NASHVILLE – Music City is an ice rink, and we're not going to thaw out any time soon.
Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe out there.
Here in the mailbag, we've had a flurry of J.J. Watt questions in the last few days. Or, more like a blizzard.
I've included two in here, but I could've done the entire mailbag with them, just so you'll know. The reality is there's a lot to be determined with Watt, and teams across the league.
As always, thanks for taking the time…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE
Vincent McKelvy from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim, I have been a big Titans fan since they moved to TN, well Nashville. They have done a good job with the draft and developing their talent. But, it seems they always fall short when it comes to free agents. It was painful to watch them last year try to get off the field on third down and the lack of a pass rush. Now, with JJ Watt available, I am disappointed to see no one is even listing the Titans as a possible location. What does it take to attract a player of this type and how do we get more in the future? Thanks for your thoughts.
Jim: Hi Vincent. Just because the Titans aren't listed in some of these reports doesn't mean they're not interested. And I think the signing of Jadeveon Clowney last year proved the Titans can attract top players. Sure, Clowney didn't pan out, but he was a top-tier free agent who ultimately picked the Titans. These decisions for free agents a lot of times come down to money (the Titans don't have a lot of it right now), team success (the Titans have been to the playoffs three of the past four years), familiarity with the coaching staff (the Titans have that with Vrabel and Watt), need and fit (the Titans could use Watt, and I'm sure he knows it) and a player's overall respect for an organization (I suspect Watt has good feelings about the Titans, considering Amy Adams Strunk donated $1 million to Watt's hurricane relief efforts a few years ago). With all that said, I'm sure Watt would be a fit at several places for a lot of these same reasons. If he doesn't end up in Tennessee, however, it wont be because the Titans "can't attract a player of this type."
Troy Habben from Machesney Park, Illinois
Question: Dear Jim. Since the NFL cap is decreasing this year, is there any chance players would take a pay cut to help with the cap room? If so enough possibility to help sign a FA that can help on defense.
Jim: Hey Troy. I'm not going to speculate on which ones, but I think there's a chance some players may be asked to restructure contracts. And, of course, there's a scenario other players with high salaries and cap numbers could be released. And the additional money could be used to sign some of the team's own free agents, as well as those from other teams.
Connor McFarley from Louisville, Kentucky
Question: Titan Up Jim! With the news of JJ Watt being released I can imagine the Titans are giving at least some consideration to signing him. I think he is on the DOWNSIDE of his career. His production is NOWHERE NEAR deserving of what he will cost, not to mention he is injury prone and probably won't last more than 8 games. PLUS, it's going to take him and at least 2 more other defensive stoppers to make our defense formidable again. We're honestly in a good position this year in the draft, especially with 2 3rd round picks, I don't think we need to gamble on this guy and put ourselves in a position where we can't pay the exceptional talent that I know we will draft this season. What do you think?
Jim: Hey Connor. I haven't gotten many emails like this one. Most fans seem to want him. Personally, I think he'd be a nice addition, but at the right price.
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Dear Jim, I just read that OLB Kamalei Correa was just released. He probably isn't worth a lot to other teams cuz for some reason he doesn't fit well in other schemes but he fits well in the Titans scheme. At minimum he's a good depth piece. And he might be a good starter if the first team starter goes down. I'm not a football expert but I think the Titans should consider signing him to am EDGE 3 contract. Thanks for listening.
Jim: Kamalei Correa asked to be released from the Titans last year. Not sure there's any coming back from that here...
Dan McFall from Fuquay-Varina NC
Question: A few weeks ago I made an off handed joke about Adoree' Jackson getting torched, sorry for that, just frustration getting loose... I'm sure he was way more frustrated than I. Anyway, the improvements this team have been able to make since the Vrabel hiring are incredible. I believe with a few additions to the defense and some adjustments to the defensive play calling the team will make it to the mountaintop. TITANS fan forever.
Jim: Thanks for clearing this up, Dan.
Tullious Benton from Mohegan Lake, New York
Question: Jim. In my humble opinion the most concern is the defense line and especially the secondary not being able to use zone schemes effectively. What are your team's priorities to win the division and possibly moving on past teams with offensive speed?
Jim: Good to hear from you, Tull. I'm going to go edge rusher(s), another difference-maker on the d-line, and help at receiver. A lot, of course, depends on what happens with some of the team's own free agents, like Corey Davis, Jayon Brown, Jonnu Smith and DaQuan Jones, among others.
Jonathan Lindsey from Boonville, Indiana
Question: Hey Jim! Hope you are well. Going to steer clear of any Titans Roster/coaching talk as I am sure you are getting a couple or three questions already. Instead, I'm going to ask about the AFC South Quarterback situation... With old man Rivers retiring, Watson wanting a trade, and Minshew Mania fizzled out, when was the last time the South had 3 out of 4 new starting quarterbacks? Doesn't seem like this has happened in a while. Thanks for all you do, you truly are the best, glad the Titans have you. God Bless!
Jim: Hey Jonathan. It's definitely been a while. I suspect Watson stays in Houston, and Trevor Lawrence is going to get drafted by the Jaguars. The Colts are a question mark at QB at this point. The Titans should feel good about the outlook at that position moving forward with Ryan Tannehill, for sure.
Stephen Reed from Miami, Florida
Question: Hey Jim. Long-time fan. first time writer. Can you help me understand why some fans want to let Corey Davis go? Yes he was a first round pick and everybody expected a Calvin Johnson, forgetting the fact that he dominated at a small collage. Out of that class he had the best upside. Missed first year with hamstring. Second year was basically his rookie year adjusting to the NFL (remember that small collage). His third year he was making strides and developing well even with most of the targets going to Brown. Finally last season, with Brown emerging as the #1, Davis still finishes the season with 950 yds as the #2. How many teams have a # 2 with 950yds? Bring him back. Thanks Jim safety to you and your family'.
Jim: Hey Stephen. I've gotten a few emails suggesting the Titans should release Davis, which isn't an option because his contract is up. I do suspect most in the fan base would like to keep Davis with a second contract. I think that would be a positive development, but it has to be at the right price. Has Davis lived up to the expectations of a 5th overall pick? Well, the Titans needed a receiver in that draft and he's proven to be the best of the big three that year (Mike Williams, 7th overall, Chargers), John Ross, 9th overall, Bengals), and he's been a good fit for the Titans. Corey is a solid player, a really good blocker, and a great teammate who is well respected. If the Titans can somehow bring him back, it would be big. But it's not going to be easy.
Dave Bettlach from Chesterfield, Missouri
Question: Hey Jim, With everyone thinking we need a burner at WR....the fastest guy (ever) is available as a FA. What would you think about signing John Ross? I know he's considered a big time bust, but he did have a decent 2019. Change of scenery might be the key to unlocking his potential. Still young and should be a reasonable contract! Low risk-High reward potential. I'm all for it.
Jim: Hey Dave. I'm in the "Titans need a burner" camp. I'd take a flier on him, but I don't think he's earned much of a contract. He hasn't been very productive and he's been hurt a lot.
Have a great week everyone and stay safe!
