As the Tennessee Titans continue to navigate free agency, where they’ve been quiet since Tuesday outside of re-signing their own guys, we still don’t have a definitive answer as to whether or not this team is going to rebuild.
However, Jim Wyatt of Titans Online sounded pretty definitive in a recent mailbag article, stating that the team is not blowing it up in 2023.
Dell Davis from Winchester, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, I really enjoy your work. A lot of rumors surrounding Ryan & Derrick. The panthers trading for the #1 spot really takes us out of contention for a qb in the draft this year. With Ryan and Derrick back this year and if they stay healthy, we’re probably looking at a mid to late round pick next year. More than likely knocking us out of the top two qb’s next year also. My question is wouldn’t it be a better to blow this thing up this year as opposed to keep waiting. Get what we can in a trade for Ryan & Derrick now. And this is unpopular opinion but also Jeffrey Simmons. We have to have reset eventually. Why not take advantage now?
Jim: The Titans are not “blowing this thing” up.
While Titans fans know better, the national media has tried to paint the Titans as rebuilding after the cuts they made earlier this offseason. But as we know, those cuts would’ve happened regardless of last year’s outcome.
The biggest surprise in that area was Ben Jones, who many thought would be back if he didn’t retire.
Some could look at that as a rebuilding move, but the Titans might think they have a younger, cheaper replacement in Aaron Brewer, and I wonder how much Jones’ two concussions in 2022 factored into that decision, also.
There have been rumors about the Titans possibly trading Derrick Henry or parting ways with Kevin Byard if he refuses a pay cut, something he reportedly did recently.
Parting with players like them would certainly signify a rebuild is in order, as both players are not only two of the best on the team right now, they’re both still playing at a high level and are vital to any hopes Tennessee has of competing in 2023.
If you’re in the camp of not wanting to see a rebuild this offseason, Wyatt’s words should put you at ease. After all, few have their finger on the pulse of this team like Wyatt, and if he says something definitively, believe it.
