Derrick Henry trade rumor draws fiery reactions from Titans fans

The best safe-for-work reactions to the rumor that the Titans are shopping Derrick Henry.

The thought that the Tennessee Titans could trade running back Derrick Henry this offseason has been in the back of our minds, but until Monday there was no smoke to that speculated fire.

Now, we have some, with Michael Silver of Bally Sports reporting that Henry was being shopped by the Titans during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.

According to my sources — all of them current general managers — Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins are among the players who’ve been shopped in recent days.

While it would be a tough pill to swallow seeing the Titans trade the face of their franchise and one of the best players in its history, the move would be understandable IF the plan is for Tennessee to completely rebuild.

While some fans were understanding of the team exploring trading Henry given the possible circumstances, others certainly were not. Here’s a look at some of the most fiery, safe-for-work responses we could find.

Why Saints signing Derek Carr is good news for Titans

A look at why the Saints signing Derek Carr is good news for the Titans.

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly signed quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year deal, which is good news for the Tennessee Titans.

The financials of the deal are not yet known, but that’s irrelevant as far as the Titans are concerned. What is relevant is Carr not going to the New York Jets, the other team that was in on him.

If the Jets strike out on their reported No. 1 option at the position, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New York will find itself with dwindling options to address their problematic quarterback spot.

One potential option beyond those two is Titans signal-caller Ryan Tannehill, who the team may part ways. When asked about the veteran recently, Titans general manager Ran Carthon sent mixed signals.

“Ryan is under contract,” Carthon said. “I know everybody wants to make a big deal out of the quarterback position and whether he will or won’t be here, but you guys just have to accept the fact that Ryan is under contract for us and right now, he’s a Titan and he will be a Titan.”

Some took that as an endorsement, with the words “he’s a Titan and he will be a Titan” sticking out the most. But it’s important to point out the use of “right now” and “under contract”, as those words leave the door open for things to change.

Earlier in the offseason, SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that the Jets are “higher on [Tannehill] than some want to believe,” and suggested nobody “sleep on Tannehill” landing in the Big Apple.

Tannehill has some connections in New York, also, with the Jets hiring Todd Downing as their passing-game coordinator and Keith Carter as their offensive line coach.

Hughes did note that Tannehill was fourth in the pecking order of interest for the Jets, with Rodgers, Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo being ahead of him.

One would assume Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is right at the top of that group, also, if available.

But the bottom line is this: the Jets are one step closer to striking out on all of the best available quarterbacks, which could make them desperate to trade for Tannehill and increase Tennessee’s haul in a potential deal.

That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on the aforementioned players, as where they land could impact Tannehill and the Titans.

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Bud Dupree found out he was being released by Titans from Twitter

In a now-deleted tweet, Bud Dupree said he found out he was being released by the Titans from Twitter.

On Monday morning, news broke that the Tennessee Titans were expected to release outside linebacker Bud Dupree, a move that was considered highly likely going into the offseason.

Like many people, we first saw the news on Twitter, which is typically where news breaks these days — but you wouldn’t expect Dupree to be in that same boat.

However, that was apparently the case. In a now-deleted tweet, Dupree stated he found out he was being released on Twitter.

“Damn, I found out on Twitter,” Dupree wrote.

One would think the Titans would notify the player first, but it looks like things might’ve gotten leaked before they had the chance.

Whatever the case may be, the move to cut Dupree will save the Titans $9.35 million in 2023, while also costing a dead-cap hit of $10.85 million if done before June 1.

If done post-June 1, Tennessee would save $15.75 million and decrease the dead-cap hit to $4.45 million but wouldn’t be able to use that money until June, which is a big deal if the Titans are retooling and not rebuilding.

Dupree was a difference-maker when healthy and on the field, but his injury issues and overall lack of production was just too much to ignore for that price.

Now, the Titans are facing a situation in which outside linebacker has become a much bigger priority with Harold Landry coming off a torn ACL, and with Rashad Weaver not being a sure thing, either.

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Sixers vs. Pacers: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, best bet

Here are some betting numbers and some advice as the Philadelphia 76ers get set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.

The Philadelphia 76ers take on Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers on Monday night to continue a five-game road trip. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck!

We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds, and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM Sportsbook!

The Sixers are coming off an impressive win in Milwaukee on Saturday as they rallied from 18 points down in order to beat the Bucks. Philadelphia was able to stop the red-hot Bucks and halt their winning streak at 16. Now, they will look to avoid an emotional letdown in Indiana on Monday.

The game can be seen locally on NBC Sports Philadelphia (Sixers) and Bally Sports Indiana (Pacers) at 7 p.m. EST from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Report: Titans expected to release OLB Bud Dupree

The Titans are reportedly expected to release OLB Bud Dupree.

The Tennessee Titans are reportedly set to release outside linebacker Bud Dupree, which will free up some much-needed cap space in 2023.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Titans are expected to release the 30-year-old pass-rusher, who was set to account for a massive cap hit of $20.2 million in 2023.

Parting ways with Dupree, who signed a huge five-year, $82.5 million deal in 2021, will save Tennessee $9.35 million against the salary cap, while also incurring a dead-cap hit of $10.85 million if it’s pre-June 1.

However, Tennessee also has the option to cut him with a post-June 1 tag, which would save $15.75 million and decrease the dead-cap hit to $4.45 million.

The down side there is Tennessee wouldn’t be able to use that money until June, which is a big issue if Titans general manager Ran Carthon plans on retooling and not rebuilding.

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It has been quite the roller coaster on the Dupree front in recent days. While the expectation has been Tennessee would part ways with him, ESPN’s Turron Davenport recently stated it was “very possible” he’d stay.

After signing his big deal in 2021, Dupree has proven to be a difference-maker when healthy but has been riddled with injury issues, leading to Dupree missing 12 games (and exiting others early) in two years.

While cutting Dupree is certainly understandable, it does leave the Titans in a tough spot at outside linebacker, as Harold Landry and Rashad Weaver are the only notable players left at the position, and both are question marks.

Landry is coming off a torn ACL and may not be himself in his first year back, and the jury is still out on Weaver as a starter. Those are the reasons why I gave credence to the idea that the Titans might keep Dupree.

It’s a bit surprising the Titans couldn’t find a trade partner for Dupree before releasing him. After all, the acquiring team would only have to pay the $9.35 million, which isn’t a bad price for the veteran defender.

Whatever the case may be, the Titans addressing the outside linebacker position this offseason has now become a bigger priority.

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Titans offseason preview at DB: A lot to prove in 2023

In our second-to-last offseason preview, we take a look at the Titans’ cornerbacks and safeties.

In our latest offseason preview for the Tennessee Titans, we’re taking a look at the team’s situation at both cornerback and safety with free agency rapidly approaching

The defensive backs group wasn’t immune to the plethora of injuries the Titans suffered in 2022, with starters like Kristian Fulton (six games) and Amani Hooker (eight games) both missing time due to injury.

The Titans didn’t get anything out of Elijah Molden and Caleb Farley as a result of injury, also. Farley in particular wasn’t good in his limited opportunities, either.

Roger McCreary found himself in a significant role in Year 1 after beating out Farley for the starting job, and while he no doubt flashed, the rookie saw his fair share of struggles, also.

The rock, of course, was safety Kevin Byard, who played at a high level despite players dropping like flies around him.

The result of all that was the Titans finishing with the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2022. The good news is, there is nowhere to go but up for Tennessee’s group of defensive backs.

Now, a look at who’s under contract, who’s a pending free agent, and what the Titans might do at both positions this offseason.

Report: Titans shopped Derrick Henry for trade during NFL Combine

It looks like Titans RB Derrick Henry might be on the trade market after all.

There has been plenty of speculation this offseason about whether or not the Tennessee Titans could trade running back Derrick Henry, with some considering the idea and others scoffing at it.

Well, we might have our first bit of smoke to the potential fire that would be trading Henry.

According to Michael Silver of Bally Sports, who got his information from current general managers around the league, the Titans were shopping Henry for a trade during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

According to my sources — all of them current general managers — Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins are among the players who’ve been shopped in recent days.

The Titans trading Henry could never be ruled out given the recent change  at general manager and potential for a rebuild.

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Henry is in the final year of his deal and will account for a cap hit of $16.36 million. The thought has been that perhaps Tennessee would restructure or extend him to lower that.

If traded, the Titans would incur a dead-cap hit of $10.1 million in 2023, while saving about $6.2 million.

Dealing one of the best players in franchise history would be a very tough pill to swallow, but with Henry approaching the age of 30 in January and the Titans possibly looking to blow it up, the move would be understandable.

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Report: Titans calling teams about trading up to draft QB

The Titans are reportedly calling teams about trading up in the 2023 NFL draft.

One of the many question marks the Tennessee Titans have this offseason is at the quarterback position, where the team needs to decide whether or not to stick with Ryan Tannehill for another year or more.

One thing that would move Tennessee off Tannehill in 2023 is if the team is aggressive and trades up for a quarterback in the NFL draft, something that figures to be difficult with the Titans owning the No. 11 overall pick.

However, that apparently isn’t stopping the Titans and general manager Ran Carthon from at least trying.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers from their “NFL Stock Exchange” podcast, the Titans are one of the teams making calls to see if they can move up for a quarterback (17-minute mark).

“We’ve heard that Tennessee is also one of these teams that’s been, I don’t want to say aggressive, but making the most out of their phone lines, calling the teams at the top, seeing if they can go up and get a quarterback,” Sikkema said.

As far as who the Titans might prefer between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud should they move up and have their pick of the two, it would apparently be Stroud, per a recent report from ESPN’s Turron Davenport.

However, I just don’t see the Titans having the means to get up to one of the picks to land either signal-caller with their first-round pick being where it is, but crazier things have happened.

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Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence a big fan of Derrick Henry, Titans’ offense

Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence said it would be “great” to play for the Titans and with Derrick Henry.

With the Tennessee Titans in the market for at least one offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL draft, Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence is a name to keep an eye on.

The Titans have at least one need at guard, and quite possibly two if the team doesn’t re-sign right guard Nate Davis, who is set to hit free agency this month.

If he were to join the Titans, Torrence would be thrilled to play in their offense, as he told reporters while down at the NFL combine last week.

“That’ll be great,” he said. “I love running the ball. I love just being physical.”

Torrence also revealed that Titans running back Derrick Henry is one of his favorites in the NFL.

“Him being the running back he is, one of my favorite running backs in the league, so being able to block for him and take him and create holes for him and help him get to his goals of continuing to prove he is one of the best in the league would be great, I’d love to do it,” Torrence said.

The interest is apparently mutual, as the Titans have met with the Florida product at the combine.

The 6-foot-5, 345-pound prospect is arguably the best interior offensive lineman in this year’s class and will be an option for the Titans at No. 11 overall.

As far as fit is concerned, Torrence is a mixed bag.

He has the physical nature in the run game to be a great asset to Tennessee, but I’d be very hesitant to take him at No. 11 due to the concerns about his scheme fit and pass protection, amongst other things.

The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez explains in his prospect profile for the Florida product.

Torrence can improve in multiple areas. Although Torrence’s aggressiveness is appreciated, there are instances when it negatively impacts his game. Torrence will get too aggressive in the run game and it leads to him being off-balance and not placing an effective block. Torrence loses technique and will approach defenders with his head down, which allows for defenders to easily evade him. 

There are also issues with Torrence in pass protection. It appears he lacks the quickness to be a quick reactor to twists and stunts and effectively pick them up. Torrence also fails to consistently move his feet while engaged. When Torrence is engaged, he will plant his feet in the ground and look to defeat defenders by using his upper-body strength and throwing them to the ground—this could lead to holding penalties. When defenders attack Torrence’s edges, his lack of lateral agility shows and could lead to him giving up pressures or committing holding penalties.  

Those same concerns could lead to Torrence slipping, but I don’t expect him to get past the first round. That means if the Titans want him bad enough, he’ll have to fall, and then will require a trade up to select.

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Best golf hats for 2023

Hats that DO NOT come with a free bowl of soup.

Just about everybody wears a hat on the golf course.

Unless you’re Robert Rock, Ingrid Lindblad or Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup, you’re probably going to wear some sort of headwear to keep the sun out of your eyes.

Aside from solar protection, hats can make or break an outfit. Whether you like to keep it nice and simple or you like to throw in a pattern or offbeat color to finish your look, we have you covered.

If you value visors or are a member of the bucket hat brigade…don’t fret, you’ll get your own lists later this spring.

As the warmer weather inches closer, Golfweek is making sure you have everything you need to look and play your best this year. From drivers and wedges to polos and shoes, we’ve put in the leg work to give you more time on the golf course.

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