Most would agree the Tennessee Titans have fielded a roster capable of reaching the postseason for a number of years now. Despite Ryan Tannehill‘s presence, this also feels like a roster that doesn’t have a quarterback capable of taking the Titans to the promised land.
Malik Willis was brought in last year as the 86th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Only, this selection was made by now-former GM Jon Robinson, not the first-year decision maker recently put in charge of building the roster, that being Ran Carthon. In turn, the future Titans starter may not even be on the roster yet.
But before the Titans can think about their eventual QB1, they have to figure out what to do with the one they already have, in soon-to-be 35-year-old QB Ryan Tannehill. Being that Tannehill is already in the final year of his contract, the Titans may feel the urgency to find a long-term solution in this year’s draft class.
The Titans certainly have options, but releasing Tannehill won’t do much good, as it would incur $18 million in dead salary cap charges in 2023 while offering $17.8 million in savings. Naturally, a trade would be much more preferred, at least for Tennessee.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple NFL teams are operating under the assumption that Tannehill could be available via trade. Here’s Fowler’s full quote, as he stated on SportsCenter.
“Teams I talk to do believe that Tannehill could be, or is, available via trade. He’s got a $36 million cap hit. New GM Ran Carthon is resetting this roster in a big way, they’re making some moves. And so, right now they would need a replacement though, they would need somebody in place. So, do they draft one? I’ve talked to some teams who believe that the Titans are looking at moving up or even moving back from No. 11 because they have a lot of needs to fill. So, it’s not all about the quarterback position. So, at least Ryan Tannehill is comfort food, he is available, and they know what to expect.”
Jeremy Fowler on Ryan Tannehill being on trade block
Related: 3 potential Ryan Tannehill trade landing spots
Based on Fowler’s information, it seems clear the Titans would be open to moving on from their starting QB, but at what cost? Cutting or trading their Pro Bowl QB won’t do much good if a ready-made replacement isn’t already on the roster. In other words, don’t be surprised if the Titans become active in other trade discussions on draft day.
Related: Tennessee Titans seven-round mock draft
Possible Ryan Tannehill trade destinations
If the Titans do emerge from the first round of the draft with one of the top five QB prospects, a Tannehill trade could very well be the next domino to fall. While contending teams may no longer be viewed as a top competitor for Tannehill, there are several organizations that would benefit from adding the former first-round pick.
Here are just a few Ryan Tannehill trade ideas that could make sense this offseason.
- Green Bay Packers: We know Jordan Love will get every possibility to fail in 2023. Adding Tannehill wouldn’t be to bring in a potential replacement. He’d simply become a high-level backup option, capable of helping coach Love on the sidelines in between drives. From Tannehill’s perspective, this obviously wouldn’t be ideal, but the Packers’ QB room would have a high floor for at least one year.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Obviously, Tannehill would be the clipboard holder for Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. Yet, we’ve seen Burrow get hurt before, and behind a shaky offensive line that has yet to find it’s footing, having a capable stopgap option like Tannehill could prevent a bad stretch should Burrow experience any durability issues in 2023. For Tannehill, any chance to get extended time with the Bengals’ star-studded cast of targets could help boost his stock ahead of the 2024 offseason, but being that he’ll be 36, a starting gig may no longer be an option.
- New England Patriots: Finally, a place where a team doesn’t have a consistent, proven starter. Sure, Mac Jones will also get every chance to fail, but he’s seemingly starting the year on a short leash. Bailey Zappe is already waiting in the wings, but there’s no guarantee the Patriots see him as a long-term starter, either. Tannehill could quickly take the offense over and show these young QBs how it’s done, at least for one season.
Ultimately, there isn’t really a defined starting QB job available at this point in the offseason. Many teams already have their top QB or backup already established. The ones who don’t appear set to add through the draft. Meaning if the Titans are serious about moving on from Tannehill, a backup role may be his best option.