The Tennessee Titans were bad to average over the course of the last decade before making a deep playoff run in 2019, but they did produce some talent worth noting.
ESPN listed the best players from each AFC South team from the last decade and Turron Davenport chose tight end Delanie Walker for the Titans’ top spot.
“Walker was one of the best free-agent signings in Titans history. He was the epitome of consistency for Tennessee, with an ability to generate yards after the catch and consistently make plays in traffic. He was the team’s primary pass-catcher in the first five years of his Titans career. Before suffering a horrific ankle injury in the 2018 season opener, Walker averaged 71.2 receptions, 831.2 yards and 5.2 touchdowns from 2013-17. Walker’s 94 receptions for 1,088 yards in 2015 was the franchise’s most productive season for a tight end. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his five full seasons with the Titans.”
Getting the nod as Tennessee’s honorable mention was defensive lineman Jurrell Casey.
“Casey was a mainstay on the Titans’ defensive line and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2013 after posting 10.5 sacks. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past five seasons in Tennessee. Casey’s versatility allowed him to make an impact on games while playing up and down the defensive line.”
You can’t argue with either one of those choices, as both Walker and Casey were not only the faces of the franchise, they also helped change the culture of the team with their elite play and leadership.
Unfortunately, neither one of them are with the team any longer.
After missing all but one game in 2018 and suffering a setback with his ankle issue in 2019, Walker was cut by the Titans during the offseason.
As for Casey, he was surprisingly traded to the Denver Broncos for a seventh-round pick and will now be lining up on the opposite side of the Titans when the two teams meet in Week 1.
Despite both departing Nashville in 2020, Casey and Walker are going to hold a special place in the hearts of Titans fans forever because of their significant contributions and there’s no doubt both deserve a spot in the team’s “Ring of Honor” down the road.
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