- Konbuyu başlatan
- #1
The 2021 won the AFC South for a second straight year, captured more victories than any conference contender except for the and enjoyed a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed, only to fall flat in their Saturday night playoff debut, losing 19-16 to the upstart in Tenne see. And quarterback , the catalyst of the team's transformation to contender a few years ago, was the chief culprit of the Titans' postseason disappointment for the second A'Shawn Robinson Jersey time in as many years.A year after he and the Titans in a wild card lo s to the , Tannehill saved one of his worst games of a mistake-riddled 2021 for the biggest spotlight, throwing three picks -- his most since a four-interception outing in November -- and struggling to capitalize on Tenne see's historic defensive showing, including a playoff-record nine sacks. His first pick came on the very first play of the game, helping Cincinnati take an early advantage, and his second marked his fourth red-zone INT of the season, leading all QBs.Tannehill's career remains a triumph, going from castoff to Comeback Player of the Year. And his total body of work in Tenne see is that of a top 10 QB: Thirty wins in 43 starts, 76 touchdowns to just 27 interceptions, a 102 pa ser rating. His contract -- a four-year, $118 million deal that runs through 2023 -- pays him like the NFL's 11th-best signal-caller, which is about right.But Tannehill is also 0-3 in his last three playoff Robert Rochell Jersey starts as the Titans QB. He's chiefly responsible for their last two defeats, despite owning home-field advantage. In each of Tenne see's two playoff wins with Tannehill, by the way, the QB didn't throw more than 15 pa ses. He shouldn't nece sarily be docked for leaning on Pro Bowl teammates like , but then there's the 2021 season as well: even with Henry, or powering the run game, Tannehill endured steep regre sion, totaling 18 turnovers -- fourth-most among all QBs -- compared to just 21 TDs in 17 games. While Titans fans should be grateful for how the veteran has helped turn the franchise around, they wouldn't be out of line to wonder if Tenne see would benefit from exploring alternatives at QB this offseason. If the team can't trust Tannehill to get the club over the hump with home playoff games or No. 1 seeds, after all, isn't a reevaluation the least they can do? That's not even accounting for the QB's ma sive $38.6M cap hit in 2022, which will make him the fifth-highest-paid QB in the league.This isn't quite a , with which the rival are wrestling. Tannehill has proven over several years Sony Michel Jersey he can offer top 10 production and deliver playoff berths. But much like Wentz, who was traded by the after a single bad year overshadowed at least three prior seasons of promise, Tannehill will rightly be judged at least partly on his recent results (or lack thereof). Did injuries to his supporting cast contribute to 2021 struggles? Sure. Has he earned the Titans' unquestioned commitment going into 2022, considering their championship aspirations? That's more complicated.But what, exactly, are the team's options, if any? Let's explore:Yes, but it wouldn't be easy. The Titans still owe Tannehill $29M in guaranteed money, and they can't release him without almost $20M off the bat. They could designate him a post-June 1 release, but even that wouldn't save them any money. The feasible path to a split involves a trade, which would save the Titans an instant $10.2M, not to mention $17.8M in 2023. The catch there is Tenne see would need a partner willing to absorb the final two years of Tannehill's contract. Oh sure. Again, this isn't as dire a situation as the Wentz dilemma in Indy. While Tannehill may be quite dependent on the Titans' run-first setup, he's got nine years of starting experience, proving himself at least average and, at best, top 10 material. Teams like the , , , and Washington could easily be interested.That's the real question with every team that employs a QB in his tier of good-but-not-nece sarily-great pa sers. So if the alternative is ... ? ? ? ... Jeremiah Kolone Jersey then the answer is probably no. Working hard to avoid cap charges just to cut Tannehill (or get a couple of picks in a trade) and then add one of those veterans feels like straining yourself for the sake of change. But -- and this is a big, conversation-changing but -- if an MVP type like is the target, then why the heck not? Wilson, in particular, hails from a similar-minded old-school contender, and if the Titans are comfortable with the price, a suming he's available, then you've got yourselves a reason to shop Tannehill.Sure, that's po sible, but there are two problems: 1.) He and his team aren't going to be overly eager to do that, regardle s of the playoff stinkers. For one, he just renegotiated his deal in 2021 to save the Titans money for the deal -- which ended up boosting his own stock far le s than expected. And then there's the fact he's still led the team to three straight playoff appearances. He's not in danger Johnny Mundt Jersey of being cut outright, so he has the leverage. And then 2.) Getting Tannehill to reduce his own salary may help improve the roster, but it won't solve the foundational concerns regarding his own presence as the starter. In all likelihood, Tannehill will return for a fourth season with the Titans, and his third as the Week 1 starter. Tenne see would probably rather reinvest at other positions -- like wide receiver, with or without Julio; and cornerback, where Jackrabbit Jenkins figures to be a cap casualty -- before it resets the most important position on the roster. But don't be surprised, in the meantime, if the Titans don't at least pick up the phone and gauge the asking price for a guy like Ru s.