NASHVILLE – Welcome to the final Titans mailbag of 2023.
It's time to flip the calendar once again.
And, it's almost time to turn the page on another season.
The Titans face the Texans on Sunday, before the season-finale against the Jaguars.
Let's see what everyone wants to talk about…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Roger Piccirillo from Bridgeport, Connecticut
Question: Hey Jim Hope you had a great Christmas. I just want to say first off I like Will I think he has a chance to be a starter in this league how good well we'll see. I hope he was watching Tannehill against Seattle, because he could have learned a lot about ball placement, and picking up yardage with his legs safely. As I say I do think Will has a chance but he's been streaky he needs to be more consistent. And I would like to see some more tight window throws from him a lot of this big throws have been to wide open receivers, And he been lucky with pics a lot of dropped balls by defensive backs. I only say these things because I believe a lot of fans have been looking at Will through Rose colored glasses. I think that I have given an honest evaluation of wills play. Once again thank you for your time.
Jim: Hey Roger. I like what I've seen from Will Levis as well. He's not there yet, still has to improve, and that's why coaches are trying to get him as many reps as possible. He's in line to start again on Sunday.
Daniel Orr from Glen Burnie, Maryland
Question: We're the bleep is Kyle Phillips? I mean this playing time is invaluable. What I've seen in games is great, not sure about practice but this team has to get younger on players and coaching fallacies.
Jim: Hey Daniel. Kyle has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, but he's back and healthy this week. He was a full participant on the Injury Report all week. He was also a healthy scratch for another game after flashing in other games.
Jason Knight from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family, and all the other people out there. I think we have a very good could be great quarterback with Levis. Everyone knows there is work that has to be done. But what I want to comment on is the oiler uniforms, I think they are great uniforms but just not for our team we are the Tennessee Titans. We should be wearing Titans uniforms id rather see the white Titan helmets than the oilers. Is there any chance we could see the old Titan uniforms. Thank you for all you do and GOD bless you
Jim: Hey Jason. I think the Oilers throwbacks are here to stay, at least for a few games a year. I get the sense most fans love them. I understand some might not. And, since teams can only pick one alternate, that would rule out the throwbacks to the early Titans days.
Morris Lewis from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Jim, I know you can't comment on who might be on the roster next year, but can you at least point me to where I can find the list of free agents after this season? I can make my own guesses on who stays.
On the topic of losing to get a better draft pick, that's not what the guys get paid to do. Nobody should ask it of them either. These are some of the elite athletes in the country, and they didn't get into the NFL by playing to lose.
Finally, this is a rebuilding year like I said a month or so ago, but also the games have been fun to watch all season long. I doubt I will ever forget the MNF game no matter how old I get. I'm a 24 year season ticket holder, and Vrabel's teams play hard for him, unlike several other coaches since Jeff Fisher we could probably all name. These last couple of games are on the job training and an audition for the guys who want to be on the roster next year. I suspect Vrabel knows what needs fixing on the O-line, and I think we have the components for a dominant team next year. Just in time for the AFC South to become the strongest division in the NFL.
Jim: Hey Morris. The reality is the GM and HC can't tell you who will be on the roster next year. There's a lot TBD. But check Spotrac.com for contract and free agency info. … As for this being a "rebuilding year," that's not the way it had to be. The Titans, at 5-10, have underachieved. Win the close games instead of losing them and the Titans would be all alone atop the AFC South, headed to the postseason, and no one would be calling it a "rebuilding year." It's been a bad year, there's no way around it, and the team needs to find a way to be a contender again.
Ryan Kubitz from Brookfield, Illinois
Question: Well Jim. I believe this offseason the roster will change significantly. I love Derrick Henry and what he has done for this organization but don't see him as a part of the titans next season. I hope he knows he is appreciated by the fans. Now wherever he may go or if he chooses to continue playing in Tennessee I hope he continues to do well and will root for him to get a Super Bowl ring. But getting to my question which might be a little farsighted, but who do you think will be brought back by the titans in 2024 free agency. We have a lot of cap and a lot of pending free agents many of them I hope we bring back for the next season. One of the biggest surprises of this season is Jack Gibbens and he should most definitely be brought back in my opinion but who do you think is most likely to be returning to Nashville this coming summer. As always thank you, Jim and also as always, TITAN UP!
Jim: Hey Ryan. It's too early for me to say, to be honest. Like I mentioned previously with Morris, a whole lot of unknowns out there. I do know Gibbens is an exclusive rights free agent, so think he'll be back and competing in training camp. But this team is going to look a lot different in 2024.
Marlon Dillon from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: Has Vrabel lost the locker room it kinda seems like after listening to his post press conference.
Jim: I was in the locker room yesterday, Marlon, and everyone was accounted for – no one was lost. The team boards a plane for Houston today and I expect everyone to be on the plane.
Bud Stein from Jacksonville, Florida
Question: Top of the morn Jim. hope u had a great Xmas and will have a great new year. I'm sure you know I'm in my glory with the jags showing their true colors Conceit caught up with them!. But still they cry injuries bad calls shoudas couldas , They need to put on their big boy pants and realize this is the nfl and NO ONE feels sorry for you. I hope Mike Vrabel plays everyone the last 2 games to win and not rest players which seems to be swirling around. Love to See the titans knock off the Jags where it hurts the Jags 1st place and or in playoffs. Payback for last years last game LOL
All that said I just dont get the front office past present Jon Robinson and even Ran names like Jadevion Clowney Bud Dupree, Zach Cunningham David Quessenberry, David Long, AJ BROWN Kevin Byard and I could go on. Where would the Titans be if they kept half of them????
Look at them now! Taylor Lewan could walk on the field tomorrow and be better than that up front mess. Tell me I'm wrong if they trade Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill whose left for 2024????? Tell me Im wrong. What is mgmt thinking or not thinking and the line its a business is getting old with the titans!!! A new stadium is NOT the answer to fill the stands Players and a contending team are My best to you in the New Year Sir. Respectfully. Bud
Jim: What's up Bud? It looks like the AFC South is going to be a matter of who can hold on. The Jaguars have struggled of late, but let's be honest, the Titans would rather be where they are right now, still fighting for a spot in the playoffs instead of playing out the string. Some of the former Titans you've mentioned have fared better than others. Thanks for taking the time Bud.
Have a great weekend everyone! Happy New Year!
