Category: Latest Titans News

NFL analyst urges Titans to trade WR Treylon Burks for peanuts

One NFL analyst suggested the Titans trade wide receiver Treylon Burks to the Commanders for next to nothing in hypothetical trade.

Training camp has started, and every team in the NFL is beginning the process of whittling down the roster to 53 players. It’s no easy feat for any team. There are always the ones everyone knows aren’t going anywhere, but there are also last-minute roster changes before the season starts.

One NFL analyst has suggested one hypothetical trade for each NFL team that would be worth exploring. For the Tennessee Titans, the suggestion is to trade wide receiver Treylon Burks to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Basically, the Titans get next to nothing for a former first-round draft pick.

The logic behind the suggestion is that the Titans brought in Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency, which leaves Burks without much of a shot on the field.

Both additions don’t look good for Treylon Burks’ continued opportunities within the offense. Burks has been one of the most disappointing first-round picks from the 2022 draft class. He had 33 receptions and 444 yards with a score in his rookie season but only had 221 yards in 11 games as a sophomore.

Titans general manager Ran Carthon has praised Burks for his work this offseason, noting that the 24-year-old has “bought in and grown up”.

Yet, there’s just not much growth potential for Burks’ role given who they have on the roster. It would make some sense to simply move on from Burks when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a more consistent fourth receiver.

The author also notes that the Commanders don’t have much in the way of receivers once you get past Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, which is why they’d be willing to give Burks a shot.

All of that may be plausible, but it’s pretty unlikely. Burks may not have lived up to his first-round expectations, but he is most definitely in the fourth spot, and the Titans are unlikely to get rid of him at such a low price. They didn’t bring in veteran receivers to give up on their youth; they brought in veteran receivers to mentor their youth.

Obviously, nothing is off the table until the deadline hits, but this one probably isn’t happening.

Former Oilers nose tackle Doug Smith dead at 64

Doug Smith, former Houston Oilers defensive tackle, has died of a heart attack at the age of 64.

The Tennessee Titans are mourning the loss of former Houston Oilers defensive tackle Doug Smith, as first reported by former sports director at KRIV Mark Berman. Smith was just 64.

“It was unexpected,” Smith’s wife, Becky, told Berman. “Two months ago, he got a clean bill of health for his heart. He went to his cardiologist and [the tests] came back his heart was good, but you know, we know even healthy people can have a heart attack.”

Smith started his professional career with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. The Houston Oilers selected him in the second round of the 1984 draft, but the two sides could not reach a contract agreement. When the USFL folded before the 1985 season, Smith ended up with the Oilers after all.

As a rookie in the USFL, Smith appeared in 17 games and recorded five sacks and one fumble recovery.

As an Oiler, Smith played in 101 games in eight seasons. He started 77 of those games, recording 14 sacks, one interception and five fumble recoveries.

The Titans family sends their condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time.

Which under-the-radar player could shape the Titans’ 2024 season?

Which Tennessee player could help shape the 2024 season?

How good can the Tennessee Titans be in Brian Callahan’s first season as head coach?

The Titans had a busy offseason that began with a new coaching staff. They were busy in free agency, signing receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and center Lloyd Cushenberry. In addition to signing Cushenberry, the Titans spent a top-10 pick on an offensive lineman (JC Latham) for the second consecutive year.

Tennessee’s moves appear to indicate that it is going all-in on second-year quarterback Will Levis.

While the Titans’ success or failure depends heavily on Levis, another player could significantly impact the season.

CBS Sports recently named 50 under-the-radar NFL players who could shape the 2024 season, and Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere cracked the list.

23. Nicholas Petit-Frere (RT), Titans: Last year, the Titans signed Andre Dillard to a three-year deal, but he allowed 13 sacks — most in the NFL — and Tennessee ate nearly $8 million in dead cap to move on from him. In comes Petit-Frere, who struggled as a rookie and hardly played last year. The Titans have improved nearly all parts of Will Levis’ supporting cast: Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd at receiver, Tony Pollard at running back, first-round pick JC Latham at left tackle and Lloyd Cushenberry III at center. Petit-Frere needs to hold down the right side to help Levis’ development under new coach Brian Callahan.

Bill Callahan, Brian’s father, is arguably the NFL’s best offensive line coach. Petit-Frere, a 2022 third-round pick from Ohio State, has a chance to lock down the right tackle position for the foreseeable future. In his first two seasons, Petit-Frere has played in 19 games with 18 starts.

Unfortunately, he began this training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. The good news is he shouldn’t be out too long.

Does Titans QB Will Levis compare to Bills’ star Josh Allen?

Does Will Levis have Josh Allen’s upside?

When Will Levis entered the 2023 NFL draft out of Kentucky, everyone knew about his ridiculous arm strength. Levis also had size (6-foot-4, 229) and athleticism on his side.

The knocks on Levis were his accuracy, footwork and turnovers, among other things. That’s likely what kept Levis from going in the first round, with the Tennessee Titans happily selecting him with the first pick of the second round.

If you look at Levis’s strengths and weaknesses, they resemble those of one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks when he came out of college: Buffalo star Josh Allen.

Allen entered the 2018 NFL draft out of Wyoming; he was a career 56% passer with a 2-1 TD/INT ratio. But Allen went inside the top 10 of the draft and has since erased many of those concerns, as he’s now one of the NFL’s best players.

Could Levis be on a similar trajectory?

One longtime NFL writer thinks so. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports visited Titans’ training camp this week and wrote the following on Levis:

That quarterback is Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Like Allen, Levis didn’t have big-time completion numbers and accuracy was something many scouts said would hold him back. Like Allen, I thought he would get past it.

Prisco wasn’t done.

I see a similar trajectory for Levis as Allen. Yes, that’s high praise, but I believe that’s where he is headed.

That’s indeed some lofty expectations. The Titans went all-in on Levis this offseason. They hired Brian Callahan as head coach because of his reputation with quarterbacks. Tennessee beefed up the offensive line, using a top-10 selection on an offensive lineman for the second consecutive season and signing one of the NFL’s best centers. The Titans also added weapons for Levis: Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.

The Titans should be much better offensively in 2024 with a completely different identity. Gone are head coach Mike Vrabel and his conservative philosophy. Also gone are franchise legend Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill.

It’s a new day for Tennessee and Levis is the franchise’s new face.

 

Former Titans QB Ryan Tannehill still wants to play, but is enjoying his time away

Ryan Tannehill is ready to play, but enjoying his time away.

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill still wants to play. After 12 NFL seasons, including the previous five with the Titans, Tannehill is a free agent as training camps across the NFL opened over the past two weeks.

It’s an unusual position for Tannehill, the Dolphins’ first-round pick in 2012. He has played in 155 career games, with 151 starts. Tannehill was Tennessee’s primary quarterback for the past five seasons until last season when he gave way to then-rookie Will Levis.

With a lack of quality quarterbacks across the NFL, Tannehill could still start for some teams. If nothing else, he’d be an elite backup. As for Tannehill, he still wants to play but is also enjoying some time away from the game for family reasons.

“I’m staying in shape and staying ready if the right thing pops up and comes available,” Tannehill told “Scoop City” podcast via John Glennon of Nashville Post. “But also, at the same time, really enjoying where I’m at and the time with the family.”

Tannehill can afford to wait. Teams will call. In fact, teams have likely already tried to sign Tannehill, but it’s been in his best interest to wait. At this time of year, starting-caliber quarterbacks who have consistently won in the NFL are rarely available — especially those who can still play.

“Honestly, it feels good … it’s pretty good,” Tannehill said of where he is currently. “It’s a weird feeling, right? Just because I’ve done it for so long and loved every step of the way. But my son’s birthday is tomorrow. I’m going to get to celebrate my son’s birthday fully and not be in training camp, so I’m really excited for that. Just spending a lot of quality family time together.

Tannehill deserved a break after a difficult 2023 season with the Titans.

NFL teams often wait until after Week 1 to sign veteran players, so their contract aren’t guaranteed for the upcoming season. That could be what teams are waiting for with Tannehill, or he could be waiting for an injury, leading to a desperate to sign him for some guaranteed cash.

Titans excited about the progress of QB Will Levis

Titans are thrilled with Will Levis’ progress thus far.

Three days into training camp, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is doing precisely what new coach Brian Callahan wants to see from him. Levis has shown excellent command of the offense and is spreading the ball around.

Levis, known for his elite arm talent, has worked on the short and intermediate game early in training camp. He has developed a rapport with tight ends Josh Whyle and Chig Okonkwo.

Anytime a quarterback is learning a new offense, particularly a young quarterback, the little things matter the most. Callahan praised Levis’s work this week.

“Very pleased,” said of Levis on Thursday, via Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. “I think Will’s doing a great job playing on time. Obviously, we’re focused on a little bit more of the timing elements, the shorter passing game. But man, he’s been really impressive. I think his hard work this offseason and over the summer has really paid off.

Most importantly, Levis is practicing with confidence. 

“He’s incredibly confident right now, and he’s earned that confidence. Every day that he comes out and plays well, he earns more confidence. I think that that’s the fun part about where he’s at. He’s dialed in. He has studied.”

The Titans spent the offseason making moves to support Levis in every way possible. Callahan’s addition as head coach and the staff he hired were with Levis in mind. Also, the signings of center Lloyd Cushenberry, running back Tony Pollard, and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency and the selection of offensive tackle JC Latham in the first round of the NFL draft were to support their young quarterback.

It’s early, but the arrow is pointing up for Levis.

Titans’ offseason prize at cornerback out with calf injury

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan indicated that corner back Chidobe Awuzie is likely to “miss some time”

The Tennessee Titans could potentially be without one of their offseason signings for the first preseason game. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is out with a calf injury suffered during the last team period on Day 1 of training camp, according to head coach Brian Callahan.

How much time will he miss?

“A couple of weeks, probably,” Callahan said via AtoZ Sports Nashville.

The 29-year-old inked a three-year contract in free agency after spending the last three years with the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2023, Awuzie played in 15 games, including ten starts, and made 57 tackles, including two for loss, with six pass deflections and one forced fumble.

The former second-round pick in 2017 will look to bounce back after allowing a career-high 63.2 percent completion rate on balls thrown in his direction. Additionally, Awuzie was responsible for four touchdowns allowed and a 113.5 quarterback rating.

He was one of two high-profile cornerbacks added to the roster this offseason (L’Jarius Sneed) in an effort to shore up the position after mixed results over the last couple of years.

If Awuzie cannot go for the Titans’ first preseason game against Arizona on August 10, that will leave the all-important door open for Caleb Farley, who has been limited to just 12 games in his first two seasons, and others to show what they can do.

Kenneth Murray Jr. already providing leadership to Titans

Kenneth Murray Jr. and the Tennessee Titans had a unique way of welcoming linebacker Shane Ray to the team.

Kenneth Murray Jr. has yet to log one snap with the Tennessee Titans, but that has not prevented the 25-year-old from bringing a leadership quality to the team.

Murray and his Titans teammates welcomed linebacker Shane Ray, who signed on Thursday morning, to the team in a unique way on Day 2 of training camp.

“We kind of have this little thing where we do 20 up-downs every time we get somebody on defense,” Murray said, via Paul Kuharsky. “Yesterday, you guys saw us do the 20 up-downs. It’s a little tradition when we get somebody new.”

Murray and the Titans’ defense encircled Ray while he was doing the up-downs. Once completed, he was officially part of the team.

“It’s like a ‘Welcome to the Brotherhood,'” Murray said. “We all did our 20 (up-downs), so he’s doing his 20. Now that he did his 20, welcome to the brotherhood.”

Murray is expected to be a big part of the Titans’ defense in 2024 after signing a two-year, $18 million contract in free agency. The former Oklahoma standout spent the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected 23rd overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

The Houston native played in 15 games last season and recorded 107 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass deflections, one interception, and four quarterback hits.

We’ll see if Ray ends up making the roster in a depth role, but it sure is nice to see the Titans having some leadership behind Jeffery Simmons and the defensive line.

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NFL analyst: Titans are the NFL’s top sleeper team

One NFL analyst believes the Tennessee Titans are the biggest sleeper team in the NFL entering the 2024 regular season.

Following a 6-11 campaign in 2023, the Tennessee Titans decided to blow things up and start again.

Mike Vrabel was replaced by Brian Callahan as head coach, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was allowed to walk, and superstar running back Derrick Henry signed with the rival Baltimore Ravens.

As the team rebuilds, expectations are understandably low. Nate Davis of USA TODAY predicts that the Titans will once again finish with a 6-11 record this season but cautions those overlooking them.

“The Titans have too much talent to be anyone’s patsy,” he writes.

Long-time NFL analyst and radio host, Rich Eisen, agrees. On Thursday, he named the Titans the NFL’s top sleeper team entering the 2024 regular season.

“I’m going (with) the Tennessee Titans,” Eisen said. “This guy, Brian Callahan, he’s from the McVay tree, people. And his Dad is there coaching up the offensive line.”

Eisen rattled off more names from the roster, trying to hammer home the point that the Titans are both talented and deep. However, he stopped short of saying they would reach the playoffs but like Davis, noted they won’t be the pushover so many seem to believe they will be.

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Titans waive promising UDFA running back

Titans waive promising young running back.

Prior to Day 2 of training camp on Thursday, the Tennessee Titans waived running back Dillon Johnson, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. The move was made in advance of the team signing center Corey Levin and linebacker Shane Ray.

Johnson, who signed as an undrafted free agent in late April, was considered a dark horse candidate to make the Titans’ Week 1 roster. The 23-year-old had a breakout year at Washington last year after spending his first three collegiate seasons at Mississippi State.

Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards, which was the second-most in the Pac-12, on 233 carries and crossed the goal line 16 times. He also hauled in 24 catches for 190 yards out of the backfield.

With Johnson no longer in the mix, the Titans’ running back room has a bit more clarity. Tennessee will utilize a 1-2 punch of Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. The competition for the third running back spot appears to be down to three candidates: Julius Chestnut, Hassan Haskins, and Jabari Small.

Chestnut has been with the Titans for the last two seasons after initially signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The 23-year-old rushed for 12 yards on nine carries in six games as a rookie. His season was cut short last year in Week 3 with a hamstring injury.

Haskins, drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft, missed all of last season after being placed on injured reserve in late August.

Small joined the team as an undrafted free agent after amassing 2,122 yards and 24 touchdowns in four seasons at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.