INDIANAPOLIS – Titans general manager Jon Robinson spoke to reporters here on Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine.
Among other things, Robinson was asked about some of the team's impending free agents, the NFL Draft, and the potential use of the franchise or transition tags.
A look at some quick hits from the GM:
On QB Ryan Tannehill's status …
Tannehill, named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, has an expiring contract.
Robinson was asked if Tannehill will be the team's likely starter in 2020.
"We'll see how that goes," Robinson said. "He is under contract here for the next few weeks and he did a great job for us. We'll start those (contract) talks and see where those go, just like all the other players."
Robinson went on to say Tannehill, "had a good year and we'll see how it goes from here."
A reporter with the Boston Globe asked Robinson about other quarterbacks who could be on the market in March.
Robinson refused to go down that road.
"Players that are under contract that aren't on our team, I can't comment on those guys, and I won't comment on those guys," Robinson said. "We are working through the process here at the combine and whenever that time opens up where we can negotiate with other players regardless of what position they are, whenever that window opens up, we'll attack that just like 31 other teams attack it."
On Derrick Henry's future …
Like Tannehill, Henry's contract is also due to expire next month.
Henry led the NFL in rushing in 2019.
"Derrick had a great year for us – he led the league in rushing," Robinson said. "He built off the second half of the 2018 season that he had. He cares about his teammates, he works hard, he is great in the community. So we are going to work through that one and do everything we can to keep him around."
Robinson was asked about potentially using the franchise or transition tags on some of the team's players. Robinson said it's a resource every team is allowed to use but gave no hints on whether the team might use either tag.
"We haven't had to use it before," Robinson said, "so we'll see."
On some of the team's other free agents …
The Titans have already extended contracts for tight end Anthony Firkser and receiver Cameron Batson this month.
Robinson said the team is working with the agents for other players as well. The Titans have roughly 20 players scheduled to become free agents, including tackle Jack Conklin and cornerback Logan Ryan.
"We have several guys free agent-wise whose contracts are up, and I have spoken to all of those guys," Robinson said. "We are working through that now. We have daily discussions internally about the roster and how we are going to handle the roster. We have started some preliminary discussions with some guys and we'll continue to work through that.
"We have a lot of good players and we want to try and keep as many good players on the team as possible and we'll see how it goes."
On picking 29th, and the strengths of the NFL Draft …
A year after picking 19th overall in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Titans are scheduled to pick in the back of the first round this April.
Robinson discussed some of the top position groups, knowing his needs will be influenced by what happens in free agency, and the team's ability to re-sign some of its own players.
"There's a lot of good players in this draft, and we are kind of in a different spot, which is a good spot – it means we had a good season – we are at 29," Robinson said. "Would I like to be in the top 10 and have a shot at one of those guys up there? Sure, but that would mean we didn't win very many football games. So, this is a good problem to have.
"I think all the position groups are pretty deep. I think the o-line has some pretty good depth to it. I think the receiver position and the running back position have good depth to it. On the back end, in the secondary, there are some longer corners, some length at the corner position. So, I am excited this week to sit with the guys and talk to them and get to know them as people."
A look back at QB Ryan Tannehill's 2019 Pro Bowl season that saw him complete 201-of-286 passes (70.3%) for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns, and an NFL-leading 117.5 passer rating. (Photos: Donald Page).
A look back at RB Derrick Henry's 2019 Pro Bowl season that saw him rush 303 times for an NFL-leading 1,540 yards (5.1-yard avg.) and 16 touchdowns. (Photos: Donald Page)
Check out Titans players over the years at the NFL Scouting Combine. (AP Photos)