Titans Ranked as a Top Ten ‘Team Fit’ for Lamar Jackson
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation has been a constant question throughout the offseason. While the Titans have been loosely connected to other options at times, the most likely answer was always Ryan Tannehill. With Lamar Jackson now on the non-exclusive franchise tag for the Baltimore Ravens, it is fair to wonder how Jackson might fit with the Titans.
According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Titans would be the tenth-best fit for Jackson out of the potential suitors in the NFL. Barnwell’s piece outlines his ranking of ‘best fits’ for Jackson. Giving reasons for and against the move for each squad. Barnwell dove into why the Titans would be interested in making a move for Jackson.
“If Tennessee is going to try to retool around a talented young defensive core, there's nothing wrong with the idea of locking in a solution at quarterback by trading for Jackson. Cutting Tannehill would free up much of the cap space needed to acquire him, Barnwell explained. “Third-round pick Malik Willis didn't show much in his rookie season, so there won't be much standing in Jackson's way. Given the run-heavy approach of the Titans' offense with Henry, they could continue to play that way, only with Jackson shouldering a significant portion of the rushing workload.”
This is a compelling argument from Barnwell. The Titans would have a chance at becoming the most devastating rushing attack in the NFL with the addition of Jackson, and of course, some additions on the offensive line, but the cost to acquire him would be expensive. Considering the state of the Titans’ roster, giving up what it would take to bring Jackson to Nashville may make it too difficult to have a competent team around him.
A deal to make Jackson the quarterback of the Titans would reportedly require a contract with an estimated $200 million guaranteed or more and, due to the non-exclusive tag, also require giving Baltimore two first-round draft picks. That is quite a lot to surrender for a quarterback that has missed 10 games in two seasons. Especially if you are in the Titans’ situation roster-wise.
Barnwell goes on to say he doesn’t think the Titans are a proper fit for Jackson despite the ranking. He cites “a roster missing a half-decade of first round picks” as a reason Jackson shouldn’t be someone the Titans pursue. At this point, it would be a surprise to see Jackson end up anywhere outside of Baltimore, but if Jackson does leave the Ravens, it would be even more surprising for it to be the Titans that make the move.
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