The Tennessee Titans have become the latest NFL team to heavily scout the 2023 quarterback prospects with an eye on finding a new face of the franchise. As the new-look front office explore its options, trading quarterback Ryan Tannehill seems to be on the table.
Tennessee is doing its due diligence during the pre-draft process. The Titans have been connected to the top quarterback prospects, including Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. However, currently holding the 11th pick, general manager Ran Carthon would likely need to trade up to land one of the top signal-callers.
- Ryan Tannehill contract: $36.6 million cap hit (2023), 2024 free agent
Related: Tennessee Titans may trade up in 2023 NFL Draft
Amid swirling NFL Draft rumors regarding Tennessee moving up into the top-five picks, possibly even making a deal with the Arizona Cardinals for the third pick, it appears the front office is also exploring another possibility.
On the You Pod to Win the Game podcast, Yahoo Sports’ NFL reporter Charles Robinson said that the Titans have evaluated the market for potential trade options for Tannehill this offseason.
“Not only are the Tennessee Titans grinding pretty hard on this quarterback class. I think they’re also starting to look, from people I’ve talked to, they’re starting to look and see if there might not be another place where Ryan Tannehill could fit on another NFL team.” I’m not saying they’re shopping Tannehill here…but I do think they are starting to look”
Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson on Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Robinson notes carefully that this doesn’t mean Tannehill is being shopped around the league. Tennessee likes having him for stability at quarterback right now and the veteran starter has played well for the team over the years.
- Ryan Tannehill stats (2022): 94.6 QB rating, 13-6 TD-INT, 65.2% completion rate, 7.8 ypa
If the Titans aren’t able to trade up for a quarterback, it makes sense to keep Tannehill. He is trusted by the coaching staff far more than Malik Willis and an accurate quarterback will help Treylon Burks’ development in 2023.
However, the conversation could change dramatically if Tennessee moves up the draft board. Bringing in one of the top quarterback prospects would mean having a viable Week 1 starter, opening the door for Tannehill to be traded.
Evaluating best trade destinations for Ryan Tannehill
The 2023 NFL quarterback carousel has effectively come to. a stop this offseason, with the only remaining dominoes being Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. Rodgers will be traded to the New York Jets and there is reportedly no interest in Jackson. As a result, the field of potential suitors for Tannehill is narrowed considerably. However, there could still be a few fits around the league.
Let’s take a look at three NFL teams who might be interested or offer the best fit for Tannehill.
- New England Patriots: Bill Belichick evidently isn’t sold on Mac Jones and backup Bailey Zappe isn’t viewed as a long-term starter. If that’s how the New England Patriots view their quarterback situation, Belichick needs a reliable starter with ownership putting him under pressure. Tannehill would provide stability for the Patriots’ offense and could be a suitable fit for what Belichick and Bill O’Brien want to do in 2023.
- Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens pursued Baker Mayfield and explored other free-agent quarterbacks in free agency. It’s become increasingly evident that Baltimore might be starting someone new under center in 2023. If Jackson refuses to play, head coach John Harbaugh needs someone dependable to help keep him off the hot seat. Tannehill might not be good enough for the Ravens to win the division, but they would be a competitive team.
- Houston Texans: The Houston Texans will almost certainly draft a quarterback with the second pick, but they don’t have to rush them into action. DeMeco Ryans could view Tannehill as the perfect bridge quarterback, keeping an offense afloat on a team that lacks difference-makers at wide receiver. Plus, Houston could acquire Tannehill with the idea of trading him during the season if an injury strikes another team.