The Tennessee Titans need a long-term solution at the quarterback position, and Ryan Tannehill might find himself on a new team in 2023. Rumors indicate that the Titans could make a big trade up to the third spot in the 2023 NFL Draft, which is currently held by the Arizona Cardinals, who need a bit of everything on their roster.
Tannehill came to the Titans in 2019 as the backup to Marcus Mariota and was then inserted as the starter a few games into the season. Since then, Tannehill and the Titans enjoyed a few good years that led to them clinching a spot in the AFC Championship game a few years ago.
Now, Tannehill is set to enter his age-35 season and is a pretty average thrower. With Trevor Lawrence in the division and the Colts and Texans likely taking a QB this year, the Titans should do the same.
This might prompt them to find a trade partner for Ryan Tannehill or even just cut him. So, what three teams would make sense as destinations for Tannehill in 2023?
Potential destinations for Ryan Tannehill in the 2023 season
Atlanta Falcons
I think the spot might make the most sense. The Atlanta Falcons have had a nice offseason thus far, beefing up their defense and re-signing elite guard Chris Lindstrom to a massive contract. The team took Desmond Ridder in the middle rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft and he saw limited action in 2022.
What if the Falcons made a move for Tannehill and kind of installed him as a contingency plan for Ridder? Arthur Smith probably has to finish with a winning record this year and Tannehill played his best football under Smith.
I’m sure the Falcons would probably prefer to keep Ridder as the starter, and perhaps they could in this scenario, but adding Tannehill to the mix makes sense. Atlanta did sign Taylor Heinicke, but with Ridder on a rookie contract, adding another pass catcher is financially doable.
Potential destinations for Ryan Tannehill in the 2023 season
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson officially requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens on March 2nd. It’s clear that he and the Ravens have been unable to come to an agreement on a long-term deal and it seems that Jackson wants to move on.
Jackson can sign an offer sheet from another team if he wants, and if the Ravens do not want to match, that team would fork over two first-round picks in return for the 2019 MVP. My gut tells me that Jackson isn’t going to be a Raven in 2023, which could lead to the Ravens pivoting to a stopgap QB.
They have a talented enough roster to win in the AFC North and perhaps the playoffs, so pivoting to someone like Tannehill while they then try to figure out a true long-term solution might be smart.
This would be a huge mistake by the Baltimore Ravens to not extend Lamar Jackson, but if he indeed isn’t a Raven in 2023, Ryan Tannehill could slide into the starting job.
Potential destinations for Ryan Tannehill in the 2023 season
New York Jets
Hear me out. The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers have yet to agree to trade terms for four-time MVP QB and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers. What is the hold up? Honestly, I truly think there’s a chance that the two sides fail to come together on a deal for Rodgers.
They’ve known about Rodgers’ desire to play for the Jets for what seems like months now, and yet, Rodgers still remains a Packer. The Jets did prepare for Rodgers’ arrival, signing former players and likely having a plan in place to clear the necessary cap space to take on his contract.
But, I reiterate, what if they cannot agree to terms? The Jets have a more urgent need at QB as the Packers plan on pivoting to Jordan Love, and I think with Joe Douglas entering his fifth year as the GM and Robert Saleh entering his third year as HC, the Jets need to win this year.
This could cause Douglas and his front office to perhaps want to find something that could last more than a year and a player that is easier to get.
Ryan Tannehill could be that guy and I truly would not be surprised if the Jets look elsewhere.