As we barrel head first into the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s not just incoming rookies who will be joining new teams. Undoubtedly, there will be at least some trades that occur over the weekend. One player who may be on the move is Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill. Let’s examine some potential landing spots for the veteran quarterback.
Ryan Tannehill Landing Spots
This isn’t the first time Tannehill’s name has popped up amidst trade rumors. Given the combination of where the Titans are as a franchise and Tannehill’s age and contract, there were whispers Tennessee might be willing to move on prior to free agency.
Per WSMV’s Chris Harris, in late February, new general manager Ran Carthon had this to say about the Titans’ starting quarterback: “Ryan is under contract. I know everybody wants to make a big deal out of the quarterback position and whether he will or won’t be here, but you guys just have to accept the fact that Ryan is under contract for us, and right now, he’s a Titan, and he will be a Titan.”
Obviously, Carthon didn’t say anything about Tannehill being released or traded. However, his words weren’t exactly a ringing endorsement of Tannehill as the starter going forward. It was more of a matter-of-fact statement that Tannehill is currently in Tennessee and, as a result, is the starting quarterback. His statements certainly fell short of ruling out a change.
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Roughly two months later, NFL teams seem to believe the Titans are open to trading Tannehill. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, “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.”
Fowler added that Tennessee is not going to just jettison Tannehill without a replacement in place. This seems like a situation where the Titans would only move Tannehill if the draft played out in such a way where they could draft a quarterback on the spot as they agreed to a deal.
If that were to happen, though, which teams could realistically trade for Tannehill? Here are a few landing spots that would make sense.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons do already roster three NFL-caliber quarterbacks. However, all three of them project as backups rather than starters. While Atlanta has publicly stated this is sophomore Desmond Ridder’s chance at proving he’s their answer at quarterback, that doesn’t preclude them from changing their mind.
At 35 years old, Tannehill is certainly nearing the end of his career. But he’s still unquestionably one of the 32 best quarterbacks in the world. To me, he’s a clear and substantial upgrade on Ridder.
I don’t necessarily believe a team can win with Tannehill. His time in Tennessee, including three straight playoff appearances from 2019-2021, kind of proves that. But I do think, given the talent on the Falcons’ roster, and the weakness of the NFC South, they could be a playoff team with Tannehill.
Any trade involving Tannehill would surely involve some sort of agreement between the teams regarding how much of Tannehill’s contract each would cover. With nearly $13 million in salary cap space, the Falcons could make Tannehill’s cap hit work. If they desire to try and forgo a full rebuild and take a shot on competing now, trading for Tannehill certainly isn’t the worst idea.
New England Patriots
When there’s smoke, there’s fire. And there has been a whole lot of smoke this offseason surrounding the Patriots’ lack of belief in Mac Jones as their answer at quarterback.
Between reports of a rift between Jones and Bill Belichick, to rumors Jones was being shopped, it’s clear the Patriots are open to another quarterback should the opportunity present itself. Perhaps Tannehill is that opportunity.
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Tannehill may not make the Patriots instant contenders. Their roster just doesn’t appear strong enough. But he would make them better than they are with Jones.
Ultimately, optimal landing spots for Tannehill are places where an aging, declining Tannehill would still be an obvious improvement on what the team already has at quarterback. New England fits the bill. They also have about $11 million in cap space, which should be enough to make it work.
Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts
I’m lumping these two AFC South teams together for a couple of reasons. First, they’re both AFC South teams, which makes it less likely the Titans trade Tannehill to them.
Second, both teams are in similar situations regarding the quarterback position as we approach the NFL Draft. Neither team seems particularly enamored with the idea of taking a quarterback not named Bryce Young. And neither is likely to get Young.
While the Colts are better equipped to compete this year with a guy like Tannehill, either team could trade for him, draft a quarterback, and have them sit behind a veteran for most, if not all, of the 2023 season.
With $21 and $23 million in cap space, respectively, the Texans and Colts have the funds to take on more of Tannehill’s contract than the other teams mentioned.
If a trade were to occur, these two teams are definitely less likely to be involved than the first two teams listed, but logistically and strategically, it would make sense for all parties involved.