The Tennessee Titans are in a tailspin, and it could lead to a Tyjae Spears trade. Selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft under then-head coach Mike Vrabel, the Tulane product showed some promise as a backup to Derrick Henry. Appearing in all 17 games, the rookie finished the season with 453 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 100 attempts to go along with 52 receptions for 385 yards and an additional score. With Henry in Baltimore, the Titans signed Tony Pollard to split work with the incumbent.
So far, that hasn’t happened. Pollard has been the clear lead back, dramatically outpacing Spears in snaps, attempts, rushing yards, and even targets. First-year head coach Brian Callahan doesn’t seem to be the biggest fan of Tyjae Spears, and that could lead to a trade. At 0-3, the Titans are going nowhere fast and could use as many draft picks as possible for their inevitable rebuild. Running backs aren’t the most valuable position, but a team like the Baltimore Ravens or New Orleans Saints could take a low-risk flier on the former third-round pick.
Titans Could Trade Tyjae Spears to Ravens, Saints
After a relatively slow start, Derrick Henry proved he can still be dangerous during Baltimore’s Week 3 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the four-time Pro Bowler can still break tackles and stiff arm defenders like it’s nothing, the fact remains that Henry is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. The 30-year-old won’t be around forever, and the Ravens don’t have a proven backup. Despite their 1-2 record, the Ravens have Super Bowl aspirations and a Tyjae Spears trade could provide invaluable depth for this roster.
Justice Hill recently signed an extension, but the longtime Raven is more of a special teams player than a featured part of the offense. 2023 undrafted free agent Keaton Mitchell, meanwhile, had a promising rookie season but is coming back from a serious injury and is anything but a safe bet. Perhaps pre-draft concerns about his knee were justified, but if not, Tyjae Spears represents an ideal trade target for a run-heavy team that could use help closing out games.
Alvin Kamara Insurance
Through three weeks of action, ageless wonder Alvin Kamara leads the NFL in all-purpose yards. Nobody saw this coming, but the five-time Pro Bowler might be unable to keep that title in Week 4. The star running back is battling injuries and might not suit up, but even if he does, he can’t maintain this heavy workload. Now playing in his age-29 season, Kamara won’t survive a 17-game season with 300 or more touches. With limited options on the current depth chart, the Saints could trade for Tyjae Spears and see if he can develop into a long-term starter.
Jamaal Williams can handle short-yardage work, but the eight-year veteran never recaptured his magic 2022 season with New Orleans. 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller can’t stay on the field and wore out his welcome with head coach Dennis Allen. Tyjae Spears has the highest ceiling of these three players, and a trade could allow Kamara to survive an entire season for a team desperately hoping to end their playoff drought.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
