2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?
By Randy Gurzi
9. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Before the 2019 season, the Tennessee Titans traded for Ryan Tannehill and made him the backup to Marcus Mariota. It wasn’t long before the question was asked if Mariota would be on the way out and by Week 7, he was the new starter.
Tannehill ended up throwing for 2,742 yards with 22 touchdowns and just six picks in 10 starts while going 7-3. He was then signed to an extension in the offseason worth $118 million over four years. At first, the contract seemed to be on the high side, but he proved that wrong with another fantastic season.
In his first full season as the starter for the Titans, they went 11-5 with him throwing for 3,819 yards with 33 touchdowns and only seven picks. Now, he enters 2021 with an even better offense thanks to the addition of Julio Jones who was added recently in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jones joining the team along with A.J. Brown gives Tannehill two No. 1 options as well as a great running game thanks to Derrick Henry being on the roster. This should be yet another big season for Tannehill who has been great since getting away from Adam Gase — which should give Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers a lot of hope for what they can do.