The Titans were one of several teams who used Day 2 of this April’s draft to add to their quarterback room. The addition of Malik Willis – who was seen by many as the signal-caller with the most upside in the 2022 class – led to questions about Ryan Tannehill‘s hold on the No. 1 spot. 
As confirmed by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, however, “there is no competition or controversy” in Nashville at the position. Willis put up notable production after transferring to Liberty for the final two seasons of his college career, totaling 5,107 passing yards and 47 touchdowns. He added 1,822 yards and another 27 scores on the ground, showcasing the rushing ability which made him stand out from an underwhelming crop of prospects.
That, coupled with Willis’ preseason performances, fueled speculation that he could see the field relatively early. The Titans traded up to select him, and Tannehill’s disappointing 2021 season ended with a three-interception performance in the Divisional Round. The latter was not informed of the decision to draft Willis, but he has had a largely successful stint with the team and is due $27MM in 2022.
As a result, the Titans “fully expect” Tannehill to operate as the undisputed starter this season, where he will look to guide an offense no longer featuring A.J. Brown to another AFC-topping regular season. The team also publicly supported him in February, despite the underwhelming nature of his postseason. Given the $36MM cap charge he is scheduled to have in 2023 (along with no guaranteed money), however, Rapoport and Pelissero acknowledge that things could be very different for Tannehill one year from now.
The 34-year-old put up two touchdowns and a passer rating of 106.4 during yesterday’s loss to the Giants. His ability to improve on that performance throughout the season will be worth watching as his potential successor remains on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
Willis looked exciting in the preseason. He absolutely did not look like a guy who’s ready to start in the NFL right now. And the Titans are still good enough to conceivably compete in the AFC south, though granted, that’s damning with faint praise.
I had them as a bottom 5 team in the NFL
no defense , no qb , traded AJB
can’t just rely on an injury prone RB to carry you
I think bottom five is a bit harsh. They might still be better than two teams in their division if they get some development in the right spots. And Tannehill ain’t exactly the guy you want for a playoff run, but a number of teams have even worse.
Texans and Jags are going to suck! You’re right about that. Matt Ryan looked average as well depending on Taylor to move the ball. So they could very be above 500, but will get clobbered again in the post season against left teams.
The Jags looked no different than last year. Drops, penalties, poor blocking, and a D that went backwards non-stop.
I am not a Texans fan …. I’m a Bengals fan. That said – Davis Mills is highly underrated and I believe the Texans will win that division. Let’s talk in 17 weeks.
I would be stunned if Houston wins the division, even that division.
Never count out Lovie Smith. They’re going to run the ball and play good defense. I don’t think they win the division, but they’ll be competitive.
It’s been a long time since Lovie Smith coached a good defense, and this one is still thin on talent.
…against better teams.
I don’t see Mike Vrabel making a QB change this year. The loss to the Giants was nothing more than poor end-of-game strategy.
Tanny played well enough and should have won. The def is coming around for the Titans and their improvement should be the key for Titans to return to playoffs. Not Willis
Defense coming around……from what? They have only played one game.
The Titans can’t be very good! They gave up a TD with a minute left to the Pathetic Giants! Then they miss a 47 year game winning FG. Start looking for a new kicker!!
Bad/Criminal play calling on offense for Titans. That’s what happened in Giants game.
Tannehill was ok, and if Henry gets back to form then OK is all he needs to be.
Can’t jump off the cliff after Week 1, seriously.
Sidenote, happy for AJ Brown.
I don’t think the Texans are going to the playoffs, but they’ll be more competitive than last year. I think 5-7 wins. I agree Davis Mills is under rated. He looked pretty good at the end of last year. Don’t know if he’ll be a star, but should be a solid QB.