One year ago, the Tennessee Titans signed wide receiver Kearis Jackson as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Georgia. Jackson made Tennessee’s 53-man roster, becoming the primary punt returner.
In two games, Jackson returned six punts for 48 yards before an ankle injury ended his season in September.
The Titans fired former head coach Mike Vrabel in the offseason, replacing him with Brian Callahan. Callahan’s primary goal was to develop quarterback Will Levis, and surrounding Levis with multiple weapons was a part of general manager Ran Carthon’s strategy. The Titans added free-agent veteran wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, putting Jackson’s roster spot in jeopardy.
In Tennessee’s first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Jackson showed why he belongs on the 2024 53-man roster. After the 49ers’ first touchdown, Jackson took the ensuing kickoff 63 yards, setting Levis and the offense with a short field for an easy touchdown.
Check it out:
🕹️ @king_kearis takes the kick 63 yards!
📺: Watch #SFvsTEN on @WKRN and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/RwjNMNHuiq
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 10, 2024
Jackson’s return was phenomenal, and he showed the Titans why he is the perfect player to take advantage of the NFL’s new kickoff rule. There are still several players ahead of him, but his ability on special teams is undeniable. With the new rules, having a player dedicated as a punt/kick returner is more possible than in previous years.
Keep your eyes on Jackson over the next couple of weeks.
