The league has gathered in sunny Orlando for its annual league-wide meetings. At these meetings, personnel will discuss rules such as the hotly debated (but not approved this year) kickoff rules, suddenly en vogue “hip drop” tackles (which were banned on Monday), and other various items on the agenda. Of course, the player’s union will be on notice, as they usually are when the league meets to change policy.
The coaches and general managers also pose in student yearbook-style photo sessions, often resulting in hilarious internet sleuthing and mockery.
Here are the coaches posing in various styles of regalia and clothing:
NFL head coaches photo at owners meetings in Orlando. @Titans HC Brian Callahan on front row, fifth from the right. pic.twitter.com/wBvY4XGo3g
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 24, 2024
The General Managers get their turn in the sun:
NFL GMs photo at owners meetings in Orlando. @Titans GM Ran Carthon on the front row. pic.twitter.com/xnGknUSuFF
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 24, 2024
Titans GM Ran Carthon Speaks From Annual League Meeting
Jim Wyatt of tennesseetitans.com took the opportunity to interview general manager Ran Carthon in Orlando on Sunday afternoon. Carthon also expounded on the Titans’ free agency plans and other topics. There could be some things that could be inferred from his comments about the state of the team.
Thoughts on the current state of the team
“We still have a lot of work to do, and we still have our eight draft picks. We know the draft is coming up, and that’s going to take precedence now. But we still have cap room, and we feel like we’re well-positioned to (make moves later). I feel good about what we’ve done, but we still have to find ways to improve and we’re looking forward to that challenge.” – Ran Carthon
With free agency largely over, minus a big name or three, and yet to find new homes, it appears Tennessee has turned on the afterburners to focus on the draft. One key addition last year was a signing right before training camp, so there’s plenty of time to upgrade the roster further. According to Spotrac, the Titans have $30.8 million in cap space to play with. Notable free agents that could help in positions of need could be names such as Marcus Maye, Calais Campbell, Emmanuel Ogbah, Kwon Alexander, Justin Simmons, and Tyus Bowser. He also spoke about having an experienced backup QB, starting cornerback, and defensive line depth.
A dawn of a new style of running back?
“Tony, just being in tandem with Tyjae (Spears),” Carthon said of Pollard, formerly with the Cowboys, and the team’s running back position. “Having two explosive guys that can take it the distance anywhere on the field. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and provide us with explosive plays (is exciting).” – Carthon
The days of hammering Derrick Henry into the middle of the tackle box appear over. They moved purposefully on the running back front by signing a force multiplier in Tony Pollard. He could work in tandem with incumbent Tyjae Spears to keep defenses honest with their abilities in space. Having two versatile backs would force the defense to respect the receivers, unlike in previous seasons when everyone knew what was coming.
OL Coach Bill Callahan gets new tools
“He’s played both guard spots, he’s played tackle,” Carthon said. “And that’s the thing with coach Bill Callahan, these guys will learn and know multiple positions. He’s in a unique situation where he’ll be able to create his own way.”
The Titans signed center Lloyd Cushenberry to a megabucks contract, but the most intriguing signing would be Saahdiq Charles. He’s a versatile lineman who came over from the Commanders franchise. He has played both right guard and tackle spots in his pro career. Tennessee has a glaring hole at right tackle with unproven talent and needs an upgrade in backup quality behind right guard Daniel Brunskill. Charles would provide such capabilities and wouldn’t pigeonhole the franchise at the draft.
Calvin Ridley is a Titan!
“He’s a guy that you can move around to a bunch of different spots,” Carthon said of Ridley. “He’s one of the better separators in the league, one of the better guys working releases and finishing at the top of routes. He gives another explosive element to the offense, and another weapon for our quarterbacks to throw to.”
Wyatt mentions that Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan did not attend Georgia’s Pro Day to finish recruiting Ridley. The Titans signed Ridley to a four-year pact worth up to $92 million to help bolster their flagging receiver room behind DeAndre Hopkins. His arrival could portend good things for miscast Treylon Burks, who will develop at his own pace and in the slot where he is most comfortable. Again, this is a force multiplier signing as teams have to respect Tennessee’s pass game for the first time in ages.
Saying Goodbyes
“Derrick is someone that you respect immensely for what he has done for this organization,” Carthon said of Henry, who signed with the Ravens. “We had a conversation at the end of the season, and it left in a really good place, I believe. And, I wish him nothing but the best, other than when (he) plays us.”
Franchise icon Derrick Henry is gone to the Ravens, like his predecessors Steve McNair and Derrick Mason. It was time for both parties to end their relationship and begin anew. Hopefully, Henry will be welcomed back into Nashville at reunions and other events. Carthon also revealed that EDGE Denico Autry and inside linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair were players the team wanted back. What stings is that both chose to sign with the ascending Texans.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
