Titans Eyeing Pass Rusher Derick Roberson
- Sam Houston State pass rusher Derick Roberson had a private workout with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. The six-foot-four, 250-pound lineman had a standout season in 2018, finishing with 15 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 20.5 tackles for loss. Lions linebackers coach Al Golden previously met with Roberson during his Pro Day. The pass rusher is expected to be selected on Day 2 of the draft.
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Contract Details: Vaccaro, Callahan, Okafor
Let’s take a look at the details of a few recently-signed NFL contracts, with all links going to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle’s Twitter account:
- Kenny Vaccaro, S (Titans): Four years, $24MM. $11.5MM guaranteed. $6MM signing bonus. $500K annual playtime, playoffs incentives (link).
- Bryce Callahan, CB (Broncos): Three years, $21MM. $10MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus (link).
- Alex Okafor, DE (Chiefs): Three years, $18MM. $8.805MM guaranteed. $6MM signing bonus. $2MM annual sack, playtime incentives (link).
- John Miller, G (Bengals): Four years, $16.5MM. $6.5MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus (link).
- K.J. Wright, LB (Seahawks): Two years, $14MM. $6.5MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. $1.5MM playtime escalator in 2020 (link).
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB (Dolphins): Two years, $11MM. $7MM guaranteed. Up to $5MM via 2020 escalator (link).
- Darius Philon, DT (Cardinals): Two years, $10MM. $5MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus. $700K available annually via playtime and sack incentives. $600K playtime escalator in 2020 (link).
- Geoff Swaim, TE (Jaguars): Two years, $6.6MM. $1.25MM guaranteed. $500K signing bonus. $500K playtime, catches, yards, incentive in 2019 (link).
- Ronald Darby, CB (Eagles): One year, $6.5MM. $4.5MM guaranteed. $3.5MM signing bonus. $2MM available via playtime, playoff, and Pro Bowl incentive. Contract contains four void years from 2020-2023 (link).
- Luke Stocker, TE (Falcons): Two years, $5.5MM. $1.5MM signing bonus. Pro Bowl escalator in 2020 (link).
- Zach Kerr, DT (Broncos): Two years, $5MM. $600K signing bonus. $500K annual playtime incentive (link).
- Mike Pennel, DT (Patriots): Two years, $5MM. $500K signing bonus. $1.5MM annual playtime incentive (link).
- Mario Edwards, DL (Saints): Two years, $4.7MM. $950K signing bonus. $816K sack incentive in 2019. $816K salary escalator in 2020 (link).
- John Simon, DE (Patriots): Two years, $4.15MM. $1.65MM guaranteed. $700K signing bonus. $1.5MM annual playtime incentive (link).
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S (Bears): One year, $3MM. $500K signing bonus. $500K playtime, Pro Bowl incentive (link).
- Chandler Catanzaro, K (Jets): One year, $2.3MM. $600K guaranteed. $500K signing bonus. $500K field goal percentage incentive (link).
- Adrian Phillips, S (Chargers): One year, $2MM. $1.25MM guaranteed. $500K signing bonus. $500K playtime, Pro Bowl incentive (link).
- Bashaud Breeland, CB (Chiefs): One year, $2MM. $1.15MM signing bonus. $3MM playtime, Pro Bowl incentive (link).
- Trevor Siemian, QB (Jets): One year, $2MM. $1MM guaranteed. $750K signing bonus. $1MM available via playtime and team performance incentives (link).
- LaAdrian Waddle, T (Bills): One year, $2MM. $400K signing bonus. $500K playtime incentive (link).
- Max Garcia, G (Cardinals): One year, $2MM. $400K signing bonus. $1MM playtime incentive (link).
- Ryan Allen, P (Patriots): One year, $1.5MM. $100K signing bonus. $50K Pro Bowl incentive (link).
Seahawks To Meet With Jordy Nelson
Jordy Nelson‘s free agent tour is underway. The former Raiders and Packers receiver is set to visit the Seahawks on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. 
Aside from the Seahawks, Nelson has also drawn interest from the Patriots, Titans, and Chiefs, according to Schefter. The Raiders, who released Nelson last week, may also have interest in bringing him back on a lesser deal.
Nelson, 34 in May, wasn’t in top form last season, but he did show that he can still play. Last year, he averaged 12.2 yards per reception while catching balls from Derek Carr. That was a step up from 2017, when he averaged a career-low 9.1 yards per reception when he was mostly catching passes from quarterbacks that were not named Aaron Rodgers. All in all, Nelson had 63 grabs for 739 yards and three touchdowns last season.
The former second-round pick and Super Bowl hero caught 97 passes for 1,257 yards and 14 TDs during his last full season with Rodgers.
Titans To Release QB Blaine Gabbert
After acquiring Ryan Tannehill earlier today, the Titans are set to cut one of their other quarterbacks. Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com reports (via Twitter) that the team will release Blaine Gabbert.
The 29-year-old spent last season as Marcus Mariota‘s primary backup. In eight games (three starts), Gabbert completed 60.4-percent of his passes for 626 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions. The 2011 first-round pick has had stints with the Jaguars, 49ers, Cardinals, and Titans during his eight-year career, and he’s presumably set to add another team to that list this offseason.
The Titans gave up a 2019 seventh-rounder and a 2020 fourth-rounder in exchange for Tannehill and a 2019 sixth-rounder earlier today. The front office subsequently reworked their acquisition’s 2019 contract, although the veteran is still set to be among the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL. As a result, it’s not entirely surprising that the Titans decided to move on from Gabbert. His release will provide Tennessee with $1.5MM cap savings vs. $500K in dead cap.
Considering Mariota’s extensive injury history, it’d be surprising if the Titans don’t add another quarterback to the mix during the offseason. Even if the team rolls into the regular season with only two quarterbacks on the roster, we’ll presumably see the team give a third-stringer some reps during the preseason.
Dolphins Trade Ryan Tannehill To Titans
The Titans have a new quarterback. On Friday, the Titans acquired Ryan Tannehill in a trade with the Dolphins, according to a tweet from Tannehill’s agents. ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe tweets that Miami will be receiving a 2019 seventh-rounder (presumably No. 233) and a 2020 fourth-rounder. Meanwhile, the Titans will be getting Tannehill and a 2019 sixth-rounder (presumably No. 188).
As a part of the deal, the Titans have also restructured Tannehill’s contract for the 2019 season. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that it’s effectively a one-year deal worth $7MM guaranteed. There are playing-time incentives that could boost that total to $12MM. Either way, Tannehill will be one of the highest-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Furthermore, it’s not as significant of an investment for the Titans thanks to the Dolphins; Miami ultimately paid $5MM of that $7MM guarantee via a signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).
With Marcus Mariota under center in Tennessee, Tannehill will be eyeing a backup role from the onset. However, the veteran could end up working his way into the lineup; Mariota has missed at least one regular season game in each of his four seasons, including two in 2018. With Tannehill, the Titans at least have reliable insurance in case their starter does go down.
The 30-year-old finished last season having completed 64.2-percent of his passes for 1,979 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 11 starts. He led the Dolphins to a 5-6 record during his outings. While these numbers aren’t outstanding, they’re probably significantly better than what the Titans incumbent backup, Blaine Gabbert, would be able to put up.
The Dolphins have been dangling Tannehill for some time and had little interest in keeping him under the terms of his contract. Tannehill was scheduled to carry a $26.6MM cap hit for Miami in 2019 with a roughly even split in dead money and cap savings in the event of a release.
This week, the Dolphins tried – and failed – to land Tyrod Taylor and Teddy Bridgewater. With few free agent difference-makers remaining, the organization may be forced to shift their focus to the draft. At the very least, it’s unlikely the Dolphins roll into the regular season with their current quarterbacks depth chart, a grouping that consists of Luke Falk and Jake Rudock.
Titans Release OL Josh Kline
Josh Kline‘s tenure in Tennessee has come to an end. The Titans are planning on releasing the offensive lineman, reports Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky (via Twitter).
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the guard turned down a pay cut, which would have kept him on the team. Instead, he’s set to his free agency for a second-straight offseason.
Kline signed a four-year, $26MM deal ($12MM guaranteed) with the Titans last offseason. He proceeded to start all 16 games last season, although the advanced metrics imply that he took a step back in 2018. After rating as a fringe top-20 guard in 2017, Pro Football Focus graded Kline 50th among 77 eligible guards in 2018.
The Titans have already added one offensive guard in Rodger Saffold. If the Titans don’t make any additions to their offensive line, they could turn to Kevin Pamphile, Corey Levin, or Dennis Kelly to start opposite their free agent addition.
Titans To Re-Sign CB Tye Smith
Tye Smith is sticking with the Titans organization. Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com writes that the cornerback will sign a one-year deal with the team.
The 25-year-old emerged as a solid defensive back in 2017, compiling 19 tackles, one pass defended, and one interception. He also started both of the team’s playoff games, collecting seven tackles. Unfortunately, Smith couldn’t build off that solid campaign, as he spent the entire year on the injured reserve.
Upon his return from injury, Smith will be eyeing more of a reduced role on a crowded Titans depth chart. At the moment, the team is rostering cornerbacks Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Adoree’ Jackson, LeShaun Sims and Kenneth Durden.
Contract Details: Smith, James, Wake
The latest details on deals from around the NFL:
- Za’Darius Smith, OLB (Packers): Four years, $66MM. $20MM guaranteed. $20MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle).
- Ja’Wuan James, T (Broncos): Four years, $51MM. $32MM guaranteed. $12MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Steven Nelson, CB (Steelers): Three years, $25.5MM. $7.5MM guaranteed. $7.5MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Cameron Wake, DE (Titans): Three years, $23MM. $9.75MM guaranteed. $4MM signing bonus. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Latavius Murray, RB (Saints): Four years, $14.4MM. $7.2MM guaranteed. $3.4MM signing bonus (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Spencer Pulley, C/G (Giants): Three years, $8.025MM. $2.325MM guaranteed. (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan).
- Eric Rowe, CB (Dolphins): One year, $3.5MM. $500K signing bonus. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Ryan Griffin, QB (Buccaneers): Two years, $2.9MM. $450K signing bonus. (Twitter link via Greg Auman of The Athletic).
- Deone Bucannon, LB (Buccaneers): One year, $2.5MM. $1.45MM guaranteed. (Twitter link via Wilson).
- Brett Hundley, QB (Cardinals): One year, $1.875MM. $750K guaranteed. (Twitter link via Wilson).
Contract Details: Paradis, Saffold, Jackson, Packers
Following another busy day around the NFL, let’s check out some contract details:
- Matt Paradis, C (Panthers): Three years, $27.03MM. $10MM guaranteed at signing, $9MM signing bonus. Salaries: $1MM (2019), $5.5MM (2020), $7.03MM (2021). Pair of voidable years at the end of deal. Twitter links via Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
- Rodger Saffold, OL (Titans): Four years, $44MM, $22.5MM guaranteed. $9.5MM signing bonus. Salaries: $3.5MM (2019), $9.5MM (2020), $9.5MM (2021), $9MM (2022). $1MM roster bonus on fifth day of 2022 league year. Twitter link via Wilson.
- Kareem Jackson, DB (Broncos): Three years, $33MM, $23MM guaranteed. First two years are fully guaranteed, including $3MM salary in 2019 and $11MM salary in 2020. $10MM 2021 salary to be exercised at end of 2020 league year. Twitter link via Mike Klis of 9News in Denver.
- Billy Turner, OL (Packers): Four years, $28MM. $9MM guaranteed, all via signing bonus. 2019 cap hit is $4.25MM. Salaries: $1.35MM (2019), $1.75MM (2020), $4.15MM (2021), $5.2MM (2020). Twitter link via Goessling, ESPN link via Rob Demovsky.
- Chris Banjo, S (Packers): One year. $6.9MM, $2.65MM guaranteed, $1.8MM signing bonus. Up to $700K in yearly playing-time incentives. Twitter link via Wilson.
Titans To Sign Cameron Wake
Cameron Wake is finally changing teams. The longtime Dolphins sack artist has a deal in place with the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Wake will sign a three-year, $23MM deal to help anchor Tennessee’s pass rush. We learned last week that Wake would not be re-signing with the Dolphins, the only team he has ever known, and he predictably had multiple clubs interested in his services.
Wake posted just six sacks last season after back-to-back double-digit campaigns, and he is 37. But he still offers plenty of ability, even if Tennessee may need to limit his snap count to keep him fresh. Pro Football Focus was especially bullish on his 2018 performance, ranking him as the 16th-best edge defender out of 113 eligible players.
Plus, he is a capable edge setter against the run, so it’s not as though the Titans will be forced to deploy him only in passing situations. The five-time Pro Bowler, who has one First Team All-Pro bid to his credit, also has a reputation as a sure tackler, making him a pretty complete all-around player.
However, he has just one career playoff appearance in his 10 years in the league, so one would think he could have chosen a club that profiled as a more legitimate contender. The Titans narrowly missed the playoffs last season, but they do not look like an outfit that is especially well-equipped to make a deep postseason run at the moment.
Wake has 98 sacks in his career, good for 33rd all-time, and he could climb into the top-25 with a quality season in Nashville.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.