With rumors that the Tennesee Titans may be trading away running back Derrick Henry, could another star join him on the way out?
The 2023 NFL Draft is a matter of days away, and as was evident last year, there could be players on the move. Last year, wide receivers A.J. Brown and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown were traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, respectively.
Speaking of the Eagles acquisition of Brown last year, they are once again linked to the Tennessee Titans for another star player, that being running back Derrick Henry. NFL Network expert Akbar Gbajabiamila sent out a tweet this week indicating that Henry was on the move to Philadelphia. Now fans are waiting to see if this is a trade that actually comes to fruition.
With Henry possibly being on the move, could another star Titans player join him on the trade block?
During an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” senior writer Jeremy Fowler shared some intel he received from other teams — they believe the Titans will trade quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
NFL rumors: Titans interested in trading QB Ryan Tannehill?
“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,” said Fowler, h/t Bleacher Report. “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.”
Back in late February, new Titans general manager Ran Carthon told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine they have to accept the fact that Tannehill “is under contract, and right now, he’s a Titan and will be a Titan.”
But throughout the pre-draft process, the Titans have been linked to selecting a quarterback this year, potentially in the first round. In fact, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah revealed on his “Move the Sticks Podcast” that he was told that the Titans were a team to keep an eye on to move up to the No. 3 overall pick, currently held by the Arizona Cardinals.
To add to the intrigue, the Titans have held Top 30 visits with three of the Top 5 quarterback prospects in this year’s class — Florida’s Anthony Richardson, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.
Tannehill is set to enter the final year of his contract with the Titans. Last year, he was limited to 12 games due to a right ankle injury. In those games played, Tannehill threw for 2,536 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.2-percent of his passes.
The 2023 NFL Draft begins on Apr. 27 and continues through Apr. 29. From there, maybe we get answers as to what the Titans are going to do at quarterback. Whether that’s run it back with Tannehill for one more year, or draft his replacement and try to deal him.