NASHVILLE – It's been an eventful week in Titan land.
DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs, the Titans traded Ernest Jones IV to the Seahawks for linebacker Jerome Baker and a fourth-round draft pick, and the team practiced all week for Sunday's game at Detroit.
Now, it's almost time for another game.
But first, another mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Tyler Ebert from Hanover, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. As always, thank you for all that you do for us Titan faithful! With the news of the Ernest Jones and D-Hop trades, I wanted to express some quick thoughts and see what you are thinking.
We are all understandably frustrated and demoralized from how this season has gone... However, it's becoming very clear that the organization is in the right hands and here's why: We went out in the offseason doing everything in our power to put a competitive team on the field and give us the best chances to win ball games. Obviously, that hasn't panned out as we all hoped but, the moves today show that Ran and company understand where we are at and are proactively making the moves to give this team it's best chance moving forward by getting a definite answer on if Levis is the guy (gave him everything he needed to succeed), building a top notch defense, and most importantly, knowing when to shift gears to the future by collecting draft picks and getting something in return for aging/veteran players with expiring contracts. In saying this, I am just as frustrated as the rest of us but, there are underlying positives to look at for the future and I think it is good for us fans to understand that this season may be disappointing but, we are in good hands.
Quick question for you: Other than the obvious choice of needing to find our franchise QB (which should be at the top of the list), what in your mind should be our highest priority moving forward? In my mind, I see WR/RT/DE as the highest priority with WR topping that list. Also, assuming we are picking very early in the next draft, where do you stand on trading for a haul of additional picks or sticking-and-picking? My opinion is that we trade for a haul and go all-in on the rebuild. (I know, too early to tell on many of these things but hey, this is where we're at...)
Thanks again and Titan-Up!
Jim: Hi Tyler. Thanks for writing in. It sounds like you're more upbeat and optimistic than a lot of other folks with the current state of affairs. As for draft talk, I'll be honest: I really hesitate at the idea of talking draft in October. I can understand why others want to, but I'm going to do my best to stick with this season, because there will be plenty of time for draft talk after the season. And, there's plenty of other things to talk about now.
With all that said, I'll play along this time, since you asked, knowing a lot can change: WR, OL, Edge, DB are the top positions of need for this team moving forward, in my opinion, with QB still TBD. And, this is all subject to change depending on how things develop during the course of this season.
Sam Freeman from Memphis, Tennessee
Question: So I'm a huge Titans fan have been since we were the Oilers back in Warren Moon's day. Born and raised in Memphis and grew up swearing that if we ever got a team in the state that I would be a fan for life, and many years ago when I was in high school they announced that the Oilers would be coming to Tn and to playing in Nashville as their home and playing the 1st season in Memphis which was even better for a kid like me. So I felt like I had won the lottery not only is a team that I already love coming to my state but would be playing in Memphis for a while before making Nashville home winning all the way around. The first few years were awesome and the season with the superbowl run was really exciting. Then we started going down hill from there and we would have a good season here and there but nothing solid or consistent. We have been the laughing stock of the league for a while. I thought that after the coaching change up that we needed to do years ago I felt better and that maybe we could get back to at minimum a winning season and eventually becoming a team that could compete for superbowl again soon even though the afc if much tougher than the nfc( yeah I said it lol) that we could go up and hold our own against the Ravens, Chiefs and Bills. So pre season rolls around this year and we do ok and even go undefeated which really made me feel like we weren't going to do well in the season for some reason. As a Titans fan I unfortunately don't have high expectations and I have learned to expect losses over wins which is bad. Like I really don't expect us to win anymore. My wife and I have been coming to games at home and even traveling to see them on the road multiple times. I have yet to be at a game where we've won and that sucks it's like I can't get a win in person or on the road. I told my wife that all I wanted for Xmas was season tickets when the new stadium gets finished and I think I'm going to tell her never mind the tickets I'd now rather do something else or buy a motorcycle take a few trips but I don't want to waste any more money or time on a team that doesn't try or care anymore. And then finding out today that we've let another good player go to a better team first AJ(Eagles) then Henry(Ravens) and now Hopkins(Chiefs) and for what a 5th round maybe 4th round pick another trash trade. What is going on with this team please help me understand because I don't know what's what anymore. I'm so confused and frustrated and I'm so irritated that I'm like maybe I just need to let go of my favorite team and just watch football as just a fan of the game. Because I truly love the sport and I truly loved my Titans but it's hard to love something that doesn't love you back. Again I was a Oilers fan way back. I just don't see things changing and that's what scares me. Are we just going to be one of those teams that is ok with not winning and ok with being the joke of the league. Please Jim please help me understand what is going on. Because I'm tired really tired of losing and I'm tired to the point of I'm thinking about breaking up with my team and just watching football for football. Really Unhappy Fan.
Jim: This sounds like a Taylor Swift's song, Sam: 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.'
The only thing I can promise is no one is ok with not winning.
Harry Prentiss from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Question: Jim I've always been thankful for your efforts to keep us fans informed. I lived until recently in North East Pennsylvania in the heart of Steelers and Eagles territory but now live in South Carolina and our community has a ton of Bills fans so last week was tough. Doesn't it seem like Cally calling the plays seems distracted as the game goes along? I didn't mind going on 4th and 2 I thought the direct snap on the previous play was bad. This team has no room for errors and it seems our coach is making them as fast as anybody. I've rooted for this franchise since I was an 8 year old boy in 1965 so I won't give up but I need some encouragement that in my lifetime they'll get better. Thanks for letting me ramble and for what you do. Luv Ya Blue!
Jim: Appreciate it, Harry. Not sure I've noticed Callahan being distracted. I'm with you on the 4th and 2 play from last Sunday, though. I didn't hate the decision to go for it, but I didn't like the play call. The play had no chance. This team needs a spark, but right now, everything is flaming out.
Steve Rochelle from Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim hope everything in your world is great, but to the subject of trading Hopkins are the titans just wanting to throw the season away? Getting rid of players like Hopkins is crazy and for a fifth round pick conditional on percentage of playing time. Love the Titans but sometimes I wonder about the leadership!!!! Have a great weekend!!
Jim: It's tough to see a future Hall of Famer like Hopkins go. I always enjoyed chatting with him, and watching him play. But, I got the sense he was done with the Titans, even if he isn't done with Nashville. I wish him the best.
Leon Johnson from Patagould, Arkansas
Question: Jim, I have been a fan since 1959 AFL days. It has been a long journey to put it mildly. Sunday's colossal 2nd half collapse has been the finish for me. The same repeated mediocrity season after season just about closed the door on what amounts too a life long 64 year plus journey. My history goes back to the Oilers drafting Billy Cannon out of LSU. Wish you and the franchise the best. Maybe Callahan is the right coach to turn the franchise into a legitimate contender. That is my hope before I leave this life anyway. Thanks for listening.
Jim: Godspeed, Leon.
Joe Allen from Gainesboro, Tennessee
Question: Well, it seems like the trade is official and I can't believe this one! Our best receiver who has been limited in getting the ball is now going to the Chiefs! Been a Titan fan when they were the Houston Oilers and watched through the highs and low and even went to the one and only Super Bowl we have had since the team moved here. So we keep a guy like Ridley who couldn't catch 8 passes to him and we go even weaker without D'Hop! I guess I just can't put this into words that would be acceptable, but what are they thinking? Is this the rebuild year we said was not going to happen with all the movement out there? And now they want fans to stick with them and buy PSL's which have priced the normal fan out of the game? Just sick! Please tell us what the heck is going on? Thanks for the rant! Color me GONE!
Jim: I understand your frustration, Joe. Hopkins had a good year for the Titans in 2023, no doubt. We'll see what happens from here on out with the Chiefs. This wasn't necessarily a situation of the Titans "picking" Ridley over Hopkins. Keep in mind their contract situations are completely different.
Cody Connally from Detroit, Michigan
Question: Hey Jim. It's been tough living in Detroit while being a Titans' fan. Seems like the Titans are on trajectory to be like the old Lion's franchise whereas the new generation Lions are on a path the Titans could only hope to be on one day.
My question is: Will there be any pre-game festivities for the 4 or 5 Titans fans to join in on?
Also, not sure if those couple fans are ready for the atmosphere we are about to walk into. Been to several Lions games so far and not only do their fans show up in numbers and with loudness but also in trash talk. I'll proudly be cheering for and repping my Titans' jersey so no fear here! But I just want the other poor souls to know what to expect.
I will also be packing my brown paper bag to hide in just in case this gets outta hand. I fully expect several guys to be "sold off" after this game as well :'(
Jim: Hey Cody. I'm betting there will be more than four or five Titans fans there, and the ones that do show up, I'll applaud them for their loyalty, and support. It's easy to cheer for a team when they're winning. It's harder to cheer for a team when they're losing, and everyone is making them the butt of jokes. I get that the Titans have created this, and I acknowledge things don't look great at the moment. The team deserves all the criticism it is getting. But when this does get turned around, hopefully sooner rather than later, the fans who have supported the team through it all will appreciate it even more. And, I have a hunch some of these fans jumping ship will get back on the boat. See ya in Detroit, Cody, hopefully without a paper bag on your head.
Logan James from Fayetteville, Tennessee
Question: Okay. If the Titans organization doesn't care anymore then why should I?
Interesting business plan: buy high, sell low.
Get rid of the best parts of your team. A J Brown—-give him away. Derrick Henry—-give him away. D Hopkins —-give him away And all for a bag of non magical beans
Like being on the Titanic and jettisoning the propeller , rudder and engine and keep all the damn deck chairs.
You sell us hype to build our hope and deliver us…….the third worst team in the league.
We'd be much better off getting rid of these decision makers and keep the players
Jim: Have a good weekend, Logan.
Tobias Hildesheim from Hamburg, Germany
Question: Hi Jim. First of all, thanks for answering my question regarding Nick Folk and his german flag.
Now, as someone who didn't grew up with the trade and draft mechanics of American Football, I'm asking myself, what is happening with our team? We trade away Hopkins and Jones? Is Ran officially calling off the season already? I don't get it. What's the plan? Tanking the season for high draft picks? Get rookies who may or may not help the team next year? Another reset after this year's reset? Do I even have to bother watching another Titans game this season, when we get rid of the few talented players on the roster? It sure seems pointless at the moment. Who will be next? Big Jeff? Landry? Please explain.
Jim: I'm not ruling anything out, Tobias.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim... Wow I cannot believe the Titans traded Hopkins to the Chiefs... But then again this is the same team that let A.J. Brown go to the Eagles... I understand he was starting off slowly but as the season progressed he started flashes that he still had gas in the tank... Not having a good QB to get him the ball I'm sure contributed as well... By the way...Did you see the year that Derrick Henry is having in Baltimore... I know this year was all about seeing if Levis is going to be the guy at QB so lets take some of his best tools and trade them... Well at least D-Hop now has a legitamate QB and shot at going to the Super Bowl now... unbelievable. I'm still a loyal fan of the Titans and have been since 1978, but this franchise really needs to do a better job in acquiring better players and not giving the game changers away... Unbelievable... I still think Levis could be the guy, but this whole offense has been second-rate... Thanks for listening Jim...and oh...How about those Dodgers!!
Jim: Go Dodgers!
Bill Mahanna from Byrdstown, Tennessee
Question: I have gone from a 10 as a Titans fan down to a 2. Still a very small amount of hope. I have however become more of a Ravens fan with Henery running the ball with blocking. I also watched the Commanders on Sunday with Marcus playing. Was good to see him again.
Back to the Titans. Since I have started watching them when Marcus was drafted the same thing has been said year after year. No real changes and a lot of trades with very good players leaving. Mabe the new stadium will draw fans. Don't think the team will.
Jim: Hey Bill. I understand hoping Derrick Henry does well. But a Ravens fan?
Jack Walker from Calabasas, California
Question: Hey Jim. I'm going to start with positivity! First, JC Latham is a HOME RUN so far. Second, NWI continues to show he's a reliable and consistent WR3. Third, still impressed with Pollard. Last, let's hear it for Jarvis Brownlee!! Ok now the not so good stuff... we're clearly in rebuild mode. Right side of the OL is atrocious. I want to see young players the rest of the season. Let's develop talent. Bring in some more UDFA's... heck, sign Austin Reed off the Patriots Practice Squad and run him out there... I saw a bunch of young guys on defense and it was awesome!! Titan up!!
Jim: Good to hear from you, Jack.
Michael Thornton from Rock Hill, South Carolina
Question: Jim, long time Titans fan as I lived in the Nashville area for over 45 years. Sadly, I understand the frustration of the team and the coaching staff. I feel that it will be a long season for the team and I certainly hope that the coaching staff can turn things around. Do you feel that this is going to be a re-building season? Perhaps, the team will be able to get some good drafts on the o-line. Your thoughts.
Jim: Hey Michael. I didn't necessarily consider this a rebuilding team at the start of the season. And, if the Titans hadn't blown games against the Bears, Jets and Colts, the tone, and the description, of this season so far, would be different. So, I'll say right now it's looking like a "bad season", not a "rebuilding season," although the 1 and 5 start has caused folks to start thinking about the future as much as the present.
B Stefan from Mistelbach, Austria
Question: Greetings from Austria. Probably first time hearing from my small town. My wife is from TN an moved to Austria. I've been following the Titans for the last few years and gotten more and more into Football. My question: Titans are struggling this year and I can understand them trading Hopkins. Chiefs are needy at WR this year and are trying to get their 3rd Super Bowl this year. Doesn't 5th round (possibly 4th) round pick seem a little low for a veteran that seems to to be needed at the Chiefs? Also considering Chiefs 5th (or 4th) will be late in the respective rounds. Additionally we're eating some of the salary also I heard (don't know how much). I don't understand the value of draft picks good enough but seems low to me. Thx for helping me understand it better. Also: Are all the draft picks from this year still on the team? If not, which ones aren't (drafted in what round)?
Jim: The compensation seems right to me. DeAndre is 32 years old, and working through his contract was also a factor in the trade. And, yes, all of the draft picks from this past season are still on the team.
Kenny Ospital from Alexandria, Virginia
Question: Jim. Thank you for all you do for this team and the fans. Do you think it's possible the Titans get a new head coach any time soon? If not, what happened to Ms. Amy's unapologetically high expectations? The Titans have an improved roster from a year ago, and they have regressed across the board. Going for it on 4th and two, when the team has not demonstrated they're capable of converting those downs, is flat out bad coaching. Glad to see DHop go to a contender. He carried himself with class as a Titan and I think he has more to give the game. Sad to Earnest Jones go. Best wishes
Jim: Hey Kenny. Brian Callahan is six games in as a head coach. No, I don't think he's on the verge of getting run out of town right now. That doesn't mean the owner is happy with 1 and 5.
Mike Temple from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim, I hope you're doing well. My initial reaction to reading about the DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones trades is that it sounds like a win-win scenario. Two good players get to join teams in playoff contention (KC is 6-0 and Seattle is leading the NFC West), while the Titans get future draft picks. But for long time fans, it also feels like rubbing salt into an old wound. I'm genuinely happy for King Henry that he's dominating the league in rushing (200+ yards clear of the field) and his new team is 5-2. Well deserved. The 'Mayor of Murfreesboro' Kevin Byard and AJ Brown are both playing well on winning teams (4-2 records). While Denico Autry, Azeez Al-Shaair, Marcus Mariota, and Malik Willis, to name a few former Titans, are on teams with 5-2 records. We're happy for all of those guys who sacrificed for us, but are now on winning teams. BUT we're currently 1-5 without much reason for optimism, so my question is - when will it get better for the remaining Titan fans/season ticket holders? We need some hope! Best wishes, Mike
Jim: Hey Mike. I understand where you're coming from. I can't make any promises on when it will get better. The 2024 Titans are better than a 1 and 5 team, but here we are.
Neil McGeehan from Derry
Question: Ah Jim. Knew it was gonna be a tough season for us but didnt expect it to be this bad. Hopkins trade just the bad cherry on the cake. Looks like only good thing is Henry looking good for a run in playoffs. Thats a different shade of blue, right?
Jim: It's definitely been a rough one, Neil.
Bud Stein from Jacksonville, Florida
Question: Top of the morning to you sir.
Ive as YOU KNOW been emailing prior and havent made the mailbag I guess because printing the truth hurts/ Ive asked for an honest answer from you an honest credible human and I never make the mailbag. I keep asking SHOW ME SHOW ME how the Titans with all the moves coach of the year a few years ago fired Derrick Henry who lead the league in rushing walk among others and NOW after 6 games Trade one of the only recognizable names on the roster De Andre Hopkins. Mgmt showing fans another bonehead throwing in the towel move??? I said in my last email Mgmt should take a VERY HARD LOOK in the mirror and if not to fans be honest with themselves. I take that back they better not look in the mirror becasue it will shatter!!! i WAS ALWAYS TOLD in life when someone asks an honest question and the other person wont answer WE KNOW THE ANSWER. You I understand have a job to do but why snub an mailbagger just because you cant agree or cant give 1 good reason How the 24 Titans are better Thanks Jim. I remainrespectfully
Jim: Bud, I've published a lot of emails harsher than anything you've sent me, I can promise you that. It's just that some of yours have been so over the top, I didn't use them. I'm beginning to think you may actually be a Jaguars fans after all. But if dropping this in here makes you happy, here ya go.
Andy Rao from Arlington, Virginia
Question: It's yard sale time. It's obvious that after Sunday's crushing loss in Buffalo, Ran has decided to get while the getting is good. DHop? Gone! Jones IV? Gone! I'm hearing that Diggs and Okonkwo are also available. I wonder if Ran could pay someone to take Sneed of our hands. I actually would call the Lions up and see if they're interested in Landry III, or Key. They can stay behind in Detroit if after the game or swap out at half-time. IMHO, only Sweat and Big Jeff are keepers on the D-line. If the Titans are committed to writing off the rest of the season and just developing what they have, Oliver and Martin-Robinson should see more snaps. I do like the pickup of Joshua Kelley for the practice squad. Always liked him with the Chargers. As for the rest of the season. Realistically, this team is to end up anywhere from 3-14 to 5-12. I had hopes that Rudolph would come in and do what Tannehill did when RT took over for Mariota, but those were just pipe dreams. And watching the King play like he did on Monday night, it just makes me sad. That 2019 AFC Championship Game run is going to have to sustain me for at least the next few years. I can't see any light at the end of this tunnel. Remember when the Patriots beat the Titans 59-0 a few years ago? Sunday in Motor City looks like it could be just as bad.
Jim: Kickoff for Titans-Lions is noon CDT…
Have a great weekend everyone!
