Talk Of The Titans Trading Ryan Tannehill Has Run Its Course

We've reached to point where all the trade talk surrounding Ryan Tannehill should have run its course because, at this point, it's become ridiculous.

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - Right on cue late last week, another scenario that the Tennessee Titans could trade Ryan Tannehill rose from the ranks of the online media masses. 

The latest absurdity says that the Las Vegas- I still want to call them Oakland- Raiders might be interested in trading for the Titans veteran signal-caller in the fallout from Jimmy Garropolo’s failed physical revelations. 

If you’ve been out of the loop in the lead-up to the long three-day weekend we just finished, Garropolo, the Raiders prize-free agent addition, allegedly failed his physical(s) and possibly more than one.   

According to a report first shared by  Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, there is an additional clause to Garoppolo’s contract with the Raiders that protects the team from the risk of further injury up to and including “permanent disability.” This clause would allow the Raiders to move on from Garoppolo without any salary cap issues.

Almost immediately after this story hit the front page, the Tannehill to Las Vegas rumors began, as writers suggested that the Titans would send their presumed starter to the Raiders from a slew of draft picks and the salary cap considerations that would come with the move. 

I have just one question for those in the trade Tannehill camp. 

Why?   

Head coach Mike Vrabel stated unequivocally that Tannehill is the team’s No. 1 and has practiced as such during the first few days of organized team activities, and considering the competitive nature of the Titans head man and the fact that Tannehill gives him the best chance to win games this season, I’d say that’s a pretty solid indicator that he’s not going to be traded anytime soon. 

Just like the rumors of Tannehill to Green Bay, these rumors fall under the same “ridiculous” category. Tannehill’s not going anywhere, and I’d be willing to put some greenbacks on it. 

Yes, the Titans selected Malik Willis in 2022 and Will Levis in the 2023 draft, but neither is ready to be the team’s starter for an entire 17-game season. If either were to be the starter, the prospects for this team this season would likely diminish considerably, and Vrabel isn’t going to agree to that willingly.

I understand that a large segment of the fan base has soured on Tannehill and wants him gone, but they will have to wait another year for that to become a reality. 

While the rumors of Tannehill’s removal from the Titans roster are likely to continue, it’s not expected to happen, so let’s hope that the stories will stop. Then we can talk about the business of this team becoming the best it can be ahead of the coming season.    

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