While Aaron Rodgers might be purchasing a home in Nashville, it reportedly won’t stop the Tennessee Titans from committing to quarterback Ryan Tannehill for the 2022 NFL season.
When reports surfaced that Rodgers purchased land in Tennessee and was open to joining the Titans, it set the NFL rumor mill ablaze. With the franchise coming off a rough playoff loss, largely due to Tannehill’s poor play, many wondered if the reigning NFL MVP could ask for a trade to team up with Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown.
Purely from an on-field perspective, it made sense. Rodgers could thrive in an offense with Brown and Julio Jones on the outside, providing him with two Pro Bowl receivers to make plays. Opposing defenses also couldn’t play with two safeties deep against him in a Titans’ uniform, fearing he’d just feed the football to Henry. But none of it’s likely to happen.
According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, a Titans’ source confirmed the organization doesn’t view acquiring Rodgers as a realistic option for them. Furthermore, the franchise is planning to move forward with Tannehill as its starting quarterback next season.
The report from inside the Titans’ organization also backs up what general manager Jon Robinson said about Tannehill at the Senior Bowl on Wednesday.
“Ryan’s our quarterback. He’s made a lot of plays for us. He’s a great leader. He’s extremely tough. Love what Ryan brings to our football team, love what he stands for. We’re looking forward to him getting back in there, and getting back on track, and keeping this thing rolling.”
Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson on QB Ryan Tannehill, via ESPN
Moving on from Tannehill never made sense for financial reasons. He carries a $38.6 million cap hit for the upcoming season and it’s unlikely there’s another NFL team willing to take that while giving up draft picks.
- Ryan Tannehill stats (2021): 67.2% completion rate, 3,734 passing yards, 21-4 TD-INT ratio, 89.6 QB rating
However, frustration from the fans is understandable. After combining for 55 touchdown passes with a 110.6. QB rating from 2019-’20, Tannehill seemingly regressed this past season. He struggled under pressure and the team posted a 5-5 record in games where he threw an interception.
While changes might happen this offseason following a first-round playoff exit for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, the Tennessee Titans quarterback will remain the same. In a conference that features Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, that puts this team at a significant disadvantage.