Tennessee Titans Rumors & News - Pro Football Rumors

Julio Jones Fallout: Contract, Suitors, Titans

June 7th, 2021 at 4:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a trade that will send one of the 21st century’s best players to the AFC, the Titans moved ahead of the pack in this pursuit via a firm offer. The Titans were the only serious Jones suitor, according to NBC Sports’ Peter King.

The Falcons spoke with several teams on Jones, though offers were scarce. At various points in this process, the team discussed the All-Pro wide receiver with every NFC West franchise. The Cardinals are a new entrant in this derby, but Albert Breer of SI.com notes neither they nor their NFC West rivals sent the Falcons firm offers.

The Titans initially proposed sending the Falcons a conditional third-rounder that could become a second, Breer adds, but Atlanta had Tennessee’s proposal of a second-rounder sans conditions on the table for a bit. Sunday-morning negotiations that ended with the teams agreeing to exchange later-round picks finalized the deal, according to King.

Tennessee’s willingness to absorb Jones’ $15.3MM guaranteed salary also outflanked other suitors, per Breer, who notes the Falcons were not interested in eating part of Jones’ 2021 salary in order to sweeten trade compensation. No first-round pick was offered, Breer notes, though at one point a first did come up as part of a potential pick swap.

A Jones-Falcons divorce first surfaced around draft time, and it became a deal framed around the new Falcons regime receiving cap relief. Given the salary component in these talks, that certainly is a key reason why Jones is Nashville-bound. But this separation began when Jones and the Falcons negotiated his wideout-record three-year, $66MM extension. Jones lobbied the Falcons for a new deal after the 2017 season; the Falcons refused and ended up making minor adjustments to his previous contract in 2018. The future Hall of Famer pursued the matter again in 2019. While the sides hammered out an agreement, the months-long negotiations — which ended with a Sept. 7 accord — took a toll on both parties. Jones communicated to the Falcons he wanted out in March.

Although the Ravens pursued several receivers this offseason and signed Sammy Watkins, their Jones interest ceased after the draft. Baltimore using first- and fourth-round picks on wideouts — Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace — ended its talks with its former division rival. Finances scuttled Seahawks involvement, King notes, adding the Patriots were also not serious players in this chase.

It sounds like the Falcons are preparing for a pricey Calvin Ridley extension. The 2018 first-round pick is now eligible for a new deal, and the Falcons are preparing for that expensive re-up, per Breer, by getting the Jones contract off their books. Though Atlanta is still eating some dead money from this trade, the team has some time on a Ridley extension. The Falcons picked up his fifth-year option in May, locking up Ridley through 2022.

Titans GM Jon Robinson On Julio Jones Trade

June 6th, 2021 at 4:38pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

A truly blockbuster NFL trade went down this morning, and we’re continuing to cover all the Julio Jones fallout. Most recently, Titans GM Jon Robinson spoke to the media to address his team’s new shiny acquisition. The following nuggets come courtesy of Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site on Twitter.

Interestingly, Robinson revealed the Titans have been in pursuit of the former Falcons star for a while. Robinson said Tennessee had been going back and forth with Atlanta for a few weeks, but things really picked up yesterday.

It sounds like some financial shuffling is about to take place, as Robinson said the Titans plan to restructure a contract or contracts to fit Jones’ big deal on their books.

Robinson emphasized that he spoke to current players on the team, and they were all enthusiastic about the prospect of adding Jones. He also added that he consulted with Nick Saban, Jones’ college coach at Alabama, who spoke very highly of him.

For Titans fans wondering about other potential additions to the offense, Robinson said the team is continuing to monitor the tight end market after losing Jonnu Smith in free agency.

After letting Smith and Corey Davis walk, it initially looked like Tennessee was going to have a pretty underwhelming group of pass-catchers outside of A.J. Brown, but Ryan Tannehill can’t complain anymore.

Chiefs Weren’t In Julio Jones Mix

June 6th, 2021 at 1:32pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chiefs were “never truly in” the Julio Jones sweepstakes, according to Peter Schrager of NFL.com (on Twitter). Like every team in the league, the Chiefs would have loved to have him, but it just didn’t make sense financially. Instead, Jones is en route to the Titans, who landed him on Sunday morning.

The Titans shipped a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round pick to the Falcons for Jones. Meanwhile, the Falcons also sent their 2023 sixth-round pick to the Titans in the swap. That’s a far cry from the Falcons’ initial ask of a first-round pick, but that was the best they could do given Jones’ age (32) and contract.

The veteran is owed a $15.3MM base salary for 2021 and still has some guaranteed dollars for 2022. That would have been tough to swing for the Chiefs, who have less than $8MM to work with heading into ’21.

Needless to say, the Chiefs are already well-set on offense with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman in the fold. Jones would have been one heck of a replacement for Sammy Watkins, but it would have come at a great expense.

“If I could play alongside Julio Jones, that would be amazing,” Hill said recently (via FOX 4). “I used to be in high school when he was doing his thing at Alabama and I’ve been a fan ever since.”

The Chiefs have other plans for those dollars, including a 2022 extension for Orlando Brown. Meanwhile, Jones is said to be aiming for a new deal of his own.

The Ravens — who could have teamed Jones with Watkins — reached a similar conclusion, backing out of talks last week. Ditto for the Seahawks, who already traded their 2022 first-round pick for star safety Jamal Adams. The 49ers and Rams also had varying degrees of interest in the multiple-time Pro Bowler, but the Titans ultimately topped every other offer.

Falcons Trade Julio Jones To Titans

June 6th, 2021 at 10:51am CST by Rory Parks

The Julio Jones saga has reached a conclusion. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Falcons have agreed to trade Jones to the Titans in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick (Twitter link). Atlanta will also get the Titans’ fourth-round pick in 2023, though it will need to send its 2023 sixth-round choice to Tennessee. Both clubs subsequently announced the trade.

Once it became clear that Jones was going to be dealt, Tennessee always seemed like one of the most logical landing spots. The club lost WR Corey Davis and TE Jonnu Smith in free agency, and while the Titans’ offense will continue to flow through running back Derrick Henry, it seemed imperative for GM Jon Robinson to add another pass catcher.

Now, Jones will team with A.J. Brown to form a potentially dynamic 1-2 punch at the wide receiver position. And the Titans will not have to give up a ton to make that a reality. Though the Falcons were said to have an offer in hand that included a first-round pick, subsequent reports expressed skepticism that Atlanta would be able to get that type of compensation unless the hypothetical first-rounder was part of a pick-swap, similar to the return that the Ravens received from the Chiefs in the Orlando Brown Jr. trade.

Jones’ age (32) and sizable contract limited the Falcons’ leverage, as did the fact that Atlanta’s dire cap situation — the club had $446K in cap space before the trade and has yet to sign its draft picks — essentially compelled the team to rid itself of Jones’ salary. Plus, the seven-time Pro Bowler is coming off an injury-marred 2020 campaign in which he appeared in only nine games.

However, the Falcons were able to convince the Titans to assume the entirety of Jones’ contract. As Albert Breer of SI.com tweets, Atlanta is not absorbing any of Jones’ $15.3MM base salary for 2021, so Robinson will have some work to do to get Jones on the books. That could include a new contract for the newest Titan, which was rumored as a possibility last week. Indeed, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports that Jones and the Titans are presently discussing contract alterations (Twitter link).

Robinson could also approach quarterback Ryan Tannehill about a restructure. We heard just two days ago that Tannehill and the team had not discussed such a possibility, but it seems that the QB would be receptive to a reworked contract that converts some of his base salary into a signing bonus, especially since it would help facilitate Jones’ arrival.

Assuming he’s fully healthy, Jones should fit nicely into the Titans’ play-action-heavy offense. As Brown’s primary foil, he could thrive on in-breaking routes, and he still has enough straight-line speed to keep defenses honest. His presence makes Tennessee’s aerial attack a formidable one, though the club will have to demonstrate a marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball to have a legitimate chance at a title.

For the Falcons, this move represents the end of an era. One of the greatest receivers of his generation, Jones now holds franchise records in receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896), and his 60 receiving TDs trail only Roddy White‘s 63. Those receiving yards currently rank 20th on the NFL’s all-time list, but Jones could catapult into the top-5 with several solid seasons in Tennessee.

Atlanta opted against drafting a successor for aging QB Matt Ryan, instead using its No. 4 selection on Florida TE Kyle Pitts, presumably in the hopes of making one final run at glory with Ryan under center. Between Pitts and Calvin Ridley, Ryan will still have several quality receiving options at his disposal, but losing Jones will put a major damper on any hopes the Falcons had for competing in 2021.

Dianna Russini of ESPN.com first reported that the Falcons and Titans were expected to finalize a trade that would send Jones to Tennessee within the next 24-48 hours (Twitter link). Adam Schefter of ESPN.com added (via Twitter) that the two clubs were still discussing whether the trade package would include a second- and fifth-rounder going back to Atlanta, or if the Falcons would get a second-rounder and swap other picks with the Titans.

Titans To Acquire Tight End?

June 6th, 2021 at 10:03am CST by Rory Parks

The Titans lost tight end Jonnu Smith to the Patriots in free agency, and they have not done much to replace him. The club re-signed both Anthony Firkser and Geoff Swaim, and at present, those two reside at the top of Tennessee’s TE depth chart.

Jim Wyatt of the team’s official website believes that the Titans will make another addition to their tight end group, though he does not speculate as to who that addition might be. He does not believe that a reunion with old friend Delanie Walker, who recently auditioned for the 49ers, is in the cards.

Although Firkser is officially a tight end, he spent most of his time in 2020 lined up as a slot receiver, reeling in 39 catches for 387 yards (both career highs) and a touchdown. Still, the Titans do love to have two TEs on the field at once, so look for him and Swaim to get considerable playing time, with Firkser perhaps being moved around the formation to create favorable matchups.

As such, it makes sense that the club would look to add another TE, since the next man up behind Firkser and Swaim is 2020 UDFA Jared Pinkney, who spent most of his rookie campaign on the Falcons’ taxi squad. Pinkney did have a successful collegiate career at Vanderbilt and might have been a Day 2 draft pick if he had turned pro in 2019, but his return to college hurt his stock, which led to his being undrafted last year. He will likely need some more seasoning before he becomes a reliable player at the professional level.

At this point in the offseason, there are not many quality free agents available. Tyler Eifert and Trey Burton may be the most notable FAs if Tennessee is, in fact, interested in making an addition. Philadelphia’s Zach Ertz could also be on the move, either via trade or release.

Of course, the Titans continue to be connected to a trade for Falcons star wideout Julio Jones.

Titans Add Wrestler Adam Coon For OL Role

June 4th, 2021 at 7:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Titans made an unorthodox addition to their offensive line group Friday. They agreed to terms with Adam Coon, a Michigan alum who has not played football since high school.

Coon, however, established himself as one of the country’s top wrestlers. He was a three-time All-American heavyweight while at Michigan and recently participated in qualifying for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Coon did not end up qualifying for a spot on the U.S. squad and instead plans to try his hand in football.

While Coon enjoyed a decorated mat career with the Wolverines, going 116-15 at the Big Ten program, that success came a few years ago. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound aspiring blocker is now 26 and nine years removed from his most recent football season. Coon will likely compete for a guard spot, according to TennesseeTitans.com’s Jim Wyatt.

This certainly profiles as one of the more unusual UDFA signings in recent years, though select others have found recent success without their careers involving college football. Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata and Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox are two current players who carved out roles after playing other sports ahead of their respective NFL entrances. The Dolphins also signed college hoops standout Jibri Blount, son of Mel Blount, despite the younger Blount not playing college football. The NFL is expected to keep the 16-man practice squad setup from last year, opening the door for more developmental opportunities.

Tennessee used a second-round pick on Dillon Radunz and subsequently added two UDFA O-linemen this year. To make room for Coon on the roster, the Titans waived tackle Anthony McKinney with an injury designation.

Titans CB Kevin Johnson To Retire

June 4th, 2021 at 4:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Despite landing a one-year deal in free agency for a third straight offseason, Kevin Johnson will opt to step away from football. The Titans cornerback is retiring, according to the team.

Tennessee signed Johnson in March, giving him a one-year deal worth $2.25MM. The 28-year-old cornerback will wrap his career after six seasons. Injuries, unfortunately, played a significant part in the former first-round pick’s NFL run.

The Texans selected Johnson 16th overall in 2015 out of Wake Forest. He started 10 games as a rookie but was unable to stay on the field in subsequent years, shortening his time in Houston. Though Johnson bounced back to carve out roles in Buffalo and Cleveland, he will finish his career with one interception.

A broken foot began Johnson’s rough luck in 2016, limiting him to six games in his second season. In 2017, a sprained MCL cost him time. While Johnson played 12 games that season, he suited up for just one in 2018 after a severe concussion sidelined him that September. The Titans cut him in 2019, backtracking on a fifth-year option commitment it made the previous spring.

Johnson played out one-year deals with the Bills and Browns the past two seasons. Working as a depth piece for the two rising teams, the 6-foot defender helped both to the playoffs. However, Johnson was part of a Browns COVID-19 outbreak late last season. As a result, Cleveland’s primary slot corner was not on the field for the franchise’s first playoff win in 26 years.

Since signing Johnson, the Titans used first- and third-round picks on corners — Caleb Farley and Elijah Molden. Tennessee invested a second-round pick in Kristian Fulton last year and also signed Janoris Jenkins this March. The Titans’ new-look cornerback contingent will not include Johnson, but the team has been active in adding cover men over the past two offseasons.

Ryan Tannehill, Titans Haven’t Discussed Restructure

June 4th, 2021 at 10:04am CST by Zachary Links

Depending on who you ask, the Titans could be the frontrunner in the Julio Jones sweepstakes. But, if they want to trade for the Falcons superstar, they’ll have to free up some dollars first. A restructuring of Ryan Tannehill‘s deal would be a major help, but the quarterback says the two sides have yet to broach that topic.

“That’s up to [Titans GM Jon Robinson],” Tannehill said (via Ben Arthur of The Tennessean). “He’s going to have to figure that out if that’s something we want to do as an organization. I don’t know. It’s above my pay grade. If he comes to me, then we’ll have that conversation then.”

The Titans have Tannehill signed through 2023, thanks to the four-year, $118MM extension he signed in 2020. As a result, he’ll make $24.5MM in base salary this year with a $29.5MM cap hit. The Titans could kick the can down the road by converting a chunk of those dollars into a signing bonus. Then, they’d have extra room to add veterans this summer (i.e. Jones).

Jones’ contract runs for another three years, including $15.3MM for the coming year. He may also want more in the way of guarantees for 2022 and beyond. But, if the Titans want to make it happen, Tannehill would surely accommodate them with a restructure. From there, it’s just a matter of negotiating with the Falcons. New GM Terry Fontenot wants a first-round pick, but some believe he’d settle for a second rounder.

Titans Sign DT Abry Jones

June 3rd, 2021 at 4:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

Abry Jones‘ eight-year Jacksonville stay is over, but he stands to see his former team this season. The veteran defensive tackle agreed to terms with the Titans on Thursday.

Entering last season as the Jaguars’ longest-tenured player, Jones ran into injury trouble and played in just five games. The Titans are shuttling in multiple D-linemen, with Trevon Coley also joining the team. Jones brings a much longer track record as a starter.

Although he was not asked to be a key pass rusher, Jones was part of the Jags’ “Sacksonville” defensive front throughout its brief run. A UDFA out of Georgia in 2013, Jones started 15 games for the AFC South champion Jags team in 2017 and served as a key contributor in Jacksonville from 2014-20. The Jags ranked as a top-five defense in 2017 and ’18 but lost their way in 2019 and fell off a cliff last season. With the franchise changing regimes, Jones will move on as well.

This will be the veteran nose tackle’s age-30 season. Jones and Coley represent competition for Tennessee’s incumbents. An ankle malady sidelined Jones for most of the 2020 season, but he played at least 15 games in each of the previous six years.

To make room on their roster, the Titans cut defensive linemen Jullian Taylor and Daylon Mack. The Titans signed Taylor in February, but the former 49ers defensive tackle missed all of the 2020 season. He suffered a severe knee injury late in the 2019 campaign; the 49ers cut him midway through last season. Mack also did not see any time in 2020 but spent time on multiple practice squads.

Titans To Sign DT Trevon Coley

June 3rd, 2021 at 3:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Former Browns defensive tackle starter Trevon Coley‘s journey around the NFL will continue to a second AFC South team. The Titans agreed to terms with the veteran defender Thursday, according to his agency (via Twitter).

This will be Coley’s seventh NFL team. While the former UDFA has only seen action with three of those squads, he has spent time with the Ravens, Browns, Washington, Colts, Cardinals and Jets in a five-year career.

Coley, 26, likely represents a depth addition at this point of his career. The 6-foot-1 lineman played 68 defensive snaps for the Colts in 2019 and logged 192 for the Cardinals. Arizona, however, deployed Coley as a starter in two games — when the team was battling extensive injury trouble on its defensive front.

In Cleveland, Coley worked alongside Larry Ogunjobi as a D-tackle starter from 2017-18. He registered 2.5 sacks during his Browns stay; one of those was a safety, in 2018. The Browns, who signed Sheldon Richardson in 2019, cut Coley just ahead of the ’19 season.

Tennessee lost longtime starter DaQuan Jones in free agency but added Denico Autry and used a fourth-round pick on Pitt D-lineman Rashad Weaver. Coley will likely attempt to fill in behind the Titans’ first-stringers come training camp.

Tennessee Titans News & Rumors