The Tennessee Titans have been busy this offseason revamping their roster. Numerous veterans were cut in an effort to get their salary cap situation under control and more moves could be on the horizon. As a result, Tennessee is one of the teams people are keeping a close eye on heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rumors have swirled that the Titans could move on from running back Derrick Henry. Henry has been the backbone of their offense the last few seasons and moving on from him would signal the team is in a rebuild.
Star safety Kevin Byard could also be on the move after the team approached him about taking a pay cut and he declined. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is under contract for one more season before his deal voids and he becomes a free agent.
If they don’t finish the job this offseason, next offseason Tennessee’s roster is going to look vastly different. That could play a part in the team getting aggressive and seeking out a long-term option at the quarterback position in the coming days.
At 34 years old, it is easy to see the franchise moving on from Tannehill after the 2023 season, if he even makes it to the regular season as the starter. The Titans could try and make a move up the board to draft a quarterback or they could seek out a trade with a player who has fallen out of favor.
One player to keep an eye on in that regard is Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers. Lance has been passed by Brock Purdy on the depth chart. There have been some rumors that Lance could be on the move as a result and Tennessee is a logical landing spot.
General manager Ran Carthon was hired by the Titans this offseason away from the 49ers, where he was director of player personnel since 2021. Coincidentally, that is also the year that San Francisco drafted Lance No. 3 overall. If there is anyone who could give Lance another chance to start despite the rocky start to his career, it is Carthon and the Titans.
What could a trade between the Titans and the 49ers look like? A suggested trade package is Tennessee sending a third-round pick, No. 72 overall, and a 2024 fourth-round pick to San Francisco in exchange for Lance.
The 49ers know they aren’t going to get close to the same value they paid to move up and select Lance. Getting two selections, one this year and one next year is probably as good as they can do unless a team surprisingly pony’s up a second-rounder. With Sam Darnold being signed this offseason, he can handle first-team reps until Purdy is healthy and slide into the backup role upon his return.
For the Titans, they give themselves a long-term option at the quarterback spot. The familiarity that Carthon has with Lance will play a big part in their pursuit of him. There isn’t a front office outside of San Francisco that knows Lance as well as the Titans.
In addition, Lance doesn’t have to be rushed into the lineup in 2023, giving the front office some time to upgrade the roster before inserting him in as a starter. Acquiring a former No. 3 overall pick who has yet to really show his talent for two mid-round picks is good value for a franchise in need of a long-term option at quarterback.
