With the start of free agency rapidly approaching, we’re taking a trip around the AFC South to see what the Tennessee Titans’ division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, are up to.
The unofficial start of free agency is Monday, when the legal tampering period begins. Then, on Wednesday, which is the start of the new league years, players can start officially signing contracts.
After free agency comes the draft in late April, where the Texans now have one less pick after violating league rules. Speaking of the draft, the Colts and Texans now have another quarterback-needy team in front of them.
After his reinstatement from a year-long gambling suspension, Jags wideout Calvin Ridley expressed remorse for his actions, and he went into detail about how he battled depression and anxiety during his time in Atlanta.
Check out those stories and more in our latest AFC South news round-up.
Jaguars' 13-year streak without compensatory picks likely ends in 2024
The Jaguars have been astoundingly bad at getting compensatory picks over the years, and so much so they haven’t gotten one in 13 years. But, as Jaguars Wire’s Adam Stites writes, that streak could end in 2024.
Full order of Jaguars' 9 picks in 2023 NFL Draft
Last week, the NFL revealed the official draft order for this year’s event, something we covered from the Titans’ angle right here. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have at least one pick in every round except for the fifth, and multiple in the fourth and sixth rounds.
Calvin Ridley talks anxiety, depression, 'stupid mistake' in letter
Jags wideout Calvin Ridley, who is fresh off a suspension for gambling after being reinstated, posted a revealing piece in The Players’ Tribune talking about his issues over the past few years. It’s definitely worth a look.
Jaguars release CB Shaquill Griffin, save $13.1 million in cap space
This move was expected for some time now with the Jaguars trying to free up cap space and Griffin coming off an injury-plagued season. He now becomes one of the better cornerbacks in what is a weak market at the position.
Jaguars use franchise tag on TE Evan Engram
The Jags and tight end Evan Engram were unable to strike a deal on a long-term contract extension, forcing Jacksonville to slap the tag on him. The two sides can still work out a deal, though.
This is significant, as Engram’s $11.3 million franchise tag price will count against the cap in full. An extension would’ve enabled the cash-strapped Jags to lower his 2023 cap hit, giving the team more flexibility in free agency.
Report: Jaguars 'pushing hard' to keep OT Jawaan Taylor
Left tackle Jawaan Taylor is likely to have plenty of suitors if he hits the open market (and the Titans could be one of them), but the Jaguars are reportedly working hard to try and keep him. Taylor should make bank regardless.
Report: Panthers were worried Colts would trade up to No. 1
The Carolina Panthers were reportedly worried the Colts would trade up to No. 1 prior to their blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bears for the pick. Carolina moving up means the Colts may not land one of the two best quarterbacks in this year’s class.
Report: Colts scheduled to host QB Hendon Hooker for top-30 visit
Tennessee product and quarterback Hendon Hooker is reportedly set to have a top-30 visit with the Colts. Hooker is coming off a torn ACL and projections for him are all over the map as a result.
Report: Colts not among teams at Odell Beckham Jr. workout
Like the Titans, the Colts were not among the teams at Odell Beckham Jr.’s workout. In fact, no AFC South team attended.
Report: Colts WR Parris Campbell to have 'healthy market'
Campbell hits free agency in an offseason in which there isn’t a great market for the position. Tennessee will wade the waters of said market, so Campbell might be on their radar, and he’ll reportedly have a “healthy market” overall.
Colts' updated 2023 NFL draft pick order
The Colts have one pick in each round except for the sixth, and multiple picks in the fifth and seventh rounds. Indy did not receive any comp picks.
Panthers jump Texans, trading with Bears for No. 1 overall
The Colts weren’t the only AFC South team the Panthers hopped in the NFL draft, as the Texans are sitting at No. 2. Now, the Texans won’t have their pick of top two quarterbacks, unless Carolina goes with Anthony Richardson.
Texans disagree with NFL findings that led to forfeiture of 2023 fifth-round pick
The Texans were stripped of a 2023 fifth-round pick for a violation of league policy that included how the team covered the costs of alternate workout sites while facilities were closed during the pandemic. The Texans disagreed with the NFL’s findings and ruling in a statement.
Not The Onion: Texans could play Oilers in 2023
Texans Wire’s Mark Lane writes how Houston could play the Oilers in 2023, with the Titans set to don their throwbacks for a home game that has yet to be determined. Texans fans continue to be upset that the Titans have Oilers history, even though they were literally the Oilers, even in Tennessee.
Austin Hooper could be veteran option at tight end for Texans
With the Texans needing a veteran tight end, Mark Lane suggests Titans pending free agent Austin Hooper as an option. It remains to be seen if Tennessee wants to bring him back, but the team should definitely be interested in pairing him with Chig Okonkwo for another season.
