Tag: Saahdiq Charles

Titans offensive line starting to take shape

The Titans offensive line make-up for 2024 is starting to come into focus after the second preseason game.

The Tennessee Titans spent the majority of the 2024 offseason reworking their offensive line after a dismal performance in 2023. The Titans attacked free agency with the addition of center Lloyd Cushenberry and then followed that up by drafting Alabama tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. 

Midway through training camp, the new-look offensive line is starting to take shape. The projected left side of the offensive line appears to be set, featuring Latham and 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski flanking Cushenberry in the pivot. The right side has been more of a question mark. 

The team attempted to address right guard with the signing of veteran Saahdiq Charles in free agency. After opening camp as the starting right guard on the Titans’ first unofficial depth chart, the 25-year-old Charles abruptly retired and was subsequently placed on the reserve/retired list. Now, after two preseason games, the right side is starting to come into focus. During his press conference, head coach Brian Callahan offered this update: 

Nicholas Petit-Frere, who opened camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list,  looks to stabilize the right tackle position after suffering through a disappointing 2023 campaign. Next to him, the team has turned to Dillon Radunz, a former second-round pick with guard and tackle experience, to replace Charles. According to Callahan, Radunz and Petit-Frere have started to separate themselves from the competition and, at this point, look to be the starters heading into the preseason finale and potentially into the start of the season.

Titans OL coach Bill Callahan reacts to Saahdiq Charles’ retirement

The Saahdiq Charles storyline continues to get more strange by the day.

The Saahdiq Charles storyline continues to get more strange by the day. It’s been a week since the 25-year-old abruptly decided to walk away from the game of football.

In turn, the Tennessee Titans were left scrambling to find his replacement on an offensive line that already had question marks going into the season.

The Titans, who will hold joint practices with the Seattle Seahawks this week, met with the media on Tuesday morning.

Offensive line coach Bill Callahan was asked whether he or the coaching staff had any idea that Charles was contemplating retirement.

“No, not at all,” Callahan said via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I was really kind of taken aback, personally. I didn’t know what happened or what occurred. I let (general manager) Ran (Carthon) handle that, but it came out of the blue. We were all—the players and coaches—really kind of surprised.”

Callahan also noted that he attempted to reach out to Charles after he announced his retirement but did not hear back.

Charles signed a one-year contract in free agency after spending the first four years of his career with the Washington Commanders.

The former LSU standout logged 35 games, including 18 starts, in the National Football League, so the Titans were counting on his experience to shore up the right side of the offensive line.

Instead, they had three weeks of a preseason schedule to sort through the options.

Fourth-year player Dillon Radunz emerged as the immediate answer, as he had entered the 2024 NFL season focused on the guard position after moving around the offensive line in his first three seasons.

The 26-year-old logged 14 snaps in the Titans’ 17-13 Week 1 preseason win against the San Francisco 49ers before the first-team offense was pulled.

“I thought his pass pro(tection) is improving,” Callahan said of Radunz. “He’s starting to throw hands, he’s latching handles, and he’s anchoring down. Those facets of his play are improving.”

Tennessee also has Daniel Brunskill, who was the starting right guard last season, Lachavious Simmons, and Andrew Rupcich in competition for the job.

Following their joint practices this week, the Titans and Seahawks will clash at Nissan Stadium this Saturday for their second preseason game.

Is Saahdiq Charles the favorite for Titans’ right guard job?

Another reason to believe that Saahdiq Charles is the favorite for the Titans’ right guard job.

The Tennessee Titans have two spots to figure out along the offensive line going into training camp at right guard and right tackle.

Saahdiq Charles, Daniel Brunskill and Dillon Radunz are competing at right guard, while Nicholas Petit-Frere, Leroy Watson, Jaelyn Duncan, John Ojukwu and Geron Christian all figure to be in the running for right tackle.

In a recent mailbag, team writer Jim Wyatt shared his thoughts on who he thinks will win the two jobs. Wyatt believes NPF will grab the right tackle job and Charles will win out at right guard.

As for what I think will happen at right guard and right tackle, I’m going with Saahdiq Charles at guard, and Nicholas Petit-Frere at tackle. But … there’s a lot to be determined, especially because of health. We hardly saw NPF this offseason, but I’m making him the favorite because of his experience and what I think coaches think he’s capable of. But it’s all about competition, and everyone is going to get a fair shake, including Leroy Watson and Jaelyn Duncan at tackle. Now Geron Christian, added this week, is in the mix as well. Charles is a tank, and a tough-minded guy who will have to beat out guys like Dillon Radunz and Brunskill, who I think makes this team as a center-guard option. But Charles is certainly capable of winning the job. I wouldn’t want to describe NPF as the leader in the clubhouse because he hasn’t done much this offseason, but Charles posted a pretty nice round.

Despite the fact that NPF hasn’t practiced at all this offseason as he continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury, he has long been considered the favorite to land the role once it was clear that Tennessee considers Radunz a guard.

On the surface, Charles is a bit of a surprise considering he was viewed as a backup upon being signed. However, if you’ve been following along closely during the offseason program, it isn’t surprising at all.

When he was recently asked if he was getting most of the first-team work at right guard in practice, Charles was coy with his answer but didn’t deny that was the case.

His response and body language really said it all.

Of course, a lot can change between now and the end of training camp, but Wyatt’s answer only solidifies the fact that we should be viewing Charles as the favorite at right guard.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Contract details for Titans OL Saahdiq Charles revealed

A look at the contract OL Saahdiq Charles signed with the Titans.

The Tennessee Titans inked offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles to a one-year deal in free agency, but the full details of the contract were not immediately revealed when it was announced.

Thanks to Over the Cap, we now know Charles’ one-year deal is worth $1.5 million and includes $250,000 guaranteed, which comes from his signing bonus. The contract also has a $75,000 per game roster bonus.

Charles’ 2024 cap hit comes out to $1.5 million, but if he’s cut prior to the season, the LSU product would only cost a dead-cap charge of $250,000 while netting the Titans a savings of $1.25 million.

Here’s the full breakdown, per OTC:

Via Over the Cap

The expectation has been that Charles, who has experience playing at guard and tackle (but mostly guard), would play a reserve role for the Titans, and this contract certainly shows that’s the right expectation.

And, based on the low total of guaranteed money, he’s far from a lock to make the roster, although I do think he’s got a good shot to.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Grade for Titans’ signing of OL Saahdiq Charles

Bryce Lazenby slaps a grade on the Titans’ signing of OL Saahdiq Charles.

Coming into the offseason, everybody knew that the Tennessee Titans needed to make changes on the offensive line.

The team quickly moved to do just that by adding center Lloyd Cushenberry, but the Titans had more than one position to upgrade.

Shortly after free agency opened, the Titans reached an agreement with offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles, who was a fourth-round selection of the Washington Commanders back in the 2020 NFL draft.

The lineman got the most starts of his career in 2023 with 10, playing exclusively at left guard. He’s also received eight career starts at tackle.

For his 2023 performance that saw him give up four sacks and 37 pressures, Charles received a 55.5 PFF grade. The lineman was penalized three times, also.

The Titans likely won’t rely on Charles to start full time, but he’s an athletic, versatile lineman who provides much-needed depth.

As for the financials, the deal is reportedly a one-year pact with a max value of $2.5 million.

This is a low-risk, high-reward move to help shore up the offensive line depth. The Titans need players who can fill in and not be a liability, and Charles is exactly that.

This is the type of signing that won’t make headlines, but could pay dividends as the season wears on.

Grade: B+

Commanders place Cody Barton, Saahdiq Charles on IR

Cody Barton, Saahdiq Charles will miss at least the next four games.

The Washington Commanders will be without two starters for at least the next four weeks.

On Saturday, Washington placed linebacker Cody Barton (ankle) and left guard Saahdiq Charles (calf) on injured reserve. Both players can return this season but will miss a minimum of four games.

The Commanders made some corresponding moves, activating defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis from IR and elevating linebacker Jabril Cox and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields from the practice squads. Additionally, Washington signed fullback/tight end Alex Armah to the active roster.

Barton had played every snap through Washington’s first six games until he was injured in the first quarter of the Week 7 loss to the Giants. The combination of David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson will step in for Barton. Barton had struggled in his first year with Washington but played his best game in the Week 6 win over Atlanta.

Charles is in the final year of his rookie contract and continues to struggle with injuries. Washington is expected to start either rookie Ricky Stromberg or Chris Paul at left guard. If the Commanders bench center Nick Gates for Tyler Larsen, Gates could also be an option at left guard.

Washington hosts the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8.

Commanders vs. Eagles: Final injury report for Week 8

Two starters are out for the Commanders on Sunday.

The final injury report is in for Week 8, and the Washington Commanders will be without two starters vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.

Linebacker Cody Barton and left guard Saahdiq Charles will miss Sunday’s game after suffering injuries in last week’s loss to the Giants. Either rookie Ricky Stromberg or second-year guard Chris Paul will start in Charles’ place. As for Barton, veteran David Mayo replaced him last week, but Khaleke Hudson will also see increased snaps. Hudson is a player who has always delivered when called upon.

Only one player is out for the Eagles: veteran backup cornerback Bradley Roby.

Here’s the full injury report for the Week 8 game.

Washington’s final injury report:

  • G Saahdiq Charles: Out (calf)
  • WR Curtis Samuel: Questionable (foot)
  • LB Cody Barton: Out (ankle)
  • G Sam Cosmi: Will play (hip)
  • TE Cole Turner: Will play (ankle)
  • DT Jonathan Allen: Will play (knee)
  • DT Phidarian Mathis: Questionable (calf)
  • DE Montez Sweat: Will play (finger)
  • CB Benjamin St-Juste: Questionable (ankle)

Philadelphia’s final injury report:

  • CB Bradley Roby: Out (shoulder)
  • DT Milton Williams: Will play (heel)
  • S Reed Blankenship: Will play (ribs)
  • DT Jordan Davis: Questionable (hamstring)
  • LB Zach Cunningham: Will play (ankle)
  • CB James Bradberry: Will play (ankle)

 

Former Washington offensive lineman is a big fan of Saahdiq Charles

Saahdiq Charles received some high praise.

Mark Schlereth played the first six seasons of his NFL career with the then-Washington Redskins. A 10th-round selection in the 1989 NFL draft out of Idaho, Schlereth appeared in 75 games for Washington, making 59 starts. He earned a Super Bowl ring from his time with Washington as a member of “The Hogs.”

Schlereth left Washington for Denver, where he would spend the final six seasons of his NFL career, winning two more Super Bowls. After retirement, Schlereth joined the media world, appearing on ESPN for years before moving to FOX Sports in 2017, where he remains today.

Schlereth will be on the call for Washington’s Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals, something for which he is excited. Schlereth has spoken out in support of Washington’s new ownership group since Josh Harris took over as owner in July.

In studying for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Schlereth did what all good analysts do: He watched the tape. Which Washington player stood out on tape? Fourth-year guard Saahiq Charles.

Of course, Schlereth would choose a guard.

He explained what he saw in Charles, noting Charles was “absolutely freaking killing people.”

Here’s further context, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

Charles was in competition with Chris Paul to start at left guard this offseason. Charles missed some time with injury, but it was clear Washington wanted Charles to win the job. Head coach Ron Rivera has always praised Charles, noting his biggest obstacle has been his health.

If Charles can remain healthy this fall, he could finally solidify what has been a revolving door for the Commanders at left guard.

As for Schlereth, he knows what good guard play is supposed to look like. The Commanders enter Sunday’s game with two former drafted tackles — Charles and Sam Cosmi — now the team’s starting guards.

Logan Thomas, Saahdiq Charles out for Commanders in preseason opener vs. Browns

The Commanders will be without two players in the preseason opener.

The Washington Commanders open the preseason Friday evening against the Browns in Cleveland. Washington has remained primarily healthy throughout training camp but will be without two starters on offense.

Tight end Logan Thomas has missed the past week of practice with a calf injury. Thomas, who tore his ACL in Dec. 2021, played all but three games in 2022. The three games he missed were due to a calf injury. Washington head coach Ron Rivera said the injury isn’t severe, but there is no need to push Thomas right now.

Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is competing to start at left guard. Charles is also battling a calf injury. Second-year OL Chris Paul has stepped in with the first team in Charles’ absence.

Thomas’ absence will give coaches an extended look at a couple of the young tight ends on the roster, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges. Turner is a player everyone is high on, while Hodges has potential, but is battling for a roster spot.

Commanders release guard Andrew Norwell

This has been expected for a while.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8221″]

The Washington Commanders open training camp on Wednesday. Veterans report Tuesday, joining the rookies, who reported to Ashburn late last week. One player who will not be joining the Commanders is veteran guard Andrew Norwell.

Washington released Norwell Monday after one season with the team. Signed last offseason as a replacement for Ereck Flowers, Norwell started 16 games for the Commanders in 2022 at left guard. According to Pro Football Focus, Norwell had a 59.8 overall grade, the lowest of his nine-year NFL career.

Norwell wasn’t Washington’s only offensive lineman not to play well last season. As a group, the Commanders had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. This offseason, Washington signed Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates to play right tackle and center, respectively.

Second-year guard Chris Paul is competing with Saahdiq Charles to replace Norwell at right guard. Former right tackle Sam Cosmi will move inside to right guard.

Norwell, 31, played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers under current Washington head coach Ron Rivera.