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[Tennessee Titans]

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons ranks No. 4 in ESPN’s position rankings list

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Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons is still elite, per ESPN

Jeffery Simmons is sometimes a divisive topic among Tennessee Titans fans. The occasionally dominant defensive tackle has battled injuries, missing eight games across the previous three seasons. There’s also the odd social media run-in, when he cussed out Buck Reising, or stayed away from voluntary OTAs this year, citing “personal reasons.”

At his best, Simmons is a game-changing defensive tackle. His league-wide reputation indicates such. Simmons has made three Pro Bowl appearances, including one this past season (originally as an alternate), despite recording just five sacks.

ESPN is releasing their annual position rankings. On Tuesday, they dropped the defensive tackle iteration. Simmons clocked in at No. 4 overall, ahead of Quinnen Williams, DeForest Buckner, and Vita Vea, to name a few.

Execs, coaches and scouts rank the NFL's best DTs

-A Giant new No. 1
-Jalen Carter pushes for top spot
-L. Williams, Vea, Heyward return https://t.co/oX5R2otqcS

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 8, 2025​

“Simmons has been a staple in the top 10 due to unique power that some evaluators consider the best in the league,” ESPN wrote. “He has risen to as high as No. 2 on the list because of the problems he gives opposing guards and centers.”

Simmons’ lack of production was a topic of discussion among the anonymous coaches and executives that were polled. They decided to look past the pedestrian numbers, collectively still labeling him a top-five interior defender.

“Still dominant vs. the run — I didn’t see the same pass-rush explosion,” an NFC executive said. “Morale gets low and it’s hard to rush when you’re always playing from behind,” an NFL coordinator said. “Still one of the most complete players.”

Simmons’ best stretch occurred in 2021-22 when he compiled 16 sacks. In the two seasons since, that number downgraded to 10.5 QB takedowns, with injuries playing a larger role. The Titans desperately need Simmons to be healthy and effective in 2025.

Simmons is signed through the 2027 season, via a previously inked four-year extension worth $94 million. Simmons earns $23.5 million annually. The top defensive tackles now earn $30-plus million annually. He could want to discuss an amended contract if he bounces back this campaign.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...ns-ranks-no-4-in-espns-position-rankings-list

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Center

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We continue our all-quarter century team voting with center.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with center.

As with guard, there aren’t a lot of individual statistics when it comes to centers, so I will just list the players and the games they played in Tennessee. This might be one of the closest votes we have seen so far.

Justin Hartwig​

Hartwig played in 50 games for the Titans from 2002 to 2005.

Kevin Mawae​

Mawae played in 61 games for the Titans from 2006 to 2009. He was voted an All-Pro in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in both 2008 and 2009. Mawae was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Eugene Amano​

Amano played in 124 games for the Titans from 2004 to 2011.

Ben Jones​

Jones played in 108 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2022. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/8/24463860/tennessee-titans-all-quarter-century-team-center

 

[Tennessee Titans]

ESPN snubs Titans RB Tony Pollard from top 10 list

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Should Tony Pollard have been included?

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s top 10 interior d-lineman rankings. Their running back rankings were released earlier this week. Titans starter Tony Pollard didn’t make the list.

Former Titans RB Derrick Henry finished second behind Saquon Barkley. Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara ranked ninth and 10th respectively. Their inclusions are highly debatable. There were five honorable mentions. None of them were Pollard. Six additional running backs fell into the “also received votes” category. Pollard isn’t listed there either.

A little surprised that there wasn't more love for Tony Pollard here. Not saying he should have been top-5 or anything but for guys like D'Andre Swift to get votes and Pollard receive none is interesting. https://t.co/A8zKHhL93g

— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) July 7, 2025​

That means 21 total running backs were at least mentioned. Some of them were lackluster performers last season, such as Chuba Hubbard, D’Andre Swift, and Kenneth Walker III. It feels fairly egregious Pollard didn’t earn a single vote or mention, considering more than 70 NFL coaches, scouts. and executives are anonymously polled.

Pollard finished 12th in rushing last year with 1,079 yards. It represented his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Of the 16 RBs who rushed for 1,000-plus yards, his 4.2 YPC finished 14th. Pollard was a workhorse for an underperforming Titans offense that couldn’t pass the football with any consistency. His 260 carries finished eighth in the league.

Pollard signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Titans in free agency last offseason. The former Memphis standout more than lived up to that contract. He’ll enter 2025 as Brian Callahan’s unquestioned lead back, with Tyjae Spears in a supporting spot. Rookie Kalel Mullings is also hoping to capture a change-of-pace role.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...snubs-titans-rb-tony-pollard-from-top-10-list

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans Reacts Survey: How many yards will Calvin Ridley have this season?

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This week’s reacts question has to do with the most established playmaker on the offensive side of the ball - Calvin Ridley. I am of the belief that the Titans did not do enough to surround Cam Ward with weapons this offseason. That just means that Ridley is going to have to step up even more for his rookie quarterback.

Last season, Ridley had 64 catches for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns. If the Titans are going to make some noise in 2025, all three of those numbers are going to have to be higher. There should be better offensive line and quarterback play this year, so I expect that they will be. What say you?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Tennessee Titans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...any-yards-will-calvin-ridley-have-this-season

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Guard Two

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We continue our all-quarter century team voting with guard round two.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with the second guard.

Bruce Matthews won the first round. Andy Levitre came in second in that round. I’m not trying to tell you how to vote, but there are a couple of guys on the list who were pretty significantly better than Levitre.

I narrowed the list down a little bit this time based on the votes from the first round.

Benji Olson​

Olson played in 128 games for the Titans from 2000 to 2007.

Andy Levitre​

Levitre played in 32 games for the Titans from 2013 to 2014.

Rodger Saffold​

Saffold played in 46 games for the Titans from 2019 to 2021 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...see-titans-all-quarter-century-team-guard-two

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Right tackle

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We continue our all-quarter century team voting today.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with right tackle. It’s pretty remarkable how few right tackles the Titans used before the last few years.

On a side note, the 2005 draft where the Titans got Michael Roos in the second round and David Stewart in the fourth round, is insane. The organization would kill for another draft like that after the last few years.

Fred Miller​

Despite earning the nickname “Drive Killer Miller” for his untimely false start penalties, Miller was a solid player for this team. Miller played in 80 games from 2000 to 2004 for the Titans.

David Stewart​

“Big Country” played in 116 games for the Titans from 2005 to 20013. Again, not trying to tell you how to vote, but Stewart is really the only choice here.

Jack Conklin​

Conklin played in 57 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2019. He was really good in his rookie season, making the All-Pro team, but struggled after tearing his ACL in 2018. He did end up playing well by the time the 2019 season was over.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...-titans-all-quarter-century-team-right-tackle

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Reacts results: See where fans picked the Titans to finish in the AFC South

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This seems fair.

This week’s reacts question was where do you think the Tennessee Titans will finish in the AFC South in 2025. Here are the results:

That seems pretty fair to me. The Houston Texans are the favorites to win the division - as they should be. They have won the last two division titles, and on paper, they have the most talented roster in the division.

I don’t have to tell you, but the X factor for the Titans is Cam Ward. Everything we have seen from him so far has been fantastic. If Bill Callahan can figure out a way to maximize his talented rookie quarterback, the Titans will have a chance to win the division.

The most likely scenario, however, is that Ward’s rookie season has some ups and downs, and the Titans finish somewhere in the middle of the division, either second or third, like 68% of you predicted.

Be sure and check out FanDuel for all of your sports betting needs!

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...fans-picked-titans-to-finish-in-the-afc-south

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Should the Titans be worried about a Femi Oladejo holdout?

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Is a contract standoff coming between the Tennessee Titans and Femi Oladejo?

You’re likely aware that there’s been an intriguing storyline brewing around second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft over the past few months. The Houston Texans made the unprecedented decision to sign No. 34 overall pick Jayden Higgins to a fully-guaranteed contract. Realizing they possessed no leverage, the Cleveland Browns followed suit with 33rd selection Carson Schwesinger.

The other 30 second-round picks in the NFL remain unsigned, including Tennessee Titans rookie EDGE Femi Oladejo. The situation is beginning to reach a boiling point. Current CBA rules don’t allow rookies to physically participate in training camp if they haven’t signed their contracts.

The rubber is meeting the road around the league. The Los Angeles Chargers reported to training camp over the weekend. Their second-round pick, wide receiver Tre Harris, is officially holding out over guaranteed money, according to various reports.

The deadline for #Chargers rookies to report is upon us and second round WR Tre Harris is officially a holdout, sources say.

With 30 of the 32 second-round picks unsigned because of a disagreement over guaranteed money, Harris makes the first official stand. pic.twitter.com/Z2PU9p0wEc

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 12, 2025​

Oladejo displayed a team-first attitude at OTAs and minicamp, but the situation is different now. Rookies are permitted to participate in offseason workouts without a signed contract, because there are injury protections in place. Training camp essentially serves as an unofficial deadline for rookie deals to get signed. That’s why Harris is holding out in L.A.

And Oladejo’s agent is likely driving the conversation in Nashville. No matter how much of a team-first attitude Oladejo has, he’ll expect, with advice from his agency, to sign a contract that is deemed fair by market standards. The market was completely thrown into disarray by the Texans (thanks, Houston!), leading to unprecedented negotiations.

Titans GM Mike Borgonzi would probably prefer to see a rookie contract around Oladejo’s slot (No. 52 overall) get done before taking his stance. Just because the 33rd and 34th selections got fully-guaranteed contracts doesn’t necessarily mean Oladejo will. Guarantees have always slightly differed pick to pick in previous years, but putting the fully-guaranteed variety on the table changed things.

For example, what do the 50th and 53rd pick get in guaranteed money? Borgonzi would love to have that example before signing Oladejo. The Titans are slated to report to training camp on July 22nd, with the first on-field practice scheduled for the 23rd. The Titans have less than two weeks to get Oladejo signed to avoid a distraction and holdout.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...itans-be-worried-about-a-femi-oladejo-holdout

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Bleacher Report: Cam Ward is Titans’ biggest reason for optimism

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The Tennessee Titans are counting on Cam Ward to restore the franchise to relevance

The Tennessee Titans made the decision to draft quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Blown away by his leadership, personality, and physical traits, the Titans grew enamored with Ward throughout the pre-draft process. With training camp on the horizon, fans will be watching his development closely.

The Bleacher Report recently wrote an article outlining every team’s biggest reason for optimism heading into 2025 Training Camps. Unsurprisingly, Ward was the selection for the Titans.

“Heading into the offseason, the 2025 rookie quarterback class was largely viewed as an underwhelming group,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “Though the Tennessee Titans had earned the No. 1 overall selection, there was no obvious choice for them at the top of the draft.

“Tennessee ultimately decided to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward over Colorado corner/receiver Travis Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter, the top two prospects on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s final draft board.”

The Titans first met with Ward at the NFL Combine. A pre-draft visit to Nashville, stellar pro day performance, and follow-up private workout solidified Ward to the Titans. New GM Mike Borgonzi was in the QB market following Will Levis’ disappointing 2024 season.

“As is always the case when a quarterback is drafted highly, Tennessee’s new signal-caller brings with him a surplus of optimism,” Knox continued. “While the 23-year-old wasn’t viewed as a can’t-miss prospect in the mold of Joe Burrow or Caleb Williams, he has the tools to eventually be a star. While the Titans might not be particularly good this season—they didn’t “earn” the No. 1 pick by accident, after all—Ward’s arrival marks the start of a thrilling new chapter for Tennessee fans.”

Titans head coach Brian Callahan has been busy building an offense around Ward’s abilities. Borgonzi also acquired multiple weapons this offseason, amidst upgrading the offensive line in free agency, to help surround Ward with a better supporting cast.

The No. 1 overall quarterback has restored hope in Nashville.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...am-ward-is-titans-biggest-reason-for-optimism

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Bleacher Report: Titans should trade for Packers WR Romeo Doubs

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Projecting a trade for WR Romeo Doubs

The Tennessee Titans are entering training camp next week with a lot of competition at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Tyler Lockett projects as a starter, and hopefully he’ll be more involved in camp than he was in OTAs and minicamp. Elsewhere, the Titans will promote position battles.

Van Jefferson, Treylon Burks, and Bryce Oliver could be options at “X” receiver if they want a veteran at the boundary spot. Rookies Elic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrepo, and Chimere Dike are also in the mix. Restrepo will fight for reps in the slot, Dike is versatile enough to play multiple positions, and Ayomanor is a traditional X.

While there’s a lot of upside in the Titans’ receiver room, there’s a lot of downside, too. Rookies are rookies, with Tennessee’s trio ranging from Day Three selections to undrafted free agents. Those rarely contribute right away. Lockett is an aging asset who didn’t physically participate in minicamp. Burks probably doesn’t make the team, and Jefferson hasn’t been effective in years.

The Bleacher Report recently wrote an article that makes eight bold predictions ahead of training camp. They have the Titans trading for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs.

“Among their five wideouts, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are on track to become free agents in 2026,” Moe Moton wrote. “Green Bay should look to deal one of them for draft capital, which would reduce the logjam at receiver. Because of Watson’s injury, he probably wouldn’t fetch as much as Doubs, who had a decent 2024 campaign with 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns.

“According to Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, last season, Doubs skipped practices due to frustrations with his role in the Packers offense. Green Bay should offer Doubs to the receiver-needy Tennessee Titans.”

The Packers are loaded at the position. They drafted Matthew Golden in the first round, and already had Doubs, Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks at receiver. They also have Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave at tight end. With Doubs entering a contract year, he could be the odd man out.

Injury limited Doubs to 13 appearances last season, but he still recorded 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns. He’d likely be the Titans’ second-best receiver behind Ridley. The rebuilding Titans aren’t in the business of trading draft capital for players right now, but acquiring Doubs could be worthwhile. He’s a 25-year-old receiver who could be worth re-signing after this campaign.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...itans-should-trade-for-packers-wr-romeo-doubs

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans agree to terms with second-round pick Oluwafemi Oladejo

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The Titans have now signed all of their 2025 NFL Draft picks

Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with second round EDGE rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo. The deal is reportedly a four-year deal worth just over $8.41 million. The first three years of the deal are fully guaranteed, and it includes a signing bonus just north of $2.76 million. “Femi” is the last of the Titans' nine draft picks to be signed.

It was important for the Titans to get Oladejo in from the beginning of camp. He has a lot of tools but is still really raw as a pass rusher. They need to give him as many reps as possible in training camp to get him ready for the regular season.

The Titans are pretty thin on paper in the pass rush department. Oladejo was really the only big addition they made this offseason. If they are going to be any better on that front this season, Oladejo is going to need to make an immediate impact.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...erms-with-second-round-pick-oluwafemi-oladejo

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans report to training camp today!

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We made it!

Hope springs eternal as the 2025 Tennessee Titans season kicks off today with the team reporting to training camp. It’s the time of the year when every team has dreams of winning a Super Bowl. That’s probably not in the cards for the Titans this season, but there is a lot of optimism surrounding Cam Ward. He has done all of the things you want to see from a rookie quarterback this offseason. Now, it is time for him to prove it on the field.

The Titans did a lot of good things this offseason. They invested a ton in the offensive line, signing Dan Moore, Jr. and Kevin Zeitler. The Moore signing allows last year’s first round pick, JC Latham, to move over to right tackle. That unit should be a lot better than it was last year.

I still have my questions about the skill guys on offense, but the hope there is that Ward is able to elevate the play of the guys on the roster in a way that Will Levis and Mason Rudolph couldn't last season.

On defense, it is still not clear how they are going to be able to rush the passer. They invested less in pass rush this offseason than I expected them to. The big key is going to be second round pick Femi Oladejo. He’s a raw player with a lot of athletic upside. Can he come in and make an immediate impact?

This is one of the best times of the year. It will be fun to watch this team develop over the course of the season. Chad Brinker and Mike Borgonzi are set to speak to the media at 12:00 Central today. Be sure and check back later for updates from that press conference.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/22/24472351/titans-report-to-training-camp-today

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Tennessee Titans Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2025 roster

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The Tennessee Titans need more than Cam Ward to get their rebuild going. Here are three Secret Superstars who have the ability to elevate a franchise that had lost its way.

In addition to detailing my picks for the NFL’s Secret Superstars heading into the 2025 season with this “Hidden Gems” series, I try to summarize where each team is in the article intros.

When getting into where the Tennessee Titans have been over the last few seasons, it was hard not to think of the recent writeup I did on the Jacksonville Jaguars, another AFC South team with a recent near-berth in a Super Bowl, whose fortunes were then upended by hubris and bad decisions. It was 2017 for the Jags and 2019 for the Titans, who came up short to the Kansas City Chiefs in a 35-24 loss on Jan. 19, 2020.

Since then, there have been a lot of whiffs: trading A.J. Brown and hoping that Treylon Burks would be an equivalent solution. Failing to prepare for Ryan Tannehill’s descent. The whole Will Levis/Malik Willis thing. Deciding that Derrick Henry was past his prime.

No Urban Meyer-level disasters there, but not the way you want a franchise to go.

By the end of the 2023 season, even Mike Vrabel’s 54-45 regular-season record wasn’t enough to satisfy those in charge, which gave way to new head coach Brian Callahan in 2024. The former Bengals offensive coordinator has learned a lot about football over the years, and quarterbacks in particular, which he has proven in recent time with Tennessee radio host Burk Reising, and Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup.

With the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, Callahan got the quarterback who can take all that knowledge to the field in Miami’s Cam Ward. Most know of Ward as the hyper-athletic guy with an impressive ability to make plays outside of structure, but don’t sleep on the fact that Ward was the NCAA’s best passer from the pocket last season — when he brought up that attribute at the 2025 scouting combine, he wasn’t fooling around.

Cam Ward said today that his best trait is "winning from the pocket." Last season from the pocket: 276 of 385 for 3,800 yards, 1,681 air yards, 33 TD (led the nation), 3 INT, passer rating of 128.3, EPA of 139.03.

Pretty, pretty good. pic.twitter.com/HCYyTxpvSo

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 28, 2025​

So, that’s the start of the rebuild that Callahan and new general manager Mike Borgonzi need to undertake, and there’s enough talent elsewhere to at least make the 2025 Titans a spirited alternative to the 3-14 oof-show we saw in 2024.

If that’s to happen, it’ll require the efforts of everyone on the roster. So, here are three Secret Superstars for these Titans — one underrated veteran, one underrated free-agent signing, and one underrated draft pick.

Underrated Veteran: Safety Amani Hooker​

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

I had Hooker in mind for this space already, based on his outstanding sixth NFL season. But when Quandre Diggs — a Twitter buddy of mine from his days in Seattle — expressed outrage over Hooker’s exclusion from ESPN’s recent list of the NFL’s top safeties based on thoughts from coaches and executives, that was the tie-breaker.

Diggs knows quite a bit more about safety play than I do, and as he spent the 2024 season in the Titans’ defensive backfield with Hooker before a Week 9 Lisfranc injury ended Diggs’ season, I’m defaulting to the real expert opinion here.

Doug! Hook still young too so he just about to be in his prime!! https://t.co/D3pGzmCIPi

— Nino (@qdiggs6) July 10, 2025​

Hooker is indeed still young — he turned 27 on June 14 — and the prime appears to be where he’s living now.

“[Things I can] improve on is having ball disruption, getting my hands on the ball, whether that is interceptions, pass break-ups, forced fumbles,” Hooker said before the 2024 season began. “Overall, just being the best safety I can be. I know I have a long road to get there, but I know my capabilities are there and I just have to improve this offseason and help my guys around me.”

Hooker had been more of a box/slot/free defender in previous years, but under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson in 2024, he was more of a deep-third player, and for damn good reason: When he was back there, quarterbacks learned pretty quickly that throwing to Hooker as the last line of defense was an incredibly bad idea. When either in single-high or split-safety coverage, Hooker allowed three catches on 10 targets for 55 yards, and all five of his picks (not to mention three of his four pass breakups) came from there.

In 2024, you did not want to throw the ball anywhere near @Titans safety Amani Hooker when he was a deep-third defender. It was his ball more than it was yours. @qdiggs6 pic.twitter.com/Yno21WpWrP

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 19, 2025​

If this is the Amani Hooker the Titans are getting from now on, even the three-year, $30 million contract extension with $17.15 million guaranteed he signed in 2022 could prove to be one of the NFL’s more epic bargains.

When it comes to the redefinition of the Titans’ defense, having a newly-minted deep-third eraser in a contract year can’t be a bad thing at all.

Underrated Free-Agent Signing: OG Kevin Zeitler​

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

The Titans came out of the 2024 season with an undefined offensive line, and they’re heading into 2025 pretty much the same way. The big news was the four-year, $82 million contract with $50 million guaranteed given to former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. That’s a lot of scratch for a guy who led the NFL with 12 sacks allowed last season, and though the Steelers’ quarterback uncertainty had something to do with that, a look at Moore’s tape tells you that legendary offensive line coach (and father of Brian) Bill Callahan has his work cut out for him.

Dan Moore Jr. has an interesting biological footnote now. I'm guessing he's the only offensive lineman ever to lead the league in sacks allowed in one league year, and then become the richest free agent OL in the following league year. pic.twitter.com/GT2BT2AVRi

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 12, 2025​

The decision to give veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler a one-year, $9 million contract with $8.75 million guaranteed likely came with far less uncertainty. Last season with the Detroit Lions, Zeitler was debited with five sacks and 18 total pressures allowed in 577 pass-blocking reps, but when you watch those sacks, they consist of Zeitler staying with his assignment past the point of probability, or letting defenders in on the backside of missed assignments after good initial contact. He was rarely beaten physically, which said a lot for a guy in his 13th NFL season, and someone who comes into his Titans tenure as the man who has played more offensive line snaps (12,443) than anyone else in the NFL.

The 2024 @Titans offensive line was an unmade bed most of the time. Kevin Zeitler should help a ton in alignment and setting protections, and the dude still has the chops to get it done with power, movement outside and to the second level, and pure technique. pic.twitter.com/5HXkVVsp1Q

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 19, 2025​

“It just felt like the right decision for me and the family overall,” Zeitler said in June. “I am excited to work with coach Bill Callahan and try to be a part of trying to turn this around. I have known of coach Callahan for years… everyone knows he is considered one of the best, if not the best, in the league and a chance to work with him, learn his things, why not?”

Zeitler can be Callahan’s extension on the field, as he’s seen it all through a career that has taken him through every possible blocking scheme. And it appears that the old guy — Zeitler turned 35 on March 8 — hasn’t lost his love for pushing other people around in a positive sense.

“A lot of people say: ‘What the heck are you still doing [playing]?,’” Zeitler posited. “I love ball. Ball is going to go away some day, but not yet. I am going to go as long as I can do it well.”

That should be at least one more season, to the Titans’ great benefit.

Underrated Draft Pick: WR Elic Ayomanor​

Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Some athletes with true grit get it from their parents. Others get it from role models who have come before them. Others get it from those they have observed along the way.

In the case of Elic Ayomanor, he got it from all three in one person — his mother, Pamela Weiterman. She raised Elic as a single parent in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and as a female arm-wrestling champion who “made a lot of grown men not feel too great about themselves,” per her son. Weiterman gave Elic all the toughness he needed to succeed in his current role as a Stanford standout and fourth-round pick of the Titans.

Ayomanor wanted to try hockey as a kid when he didn’t know how to skate, and when he then wanted to quit, Mom was having none of it.

“Our family name is Weiterman, and there’s a certain characteristic that comes with being a Weiterman, a certain grit,” Ayomanor recalled in 2024. “You know that person’s a Weiterman, for sure. And a Weiterman definitely does not quit on anything.”

That took Ayomanor all the way from hockey country to Palo Alto, where he totaled 126 catches on 216 targets for 1,853 yards and 12 touchdowns over two seasons with the Cardinals. He is best known for a gobsmacking performance against Colorado in the 2023 season, when he caught 13 passes on 18 targets for 294 yards and three touchdowns, and tied a young cornerback by the name of Travis Hunter in knots for three hours.

Elic Ayomanor vs. Travis Hunter in 2023.

It did not go as you might expect. pic.twitter.com/uuG01mfbPt

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 23, 2025​

“Yeah, I’m really excited to go against everybody,” Ayomanor said in his opening presser with the Titans, with the knowledge that he’d be facing Hunter’s Jaguars twice a year. “The competition is the best of the best here in the NFL. And so every game and every practice, I’m going to be putting my best effort out there. And before that, even, I’m going to be preparing. My life depends on it. And so I’m just really excited for that level of competition.”

That’s how he plays, and it wasn’t just against Hunter. The 2024 Stanford offense wasn’t exactly a deep-ball factory with Ashton Daniels, Justin Lamson, and Elijah Brown as the quarterbacks, but when Ayomanor got those vertical opportunities, he tended to make the most of them.

Stanford's 2024 offense was anything but effectively vertical, but Elic Ayomanor wasn't using that as an excuse. When it was time to beat up a cornerback downfield, he was going to make that happen.

Now, insert Cam Ward into the discussion. pic.twitter.com/SPCjc5Fm0a

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 19, 2025​

Now, Ayomanor has a quarterback in Cam Ward who, in 2024, completed 34 of 75 passes of 20 or more air yards last season for 1,148 yards, 14 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 131.5.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Ward had seen Ayomanor’s work before, and was eager to get rolling when that card for the 136th overall pick was turned in.

“Yeah, he texted me right after I got the call,” Ayomanor said of his new quarterback post-draft. “I haven’t got a chance to respond back yet, but yeah, I’m very excited. He was the No. 1 pick in the draft for a reason. Like I mentioned earlier, I played against him when he was at Washington State. He gave our defense a lot of trouble, and they went through a lot to game plan for him. I’m very excited to be able to have the opportunity to play with him and practice with him.”

At 6’2 and 206 pounds, Ayomanor has the potential to fill the role of the big, physical, toolsy receiver for whom this franchise has been desperate since the A.J. Brown trade, and the subsequent Treylon Burks mistake. If he can be that guy, it’ll free up more one-on-ones for Calvin Ridley (not to mention new additions Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett), giving Ward even more opportunities to display his flash and dash.

One thing’s for sure — Mom will be watching. And opposing cornerbacks will know where the aggro comes from on the field!

“Yeah, I mean, she has been the leader of my life,” Ayomanor said of his biggest role model. “Every place that I’ve been and every pit stop that I have taken has been because of her, and this journey is all on her back. She set everything up for me and she sacrificed a lot for me. And to address the competitive spirit, I definitely get it a lot from her and honestly, the whole family is very, very competitive.

“I think it’s just a hereditary thing.”

(All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and Sports Info Solutions).

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...yers-amani-hooker-kevin-zeitler-elic-ayomanor

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans sign DE Jihad Ward, release NT Keondre Coburn

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The Titans make a pair of surprising roster moves

The Tennessee Titans were left shorthanded at EDGE earlier this week by Lorenzo Carter’s abrupt retirement. General manager Mike Borgonzi moved rather quickly to replace him. Just one day after the Titans’ first training camp practice of the new season, they are signing veteran free-agent defensive end Jihad Ward, according to a report by Jordan Schultz.

Sources: The #Titans are signing former #Vikings LB Jihad Ward.

Ward played in all 17 games last season with Minnesota and has 19 career sacks. pic.twitter.com/xADSl9Pzxf

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 24, 2025​

Ward is a veteran rotational defender. He appeared in all 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season, notching 10 tackles and one sack. He was more impressive with the New York Giants in 2023, totaling five quarterback takedowns.

Ward did play a sizable 467 snaps for the Vikings last year, accounting for 41.11% percent of their total defensive snaps. The Titans made a conscious effort to get bigger and stouter outside this offseason. Ward fits that profile, listed at approximately 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds. Perhaps he’ll play an early-down run stopping role.

To make room for Ward on the 90-man roster, the Titans surprisingly released nose tackle Keondre Coburn, per Paul Kuharsky.

The #Titans released Keondre Coburn to make room for Jihad Ward.

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 24, 2025​

Coburn appeared in 14 contests for the Titans last season as T’Vondre Sweat’s primary backup. The fellow Texas Longhorns alum totaled 14 tackles. Coburn’s release means one of two things. The Titans either don’t see the need for a backup nose tackle, or they like Ward’s size/versatility to play inside. Dre’Mont Jones and James Lynch, two roster locks, also have inside-outside capability, though neither can match Coburn’s size.

The Titans also have four undrafted defensive tackles on the roster in Philip Blidi, Devonte O’Malley, Isaiah Raikes, and Cam Horsley. Raikes and Horsley are both over 300 pounds and could potentially play the Coburn role. Perhaps the Titans have been impressed with one of them. Veteran defensive tackle Carlos Watkins is also on the 90-man roster and contending for a spot.

After Will Levis was placed on IR, the Titans also added DT Timothy Horne (and RB Jermar Jefferson) to their 90-man roster on Wednesday.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...-sign-de-jihad-ward-release-nt-keondre-coburn

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Cam Ward throws ugly interception in camp, and that’s OK

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

The rookie QB will no doubt use this to get better.

Years ago, when Marcus Mariota was a rookie, he went through the entire Tennessee Titans training camp without throwing an interception. That seemed like a great thing at the time. “Look at how good the rookie is.” Well, it turned out that it probably meant that he wasn’t taking enough chances in practice.

Today, at Titans practice, Cam Ward threw a really ugly interception:

Cody Barton picks off Cam Ward in today’s practice. #Titans pic.twitter.com/CGhol4TUZe

— Between Two Tones (@BetweenTwoTones) July 24, 2025​

Now, don’t get me wrong, if he throws this same pick in week 1, it will be a problem, but for now, it is all part of being a rookie quarterback in his first training camp. Based on what we have seen and heard from Ward so far, he will use this play to make himself a better quarterback going forward.

I really can’t stand JJ Watt, but he had a really insightful post on Twitter earlier today:

Training Camp “stats” are insane and ridiculous.

Used to think it was always just people joking, but now seeing them seriously reported.

You have no idea what the purpose of that period is, what the goals are, what the context is, etc.

It could be a strictly 3rd & Long…

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 24, 2025​

Just keep all of that in mind when you see people from camp posting Ward’s numbers for the day. The numbers can give you a general idea of how his camp is going, but they shouldn’t be used to judge how Ward will perform when the games really matter.

The thing that matters now is for Brian Callahan to coach up Ward when he makes a mistake and for Ward to take that coaching and be better tomorrow.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...throws-ugly-interception-in-camp-and-thats-ok

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans sign WR Matt Landers, Waive Colton Dowell

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

The roster churn continues in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Titans made a roster move this morning, signing wide receiver Matt Landers and releasing wide receiver Colton Dowell. Landers went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks. He has bounced around in the last two years, also spending time with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and New England Patriots, as well as some time in the XFL. It hasn’t worked out for Landers so far, but he’s got the physical tools to play in the league:

New #Titans WR Matt Landers was a physical specimen during the 2023 NFL Draft process.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Landers ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.37 seconds. Landers also jumped a 37" vertical + 10-foot-10 broad.

Has been all over in 2 seasons, including the UFL. https://t.co/hv00OyHglg

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) July 25, 2025​

Maybe the Titans can unlock something here.

To make room on the roster for Landers, the Titans cut Colton Dowell. The seventh round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft spent most of his time with the team rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered in week 17 of his rookie season.

On word of caution from a veteran Titans fan, don’t fall in love with Landers. He just seems like a guy that is going to do some spectacular things between now and September, but ultimately flames out.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/25/24474324/titans-sign-wr-matt-landers-waive-colton-dowell

 

[Tennessee Titans]

A new look coming for Music City Miracles in August

Our coverage remains the same but with a new look

In just a couple of weeks, Music City Miracles is switching to a new platform as part of SB Nation’s network-wide move to a new publishing platform. This will change the look of the site and also make it faster and more reliable on any device you use. This is an upgrade.

When you land on the site, it will look cleaner – less clunky, with more white space, a better ad experience with faster load times – but will still have all the usual articles, analysis, and news by all the folks you know.

Community discussion and content created by you will be more prominent in the new design. The best comment threads will be easy to find, and staff and commenters alike will be able to start conversations whenever they like with a brand new tool.

We’re planning on an early August reveal, so we wanted to give you a heads up. You’ll hear more from us when it’s almost here. The site will look a little different, feel a little faster, and, most importantly, have a bigger role for you, the community.

So, stick around and check it out!

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...look-coming-for-music-city-miracles-in-august

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Treylon Burks likely breaks collar bone

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

It’s been a tough few years for the former first round pick.

The hits just keep coming for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks. The team has not confirmed his injury yet, but the reports are that he broke his collarbone yesterday in practice at Nissan Stadium. That will likely keep him out for a couple of months. Burks just hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his young NFL career.

It seems like every camp, once there is positive buzz around Burks, he suffers a major injury. This time, it comes not long after Cam Ward talked about how much he liked throwing to Burks at the end last week. Burks was also reportedly in great shape when he reported.

Things were always stacked against Burks here after he was drafted with the pick Jon Robinson traded for AJ Brown. I don’t have to tell you how the careers of those two players have unfolded since that night.

The injury probably doesn’t change much with the Titans' plans at receiver. I can’t imagine they were planning on Burks being a big part of the offense after how his career has gone to this point.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/27/24475331/treylon-burks-likely-breaks-collar-bone-titans

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans officially place Will Levis on injured reserve

Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images

A few roster moves for the Titans following the first day of training camp.

The Tennessee Titans officially placed Will Levis on injured reserve today. That ends his season. It was reported yesterday that Levis will have shoulder surgery. Brian Callahan said today that Levis will start the rehab process in California, and then they will see where it goes from there.

In addition to placing Levis on IR, they also announced that they placed EDGE Lorenzo Carter on the reserve/retired list. Carter informed the team earlier this week that he was going to retire. The Titans need EDGE help. Melo posted some options on that front earlier today.

The Titans also signed running back Jermar Jefferson and defensive lineman Timmy Horne. Jefferson played college football at Oregon State and was a seventh round pick of the Detroit Lions back in 2021. Horne played his college ball at Kansas State and has spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants during his NFL career.

The next time you see these guys' names will most likely be the day they are cut.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...s-officially-place-will-levis-injured-reserve

 

[Tennessee Titans]

Titans won’t be able to trade Will Levis or Treylon Burks this offseason

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans are stuck with Will Levis and Treylon Burks for another season

If the Tennessee Titans had two player-related situations to resolve this offseason, they were Will Levis and Treylon Burks. New general manager Mike Borgonzi inherited Levis from the previous GM (Ran Carthon), and Burks from two GMs (Jon Robinson!) ago. Neither player was projected to make the Titans’ 53-man roster in August.

Both Levis and Burks entered training camp as potential trade bargaining chips. Neither player had a ton of value, but Borgonzi and Chad Brinker are overseeing a “draft and develop” strategy. The more selections, the merrier, and surely both Levis and Burks would have fetched something (draft picks) on the market.

Unfortunately for the Titans, neither Levis or Burks will be traded this offseason. Right before training camp began, Levis allegedly went against team advice and opted for season-ending shoulder surgery. Levis has already been placed on IR. He’ll return to the Titans next offseason in a contract year.

Meanwhile Burks suffered a serious collarbone injury at Saturday’s “Back Together” practice at Nissan Stadium. Burks will be placed on IR this week. The Titans have reportedly already signed his roster replacement, Ramel Keyton, a former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver.

The timing is awful for Burks. Head coach Brian Callahan had recently praised his work ethic and approach, essentially admitting he was still tempted to see if Burks could reach his first-round potential. The former Arkansas Razorbacks standout was competing for a roster spot with back-end receivers like Bryce Oliver and Xavier Restrepo.

Burks’ injury isn’t season-ending, but it’s likely a multi-month setback. After the Titans place him on IR, they’ll have to utilize one of their “designated to return” spots on the fourth-year wideout if they want to use him at all this campaign. Even if Burks returns to health by the NFL trade deadline, it’s difficult to envision a team offering anything of note for him.

Unlike Levis, Burks is in a contract year. The Titans rightfully declined his fifth-year option earlier this offseason. When Burks departs the Titans in free agency next offseason, perhaps the Titans will gain a compensatory pick, which would make up for losing the opportunity to trade for the disappointing receiver.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...de-will-levis-or-treylon-burks-this-offseason