Tennessee Titans News - Sportsnaut

Tennessee Titans signing earns worst NFL free agency grade so far

Andrew Buller-Russ — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:21:12 +0000

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Teams spent hundreds of millions filling key needs on the first day of NFL free agency. This is a common trait that plays out each and every year, where some signings pan out and others end up being costly mistakes. The Tennessee Titans hope their biggest gamble turns out to be a risk worth taking.

Yet other teams aren’t impressed with one of the Titans’ decisions early on in free agency.

Paying Dan Moore $21M per season nets Tennessee Titans ‘D’ grade in NFL free agency

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The Tennessee Titans hired a new head coach last offseason, surprisingly firing Mike Vrabel and hiring former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. The first year results were a massive disappointment, with Callahan’s Titans going just 3-14, effectively ‘earning’ the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

With so many needs to fill on both sides of the ball, the Titans had a lot of work to do when the offseason kicked off. Their roster-building process started right away in free agency, where they signed former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr to a four-year contract worth up to $82 million.

It’s a shocking figure for a player who has never been tabbed as an All-Pro selection, let alone a Pro Bowl nod. Not to mention, Moore graded 46th among 141 tackles analyzed by Pro Football Focus last season, which is far from an indication that he’s worth top-15 tackle money.

Meanwhile, some, like The Athletic’s Mike Jones believe the Titans’ Moore signing merits a ‘D’ grade, which is the worst grade handed out to all signings on the first day of free agency.

“The 2021 Pittsburgh fourth-rounder certainly looks the part at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds. However, he has struggled, surrendering the most sacks (34) and pressures (181) in the NFL since 2021. Can he develop into a more reliable protector in Tennessee, where the Titans allowed 52 sacks in 2024, sixth-most in the NFL?”
The Athletic’s Mike Jones on Tennessee Titans’ Dan Moore signing

Surrendering the most pressures and sacks in the NFL since 2021 doesn’t sound like a winning formula. It’s not like the Titans have a veteran quarterback prepared to deal with constant pressure at his blindside either. Yet, perhaps there are other plans in the works.

For now, the decision to pay an average tackle top-tier money continues to look like a questionable decision. Yet, maybe there’s something the Titans coaching staff knows about their newest signing that few others do.

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NFL rumors: Tennessee Titans targeting future Hall-of-Famer to replace Will Levis in free agency

Jason Burgos — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:29:34 +0000

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A surprising new rumor suggests the Tennessee Titans are among the suitors taking a hard look at a certain Hall-of-Famer to replace Will Levis in 2025.

The Tennessee Titans have a lot to do this offseason. The 2024 season delivered one of the worst results in team history as they ended their campaign with a league-worst 3-14 record. However, they will have the chance to turn things around quickly this offseason.

Firstly, they have the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft — allowing them to land the very best player in the 2025 prospect class. They also have a solid chunk of cash ($51.6 million via Over The Cap) to spend in NFL free agency to improve several positions. However, they have a big problem at the most important position on the field.

Will Levis stats (2024): 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 81.4 passer rating

Two years ago the team used a second-round pick on Will Levis. In the hopes that the Kentucky star could turn into a franchise QB. Unfortunately, he has given no reason to believe he can become that type of player. If they hope to be competitive in 2025, they must upgrade the position. Unfortunately, this is not a good draft class for QBs.

That is why they have been linked to different veteran signal callers on the free agent and trade block. With Sam Darnold no longer on the board, it looks like the team is instead targeting a certain 10-time Pro Bowler.

Tennessee Titans targeting Russell Wilson in NFL free agency?

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On Monday afternoon, SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes revealed that sources informed him “The Titans are among the teams interested in QB Russell Wilson.”

Wilson had a bounceback season in 2024 as the starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his first seven games leading the offense, he led the team to six victories. However, he and the unit went into a deep slump late in the season and were a key part of a four-game losing skid to end their campaign.

Russell Wilson stats (2024): 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 95.6 passer rating

The Seattle Seahawks legend is well past his prime. However, he will still be a major upgrade for Tennessee. The big question is, will the Titans need to overpay to land his services? With Justin Fields now off the free agent market, the Steelers will likely push to bring him back, and they are a more competitive team right now than the Titans.

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NFL rumors: Major red flag emerges about New York Giants, Tennessee Titans top draft target Cam Ward

Jason Burgos — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:34:27 +0000

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A new report offers up a very worrisome red flag about the player most linked to the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward.

After horrendous showings in the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have a monumental opportunity in front of them next month. Both will have picks in the top three of the NFL Draft. The pair of teams also have a massive need at the quarterback spot.

Cam Ward stats (2024): 4,313 passing yards, 39 passing TDs, 7 interceptions, 172.2 passer rating, 204 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs

Unfortunately for the pair of NFL franchises, this draft does not have a strong QB class. Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are viewed as the best two signal caller prospects in 2024. Yet, while both have certain traits that will help bring them success as the next level, they also have some notable weaknesses.

Ward is viewed as the best available QB. And various NFL rumors have suggested New York or Tennessee are taking a very hard look at using their top pick on him. However, a recent report has offered up another warning about using a premium selection on a talented but flawed player like Cam Ward.

New York Giants NFL Draft target Cam Ward has ‘reckless’ itch he can’t help but scratch?

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Over the weekend, ESPN NFL Draft guru Jordan Reid broke down the strengths and weaknesses of the top players in this year’s draft. And the opinion he received from one AFC scout should scare New York Giants and Tennessee Titans fans.

“He has times where he has to scratch his itch for reckless plays, and it leaves you asking, ‘What the heck was he thinking there?'” the scout said. “I like him and don’t know if that can be coached out of him.”

It is one thing to have flaws that can be worked on. It is something else to have an issue that some inside the league believe can’t be fixed. If Ward was a player that was selected in the third or fourth round, that problem would be worth the risk. However, a big miss on a first-round pick can cost executives their jobs.

It will be interesting to see if either the Giants or Titans see that some flaw and pass on Ward in Round 1.

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Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans ‘in the mix’ for potential $20 million AAV player

Matt Johnson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 13:21:40 +0000

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The Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans were two of the most aggressive teams in the NFL last offseason. One year later on the eve of NFL free agency, both clubs are reportedly going to be competing for the same highly-coveted free agent.

In 2024, Carolina overhauled its offensive line with the additions of guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. The team also addressed its defense, adding edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Josey Jewell. Meanwhile, Tennessee signed Calvin Ridley while signing Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry and Kenneth Murray Jr.

However, the additions did little to yield significant improvements defensively. As a result, the latest NFL rumors are shedding light on one top defender Tennessee and Carolina could both aggressively pursue.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Panthers and Titans are expected to be involved in the bidding war for Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland.

Holland, only 25 years old, was one of the top free safeties in the NFL over his first three seasons. He recorded 21 pass deflections with 5 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in his first three years. However, Holland’s effectiveness and range dipped this past year following a knee injury in 2023. Still, talent evaluators believe he can still be a high-end playmaker for years to come.

Miami wants Holland back, but the bidding war for his services might change that. Wolfe shared that Holland’s next deal will eclipse $15 million per year but it could get close to $20 million annually. If other clubs start offering him $19-plus million annually, it might be out of the Dolphins’ price range for re-signing him.

Carolina is also in the market for defensive line help, with defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Chase Young. Meanwhile, per Titans’ reporter Buck Reising of A to Z Sports, Tennessee has interest in free-agent quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Mac Jones as potential backup options for the 2025 season.

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New York Giants insider reveals likely cost of trade up for No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

Matt Johnson — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:32:23 +0000

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The New York Giants cost themselves the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. If New York wants to move up from the third overall pick to draft quarterback Cam Ward, it will come at a significant cost.

New York has made its intentions clear since the start of the offseason. Giants general manager Joe Schoen began by focusing on veteran quarterbacks, aggressively pursuing a Matthew Stafford trade. As soon as that deal fell through, the team pivoted its quarterback search to Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.

There have also been persistent NFL rumors over the last two weeks suggesting the Giants front office is strongly considering a move up to the first overall pick. The Tennessee Titans have stated their willingness to trade down, especially if it means the team is still in a position to draft Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter.

Trading down with New York, acquiring the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, would allow Tennessee to do that. The question is what the cost would be to acquire the No. 1 overall selection.

Appearing on GoJo and Golic, NFL national reporter Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com shed light on what the Giants’ front office is willing to give up for the top pick.

“They’re trying not to give up their future first-round picks, so it’s probably multiple Day 2 picks, whether it’s this year or next year, whatever it may be…We have to realize, not all first-round picks are created equal, right? Cause, the Giants have the No. 3 pick overall, which is extremely valuable.”
Jordan Raanan on what the New York Giants are willing to trade the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 pick

Senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports also discussed the possibility of trading down on Friday’s episode of the Inside Coverage podcast. He emphasized that the inclusion of a future first-round pick would likely be very dependent on how far Tennessee moves down in the 2025 NFL Draft order. If the Titans can still snag either Hunter or Carter, widely viewed as the two best prospects, they’ll be more willing to make a deal without receiving a future first.

Cam Ward stats (ESPN): 4,313 passing yards, 67.2% completion rate, 9.5 ypa, 39-7 TD-INT, 204 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns

Whether Tennessee keeps the first overall pick or trades it to New York, quarterback Cam Ward would likely be the selection. In the eyes of NFL talent evaluators, there’s a significant gap between Ward and Shedeur Sanders as prospects, with Ward the only one viewed as worthy of taking at No. 1 overall.

Importantly, the Giants might still attempt to trade up for Ward even if they are successful in their pursuit of Rodgers or Wilson. Either veteran quarterback would be a one-year starter, keeping the team competitive, before Ward would take over as the Giants starting quarterback by 2026 at the latest.

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NFL scouts reveal QB prospect best fit for the Tennessee Titans

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:12:50 +0000

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After a tumultuous season that resulted in a 3-14 finish for first-year head coach Brian Callahan, the Tennessee Titans have a lot of room for upgrades. But the Titans’ biggest need is at quarterback, where Will Levis and Mason Rudolph split starting duties in 2024.

However, the Titans have something that no one else has, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, it comes in a year when there’s no consensus choice to be the first player selected.

There are quarterbacks to be had, with University of Miami’s Cam Ward being a popular choice to be selected first. Then, there’s University of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who’s draft stock appears to be slipping. But who’s the better fit to quarterback coach Callahan’s Titans offense?

Shedeur Sanders viewed as a better team fit than Cam Ward for Tennessee Titans

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Between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, the former is the quarterback who’s projected to have a higher ceiling. With a big arm and the type of mobility that can change the game on any given snap, Ward has potential superstar written all over him. Yet, this is also the NFL Draft, which means he could just as easily be a bust.

Then, there’s the son of Deion Sanders, who doesn’t have a particularly strong arm, has mobility but opts not to use it for scrambling purposes, yet has the type of leadership ability that could win over a locker room.

Though, when it comes to certain positions, especially quarterbacks, we often see teams base their decisions around which player best fits their scheme. According to NFL scouts who spoke to ESPN’s Turron Davenport and Jeremy Fowler, for the Titans, that prospect is Sanders.

“Ward is the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the draft — by a comfortable margin, according to some. But Sanders’ pocket-passing ability as a deft processor is appreciated and will make for an easy NFL transition, thus he becomes a slightly better fit for a Brian Callahan offense in Tennessee, according to multiple scouts.”
ESPN on Tennessee Titans QB fits

Some league personnel believe the Titans would prefer to trade out of the No. 1 overall pick. Which, if Tennessee feels like Ward isn’t the best prospect fit, then why not move down and pick up more assets, possibly while targeting Sanders?

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NFL rumors: 4 teams linked to Sam Darnold, 2 favorites emerge to sign him

Matt Johnson — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:28:38 +0000

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Sam Darnold entered free agency last offseason as one of the bigger draft busts in the last 10 years. Coming off a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings, the Pro Bowl quarterback is now poised to cash in with a multi-year deal in NFL free agency.

Just a year ago, Minnesota signed Darnold to a one-year contract worth $10 million total. The former third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft was expected to compete for the starting job, likely with a rookie. When J.J. McCarthy required season-ending knee surgery after his first preseason game, Darnold stepped in seamlessly.

Sam Darnold stats 2024 (ESPN): 4,319 passing yards, 35-12 TD-INT, 66.2% completion rate, 7.9 yards per attempt, 102.5 QB rating, 212 rushing yards, 1 TD

He was even considered an NFL MVP candidate after December. Through his first 16 games as the Vikings starting quarterback, he posted a 35-12 TD-INT line with a 68.1 percent completion rate and a 106.4 QB rating. Darnold was in line to hit free agency with some estimates projecting him to land a multi-year deal worth $45 million per season.

All of that changed in his final two starts. Against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, Darnold had a 66.4 QB rating and completed just 53.1 percent of his passes. It’s expected to have a significant impact on the contract offers he receives in free agency, but it seems like it won’t scare teams away.

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the talk around the league during the NFL Combine was that the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are the “two likeliest landing spots” for Darnold. In addition, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans have been mentioned as two clubs to monitor for his services.

Minnesota would still like to re-sign Darnold, likely tying into NFL rumors that McCarthy still needs to put on more muscle this offseason. However, the team is only willing to retain the Pro Bowl quarterback if his market is weak enough to push his contract demands into their price range.

New York and Las Vegas both had to pivot to Darnold after the Los Angeles Rams took Matthew Stafford off the trade block. Darnold’s free-agent market will also have a significant impact on the top of the 2025 NFL Draft as New York, Las Vegas and Tennessee are all in the mix to take one of the two top quarterback prospects.

Also Read:: Minnesota Vikings may be hoping to trade Pro Bowler coming off career year

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NFL insider hints at blockbuster trade between New York Giants and Tennessee Titans

Andrew Buller-Russ — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 20:01:16 +0000

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Late in the 2024 NFL season, it appeared like the New York Giants were on the fast track to earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Then, they whooped the Indianapolis Colts 45-33 in Week 17. That dominant win caused the Giants to slip to the third overall pick instead of the first.

Yet, the Giants’ loss was the Tennessee Titans’ gain, winding up with the first overall pick instead. Now, the Titans can select the top player on their draft board. However, in a draft class that features no consensus first overall pick, the Titans could always decide to trade their first-round pick too.

2025 NFL Draft rumors hint at New York Giants trading for Tennessee Titans’ No. 1 pick

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The Tennessee Titans have the first pick and the New York Giants have the third. Both teams need a franchise quarterback, yet the Giants arguably have more urgency considering general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are entering their fourth season in charge and are coming off their second year without a playoff appearance.

In other words, the Giants reek of desperation as they look to solve their quarterback woes. The Titans at least still have Will Levis as a fallback option. Meanwhile, the only quarterback on the Giants’ roster is Tommy DeVito.

Recently, KOA Colorado’s NFL insider Benjamin Allbright tossed out an interesting scenario for the offseason ahead. Allbright said he “would not be surprised” if a team traded a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Furthermore, he seems to hint at a trade between the Titans and the Giants in which the two teams would swap their first-round picks.

Would not be surprised to see a trade in the top 5 of this draft to get to #1 A large trade. A Giant one. Titanic if you will.
Benjamin Allbright on New York Giants/Tennessee Titans draft trade

If the Titans decided to trade down to No. 3, while they could be missing out on the top overall prospect on their draft board, they’d still be guaranteed a chance to land a great prospect. One of Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, Cam Ward, and Shedeur Sanders would still be on the board by the time they’re on the clock at No. 3.

In other words, the Titans could be very willing to listen to trade offers if the Giants have something attractive in mind.

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NFL insider reveals 4 potential Aaron Rodgers landing spots in 2025

Matt Johnson — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:16:31 +0000

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The New York Jets quickly made their decision on Aaron Rodgers, revealing before the Super Bowl that one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history wouldn’t return in 2025. As the Jets now prepare to find their own short-term quarterback solution, NFL rumors are already flying regarding Rodgers’ future.

He never came close to meeting expectations in New York, demonstrating that he is no longer a Pro Bowl-caliber starter. There is also a great deal of uncertainty about whether or not he wants to play football again, with retirement once again on the table. However, if he does return, plenty believe he can still be an effective starter next season.

Aaron Rodgers stats 2024 (ESPN): 3,897 passing yards, 28-11 TD-INT, 63% completion rate, 6.7 ypa, 90.5 QB rating, 40 sacks taken

In his first year removed from a ruptured Achilles in Week 1 of the 2023 season, Rodgers played relatively well for a 40-year-old quarterback. The four-time NFL MVP also showed improved play down the stretch, providing film that led many executives and coaches to believe he can still be a quality starting quarterback in 2025.

From Weeks 1-7, Rodgers compiled a 10-7 TD-INT ratio with an 82.2. QB rating, completing just 61.7 percent of his pass attempts and averaging 6.5 yards per attempt. In his final 10 starts, the Jets’ quarterback recorded an 18-4 TD-INT ratio with a 97.0 QB rating and completed 64.02 percent of his passes with a 6.81 ypa.

New York was willing to have him as its starting quarterback in 2025, but only on specific conditions. He needed to commit to being a part of the team’s offseason program and the club reportedly wanted him to stop making appearances on the Pat McAfee Show. However, a split was always the likely outcome with a fresh start needed for both parties.

While the 41-year-old hasn’t made a decision on whether or not he’ll retire, there is expected to be a market for his services if he decides to return next season. Specific preferences – offensive system and freedom to do what he wants – will certainly play a factor in what team he signs with if he returns for the 2025 season.

Related: NFL power rankings 2025

As for potential landing spots, Bleacher Report‘s NFL insider James Palmer mentioned the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans as teams that could sign Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers career stats: 62,952 passing yards, 503-116 TD-INT, 7.6 ypa, 102.6 QB rating, 65.1% completion rate, 6.1% touchdown rate, 153-87-1 record

Los Angeles is obviously the least likely destination, but it stems from recent NFL rumors about the New York Giants trading for Matthew Stafford if he won’t restructure his contract with the Rams. However, Sean McVay’s system might not fit with what Rodgers wants.

The Steelers have been linked to Rodgers, especially amid reports that Russell Wilson could be headed elsewhere. However, there’s plenty of doubt around the league about whether or not Rodgers’ personality and the spectacle he creates is something Mike Tomlin wants in the Steelers locker room.

Related: NFL cap space by team 2025

Cleveland will be in the market for a veteran quarterback, but the Deshaun Watson contract will force the franchise to find a veteran starter whose salary is largely being covered by his former club. It’s why there have already been plenty of NFL rumors this winter linking Kirk Cousins to the Browns.

It leaves the Titans, which might be the likeliest destination for Rodgers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback lives in Nashville and he would give head coach Brian Callahan, who is on the hot seat, a stabilizing presence at quarterback to make the offense function. Plus, starting Rodgers would allow Tennessee to not reach for a rookie quarterback with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Insider reveals early favorite to be first pick in 2025 NFL Draft by Tennessee Titans

Matt Johnson — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:59:26 +0000

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The Tennessee Titans have the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, holding the top selection in a draft class that isn’t viewed as particularly strong, especially at the quarterback position. It’s one of the reasons why NFL Draft rumors are already swirling about Tennessee trading down.

Tennessee started its offseason by hiring general manager Mike Borgonzi, bringing in the Kansas City Chiefs assistant general manager (2021-’24) who worked his way up the organization from administrator of college scouting (2009) to the second-highest position within one of the best NFL dynasties ever.

One of Borgonzi’s many tasks this offseason will be finding a starting quarterback. Tennessee attempted to make it work with Will Levis, but the former second-round pick showed no signs of improvement in his second year. While Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are in consideration to be the first overall pick in 2025, Tennessee has already made it known that it’s willing to trade down.

It could be an opportunity for potential trade-up partners, like the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, to jump ahead of the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick for Ward or Sanders. However, even with Tennessee shopping the pick, the Browns, Raiders and Giants might not have a chance at picking which quarterback they want.

According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the feeling around the NFL is that the Titans will decide to keep the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and take Ward as their next franchise quarterback.

The former Miami Hurricanes star is currently viewed as the top quarterback in the class by many evaluators around the league, but the gap is close enough for Sanders to overtake him during the pre-draft process.

It’s also possible that Tennessee wants people around the league, specifically quarterback-needy teams, to think it will take Ward first overall. Because this year’s quarterback crop isn’t as strong, the price of moving up for the No. 1 pick likely won’t be as high as other years. However, if another club truly believes the Titans could keep them from getting Ward, that could lead to a stronger return in a trade for Tennessee.

Also Read:: NFL free agents 2025: NFL free agents by team this offseason

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