Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill still wants to play. After 12 NFL seasons, including the previous five with the Titans, Tannehill is a free agent as training camps across the NFL opened over the past two weeks.
It’s an unusual position for Tannehill, the Dolphins’ first-round pick in 2012. He has played in 155 career games, with 151 starts. Tannehill was Tennessee’s primary quarterback for the past five seasons until last season when he gave way to then-rookie Will Levis.
With a lack of quality quarterbacks across the NFL, Tannehill could still start for some teams. If nothing else, he’d be an elite backup. As for Tannehill, he still wants to play but is also enjoying some time away from the game for family reasons.
“I’m staying in shape and staying ready if the right thing pops up and comes available,” Tannehill told “Scoop City” podcast via John Glennon of Nashville Post. “But also, at the same time, really enjoying where I’m at and the time with the family.”
Tannehill can afford to wait. Teams will call. In fact, teams have likely already tried to sign Tannehill, but it’s been in his best interest to wait. At this time of year, starting-caliber quarterbacks who have consistently won in the NFL are rarely available — especially those who can still play.
“Honestly, it feels good … it’s pretty good,” Tannehill said of where he is currently. “It’s a weird feeling, right? Just because I’ve done it for so long and loved every step of the way. But my son’s birthday is tomorrow. I’m going to get to celebrate my son’s birthday fully and not be in training camp, so I’m really excited for that. Just spending a lot of quality family time together.
Tannehill deserved a break after a difficult 2023 season with the Titans.
NFL teams often wait until after Week 1 to sign veteran players, so their contract aren’t guaranteed for the upcoming season. That could be what teams are waiting for with Tannehill, or he could be waiting for an injury, leading to a desperate to sign him for some guaranteed cash.
