and a special teams contributor.
The Titans’ other free-agent signing on Tuesday was veteran punter Johnny Hekker. In other news, punter Ryan Stonehouse and linebacker Jack Gibbens will depart in free agency, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine signed an extremely cheap contract with the Miami Dolphins.
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Who should the Tennessee Titans target on Day 3 of NFL free agency?
The Tennessee Titans had a quieter day on Tuesday in NFL free agency, though they still made headlines. First-year general manager Mike Borgonzi made a pair of support-cast signings, adding punter Johnny Hekker, and veteran safety Xavier Woods to modest short-term contracts. In bigger news, punter Ryan Stonehouse and linebacker Jack Gibbens will depart in free agency, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine signed an extremely cheap contract with the Miami Dolphins.
The Titans still possess some major holes in free agency. Quarterback, EDGE, wide receiver, and right guard could use addressing. We’ve identified the best remaining talents Borgonzi could target on Day Three of free agency.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE
Ajeez Ojulari recorded an impressive six sacks despite playing behind Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns for large stretches of the 2024 season. Ojulari has been a consistent pass-rushing threat throughout his career. He’s a 25-year-old defender still in his prime.
Mekhi Becton, OG
Imagine partnering JC Latham at right tackle with Mekhi Becton at right guard. The Titans would have one of the most imposing right sides in the league. Becton enjoyed a career-best season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
Kevin Zeitler, OG
Kevin Zeitler is an aging guard who was still fantastic for the Detroit Lions last season. If signed, Zeitler would complete the Titans’ offensive line transformation following the Dan Moore signing. Do the Titans want a rookie or veteran at right guard?
Charles Omenihu, EDGE
Borgonzi knows Charles Omenihu from their shared tenure together with the Kansas City Chiefs. Omenihu had a career-best campaign in 2023, but tore his ACL during the postseason. He was severely hampered throughout 2024, but could return to form a year removed from surgery in 2025.
Teven Jenkins, OG
Teven Jenkins is an ascending guard. His rookie contract with the Chicago Bears just expired and he’s not expected to return. Jenkins would represent an upgrade on Dillon Radunz.
Brandon Scherff, OG
Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan previously coached Brandon Scherff. He also played in the AFC South last season. Scherff is past his prime, but is still a starting-caliber right guard.
Tyler Lockett, WR
The Titans have nothing at wide receiver behind Calvin Ridley. Tyler Lockett was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks, but he still operates as a reliable slot receiver. Tennessee’s next starting quarterback would appreciate his reliability underneath the coverage.
Elijah Moore, WR
If the Titans prefer a younger slot receiver, Elijah Moore is an intriguing option. Tyler Boyd isn’t expected to return in Brian Callahan’s offense next season. Moore would be effective in Callahan’s preferred 11 personnel approach.
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Kenneth Murray, we hardly knew ye!
[UPDATE] - Jordan Schultz is reporting the Titans will get a sixth-round pick from the Cowboys in exchange for Murray and a seventh-round pick.
Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Tennessee Titans are trading ILB Kenneth Murray to the Dallas Cowboys. The Titans signed Murray to a 2-year $15.5 million dollar deal last offseason. Rapoport said the deal will be for a swap of late round picks.
Murray played in 14 games and had 95 tackles last season. He was pretty much as advertised in his time here. He was pretty good against the run but pretty bad in coverage. They signed another one of those guys, Cody Barton, this offseason. That made Murray expendable. Would have been rough to watch those guys playing next to each other in coverage. The Titans do still need to bring in another guy for the inside linebacker room.
The exact terms of the deal haven’t come out yet, but it won’t be anything of consequence. The Titans will probably just move up a few spots in the sixth or seventh round.
