Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill spoke to the media via conference call for the first time since it was announced he was signing a four-year, $118 million extension on Sunday.
All of the talk about the Titans potentially signing Tom Brady finally ended when Tannehill agreed to the deal, and of course not even Tannehill himself could escape it.
Regardless, Tannehill didn’t buy into it.
Tannehill on hearing the Brady rumors: "I tried not to buy into that or read or keep up. I did see and hear that, but at the same time, I just tried to take a step back and trust in God"#TitanUp
— Nashville's #1 Sports Station (@1045TheZone) March 17, 2020
Tannehill described the contract negotiation with the Titans as “hard” but knew he couldn’t get emotional about it.
#Titans' Tannehill: Early on, (negotiations) were hard. Can't get emotional. Both sides trying to do the best they can. Was a slow process.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 17, 2020
The Titans quarterback admitted that he didn’t want to test the market and his goal was to stay in Tennessee.
Ryan Tannehill on re-sigining with #Titans before hitting free agency: "Didn't really feel like I needed to test the market. At this point in my career, I want to win, and I believe in this team."
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) March 17, 2020
Ryan Tannehill on a conference call with #Titans reporters this afternoon: "We started something special last year. I wanted to be back. We have unfinished business."
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) March 17, 2020
With the coronavirus being the biggest story in the world right now, Tannehill was of course asked for his thoughts on that.
He says he’d like to get together with his teammates this offseason, but that might not be possible.
#Titans' Tannehill: This is crazy, uncharted territory (re coronavirus) … As far as social gatherings, cutting back and seeing how things go the next few months.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 17, 2020
.@ryantannehill1 said he'd like to get together with teammates during the offseason. But with coronavirus, a lot of uncertainty. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 17, 2020
Tannehill also praised offensive coordinator Arthur Smith after having his best season as a pro in 2019.
#Titans' Tannehill: Lot of confidence in Arthur Smith, his innovation, his drive. Loved working with him and how he finds different ways to get guys involved.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) March 17, 2020
The former No. 8 overall pick managed to give a shout out to his former offensive lineman, Jack Conklin, who is going to the Cleveland Browns.
.@ryantannehill1 gives @Jack_Conklin78 a shout-out on conference call. Wishes him well (as he heads to Browns). @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 17, 2020
On the flip side, Tannehill is happy to see that Dennis Kelly, who figures to be Conklin’s replacement at right tackle in 2020, got a new deal.
.@ryantannehill1 on @DennisKelly67 getting a new deal: I'm happy for him. I have a lot of confidence in him on the right side. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 17, 2020
Tannehill wants his running back, Derrick Henry, to get a long-term contract despite being franchise tagged and notes that there’s still time to get it done.
Ryan Tannehill on Derrick Henry being tagged: "There's still time. Hope they can get something long-term worked out." Says he's been in touch with Henry throughout the offseason. #Titans
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) March 17, 2020
Tannehill has been in contract with Marcus Mariota, who agreed to terms on a deal with the Raiders.
.@ryantannehill1 said he's been talking with Marcus Mariota, who has reportedly reached a deal with the Raiders. Said he's happy for him and wishes him well. Said he loves him as a person. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 17, 2020