NASHVILLE – Here's hoping everyone had a Happy St. Patrick's Day.
The mailbag has been hopping of late, as the Titans navigate free agency and prepare for the NFL Draft.
Let's open another batch and check the pulse…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
James Essary from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: Wassup Jim. I would like to start by saying I don't understand the mood from fans about FA. I believe Borgonzi did exactly what he was supposed to do and build an O line. Borgonzi did what anybody who had watched a Titan game since JRob took dude from Georgia who turned out to be more worried about street life then football knew needed to be done. I done forgot his name. My question is if we do draft Ward should Levis get a fair chance now that he might not be running for his life? Let ward learn from Levis and Allen and if Levis does do what people thought he was capable of doing then you got really good trade options next year. Either trade a hot Levis and hope Ward learned enough or Ward would still be worth a lot of capital to a Qb needy team. I know I am getting into the couch GM section but I don't think Levis got a fair shot and when the line did come to play he looked good. You can't expect somebody to be treated like a tackling dummy and be elite. I do know that he also did some dumb stuff but he usually was getting beat up when he did.
Jim: You're right, James. And, Mike Borgonzi has said from Day 1 his first priority was to rebuild the offensive line, and that's exactly what he did at the start of free agency. The team signed former Steelers left tackle Dan Moore, and that will allow coaches to move JC Latham to the right side. Kevin Zeitler is a solid, veteran guard. But there's plenty of work to be done. The way things are playing out, I understand those who think it's looking like Cam Ward could be the pick. But … it's still early in the process. The team is still getting to know him, and an upcoming visit to his Pro Day and a private workout should provide more answers. Another thing Borgonzi has said: The team plans to give Levis a chance to compete. So, both of these things are still possibilities. I like Levis more than some of the fans out there, and I hear ya on the team not being very good around him. Still, he didn't do himself – or the team – any favors with some of his mistakes last year.
Neil Carr from Bingley, United Kingdom
Question: Hiya Jim. Hope you're well.
As difficult as free agency must be (searching through the list of players seeking contracts around the league as usually over-inflated prices), I have been left quite underwhelmed by who we have picked up so far in free agency.
I am generally an optimist, who seeks the pros rather than the cons BUT some of our acquisitions are head scratchers.
What does Van Jefferson bring to our team that other cannot? We had a better player who we just allowed to leave in Westbrook-Ikhine. Jefferson managed to catch 24 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns last season. That, I cannot understand.
Dan Moore has been paid like he is elite. Maybe he will be but he has not been upto now.
Allen has been a third-string quarterback pretty much throughout his entire career - do we need him? What does he bring to the party?
There are others that underwhelm too I'm afraid.
I really hope to be proved wrong and that they all work out but I'm somewhat doubtful. I know you will be more upbeat than most of us but do you have any worries over our free agency so far.
I'll cheer my Titans no matter what. Fingers crossed we smash the draft.
Jim: Hey Neil. Free agency is tricky. A year ago, the Titans threw a lot of money at a lot of players, and some of those moves were celebrated in the offseason. As things turned out, a lot of them didn't work out. This year, aside from the addition of Moore, most of these contracts have been pretty modest, and it has some folks feeling a bit underwhelmed. We'll have to wait and see how some of these additions turn out. The reality is, moving forward, the team's plan is to be even less of a player in free agency in the years to come, because it wants to build through the draft. … As for Jefferson, he's faster than Westbrook-Ikhine, but not as physical. With more opportunities in Tennessee, I think Jefferson will do more. And, I feel I should point out the team offered NWI a contract as well. He liked the deal, and the opportunity, in Miami more. Allen, meanwhile, is coming in to compete for the back-up spot, that's it.
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim, so much hype around Cam Ward with the first pick... I'm not sold. If we're going QB, and I don't believe we need to spend R1 capital on that... At least trade from 1 to 3 to pick up the R2 pick and select Shedeur. Then we'd have two picks at the top of R2 for picks like Fannin Jr, Grant, Tre Harris or top quality Guards and Tackles. Jim... Ever notice how the teams with super athlete QB like Lamar and Jayden fall short in the big game but the game managers with great football IQ win? Mahomes... Hurts... Brady... I'm hoping Mike B is reading this, Shedeur plus an extra R2 if you have to take a QB, or trade down for a stack of picks.
Jim: Dropped this in so he could see it, Jack. What if the team likes one of the QBs a lot more than the other? Those are the things you have to consider.
Jason Moraven from Pittsburgh, California
Question: If we're essentially punting on this year, why not take Abdul Carter at one and wait for a better QB class in 2026? Why lock yourself into a QB, who by all accounts, would have been QB6 last year?
Jim: Hey Jason. The only one punting will be Johnny Hekker.
Brandon Lynn from Sweetwater, Tennessee
Question: I see what everyone says about Levis and I am currently not saying he is the future, but he was behind an awful oline and throwing to receivers that have not had the ability to get open. He has made some mistakes with the game on the line but has also showed insights of what he can be. Look at Baker Mayfield finally got some weapons in Tampa and changed his career around. Use the draft to get some weapons and beef the team up and ride one more year with Levis and see what he looks like. Not a question but just giving my not asked for two cents.
Jim: Thanks for weighing in, Brandon.
Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Question: Hi Jim. I hope you've enjoyed some downtime this off season. As a former Tennessean, I can't help but root for this team. It's been a frustrating couple of years tho.
The leadership is playing better chess this year in IMO (B+). Beefed up O Line, V. Jefferson for the deep threat and special teams. Swapped a few names on Defense, hoping the guys we got are here to play for Wilson. He's a great coach!
We have good players on the roster that didn't see much action last year, but should be utilized this year (Young, Martin-Robinson 👍🏼).
It's down to the QB....who will emerge??
With an improved O Line, good pass catchers, great backfield. The Titans QB is set up for success.
Who do you see being the Titans QB?
-Levis (there's still a good chance he starts) [I think he deserves a chance behind a better O Line. He's very talented]
-Vet QB (there are still options available)
-Ward (make him compete with Levis, while both being mentored by Allen)
-Trade #1, get Hunter or Carder and get a less profile rookie QB in the 2nd round? [I would bet this scenario]
Levis is still on the team, if they didn't believe in him, he would have been traded.....still could. The next few weeks will be exciting!
Jim: Have to admit, Beau, there has been no downtime this offseason. But it's all good.
Too early to say who the QB is going to be. The decision-makers are trying to figure that out.
Thanks for chiming in.
Sean Kelley from Smyrna, Delaware
Question: Hi Jim. By far my favorite mail bag.
How dare you blindly support Bill and honestly that other guy only has 6 years left, so please make sure we can get that championship already. Hope all is well.
Jim: Good to hear from you, Sean. I probably shouldn't have been so hard on Tony from Charlotte, but he came at me guns a blazing, at it struck a nerve, I guess. For Lent, I'm going to try and show more restraint.
Tommy Henley from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, wow draft time is right around the corner huh, man all this talk what are the Titans gonna do, I just praying for the best for the team, staff, fans ect. Hope all is well with you and the family Jim. Makes us fans feel good to talk to someone on the inside, and you're funny at times, but the ones that talk neg. Your firm with em I respect that, hey but question is: Caleb Murphy still on the practice squad I had hi hope for the guy, but just wondering but anyways are there any wide receivers out there you like an I no there's quite a few this coming up draft I tried to watch some college games especially my Team VOLS! but one WR last season stood out for me , was Xavier Restrepo, he really stood out, had you watched em much last season I'd love to see us picking em especially everyone seems to think Titans are gonna pick Cam Ward. Hey be kinda like Burrow an his WR he played with in college, but let me know Jim like to know what you think a feel on these few questions, thanks again Jimbo! keep up the good work for us true die hard Titans fans!!!
Jim: Hey Tommy. God to hear from you again. Caleb Murphy is no longer with the team – he's one of several former Titans now with the Chargers. As for Restrepo, he's a good one for sure.
Reinaldo Roman from Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Question: Stop blindly defending Bill Callahan and please help Hadley make the team this year! He's a former Vanderbilt baseball player for goodness sake….lol. I enjoy the Mailbag. I'd imagine your plate full throughout the week. I wanted to chime in and say thank you for taking the time to do this for us!
Jim: Thanks for reading, Reinaldo.
Have a great week everyone!
