NASHVILLE – It's been a busy stretch in Titan Land.
The Titans have added nine players in free agency, signed eight of their own, traded a player, and seen four unrestricted free agents off last year's team sign elsewhere in free agency.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking toward the NFL Draft.
Let's take a quick break and see what everyone is thinking…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Blake Traw from Jackson, Missouri
Question: I'm very excited about Johnny Hekker joining the Titans because as a kid I was a ST.LOUIS rams fan, and this is a guy that was good on and off the field. My family had season tickets to the rams, and after some games I would go to where some of the players would exit the stadium and try to get some autographs. When Johnny would come out, he would always sign for the fans no matter the outcome of the game, and would do it with a good attitude. I never thought I would get to see him play for my favorite team again, but now I can't wait to watch him this year! It also helps he's back with his former coach John Fassel, and hopefully they call a few fake punts because those were fun to watch! TITANUP!
Jim: Hey Blake. I've heard Johnny has quite the personality. I have to admit, I'm going to miss Ryan Stonehouse. He's a great kid, and he worked his butt off while he was here. I have no doubt he's going to have a great career in the NFL. With that said, Hecker is a great addition, a four-time Pro Bowler who is still performing at a high level. I think fans in Tennessee are going to enjoy him, too. Hopefully he won't have to punt as much.
Andy Stambene from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Question: Hello Jim hope things are going well...As a long time Titans/Oilers fan going back 54 plus years I have to say at this point I feel as if the Titans struck out a few times in Free Agency and settled...Personally I'm not a big fan of Free Agency cause the Vets sometimes get complacent and are spoiled by the money and don't produce......while the youngsters such as hungry upcoming Draft choices want to succeed,play and be rewarded with extra playing time and monetarily when its all said and done...having said all that with our signings it seems I still would like the Titans trading down with the assurance that no one trades the pick or takes Abdul Carter cause he's going to be the real or should I say "reel" deal, after that a WR2 to complement Ridley then a OL at the top of the 4th round or else a trade down for extra picks... From the 4th R to the 7th round like to see 2 OL taken a couple of safties that are hitters a developmental Edge rusher and DLineman and maybe a RB/WR and lastly a QB to end proceedings...Of course things will shake it even more if when more signings come our way...just hope we do better with them and especially on the field...Jim.Can't wait to compile my list of perferables Draft Choices for the Titans and if I hit on any of them...All the best Mr Jim and thanks for keeping things interesting in these trying times
Jim: Hey Andy. Believe me, Mike Borgonzi and Chad Brinker prefer building this team through the draft. And, that will be the primary plan moving forward. But this team has a lot of holes, and free agency provide a chance to add some veterans at key positions. Most of the deals the team has done have been pretty modest from a financial standpoint, and one thing all these guys seem to have in common is they're durable players who always find a way to stay on the field, and play. … This roster is still under construction.
Tony Lewis from Charlotte, North Carolina
Question: You're a big believer in Bill Callahan because of his experience in this league, but it's true the game passes people by. Last year you blindly defended him and mocked anyone who questioned his ability to coach in today's NFL, even when the lack of production from the offensive line was clear. My question is: What will it take for you to actually question him instead of blindly backing him? We've signed new additions with lots of money and high draft picks. What will be your excuse this year if they struggle again?
Jim: This is comical to me, Tony. You say I'm "blindly" defending Bill Callahan, yet I watch him work in every practice, and see him coach players on the practice field every day using innovative drills. I talk to his players here, and I've personally talked to some of the 14 Pro Bowl players he's coached around the league, and they've praised him. I've talked to other o-line coaches around the league who also rave about him. Yet here you are, writing in from North Carolina, proposing the game has passed him by because a couple linemen who shouldn't be starting games in the NFL didn't perform well in his first year with the team. I'll just put it this way: I have more confidence in Bill Callahan's ability to coach these linemen than your opinion of him from 400 miles away. No offense. Have a great weekend.
Jim Pontius from Rogersville, Tennessee
Question: I'm 60 years old and grew up a Houston Oilers fan and have followed the Team to TN. In my lifetime, will we ever get the team right? Will we ever win a Super Bowl? I'm so disappointed with the Titans never getting it right and Levis is not the answer at Quarterback! My family history for men dying young by 66 is 100% so far. So, I just ask: Can they win a championship before then?
Jim: From one Jim to another, I wish I could make it happen for you. What's happening right now is the franchise is trying to work its way up from the bottom. It's going to take a little time to be a real contender. I think the team has made some solid moves in free agency, but some of them were made just to fill holes in the short-term, a lot of one-year deals. I suspect it will probably take another player acquisition period or two to really be a contender again. And yes, the team definitely needs to find a franchise-changing QB. I'm just trying to be realistic here. I think you're going to see gradual improvements, not one big leap. Hang in there, Jim, and do your best to stay healthy. I trust you're going to break your family trend and live for a long, long time!
Thomas Sircy from Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Question: "Hey Jim" Hope you and your family are well. This is just my opinion and I am sure a lot of people will disagree but I think the TITANS should consider some kind of deal for Malik Willis from Green Bay. I think he is another Steve McNair. I know they don't want to eat crow but they got rid of the wrong quarterback. Look at the tapes when he went in for Love and Brian Callahan is supposed to be a quarterbacks builder. Keep Willis as a backup and trade # 1 pick other pressing needs. Everybody has an opinion and that's mine.
Jim: Appreciate your opinion, Thomas, but this is not going to happen.
Cliff Stephens from Smyrna, Tennessee
Question: Good day Jim hope all is well with you and your family. I don't agree with all the additions but I understand you have to start somewhere. My question is why do some teams get additional picks in the draft while others such as the Titans didn't receive one. Can you explain this. Thanks and Titan up
Jim: Hey Cliff. You're talking about the compensatory picks. It's pretty much a formula where draft picks are awarded to teams that lose more free agents than they gain. And you're right, the Titans didn't weren't rewarded with any.
Jon Anderson from San Antonio, Texas
Question: The Titans hold the number 1 pick in the draft this year. In my opinion I think they should draft Travis Hunter. He could be a very special talent. What do you think?
Jim: Hey Jon. I'm a big fan of Travis Hunter – he's a dynamic player. I'm not going to commit to a guy yet, though. Need to see more things play out this offseason.
Victor Campbell from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: How in the world can we let Nick Westbrook go, our best receiver? I am a 25-year Suite holder and have been committed going forward but I am totally disappointed with what's happening with our team.
Jim: Nick is another guy who will be missed for sure.
Bob Galasso from Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Question: Hi Jim. Exciting time of the year, with free agency coming up soon and then the NFL draft. I am a loyal Titans / Oilers fan since the days of Earl Campbell and Coach Bum Phillips in the late 70s. I know a lot of fans writing in are offering their opinions on what the front office will do with the first pick in this year's draft, but it's still too early to know for sure…
The Titans have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball as evident of last year's poor season.
So here is my question… why did they let Westbrook-Ikhine get away in free agency? Even though he was not an A.J Brown he certainly was a top receiving talent for the Titans. Just as AJ has enjoyed much success, I see Westbrook-Ikhine having a lot of success with the already talented receiving corps in Miami. He was also a class act off the field so although he won't be wearing the Titans' uniform I wish him much success.
I agree with you that Will Levis has not made the progress to be the franchise QB the Titans haven't fared very well @ QB since Tannehill left. So here is to the hope that whoever the Titans decide to pick they will be a difference maker.
On another quick note hopefully the Dodgers will have another successful year. Maybe the Titans will enjoy the success that LA has had in free agency market. Can't blame a guy for hoping even if it may be a reach. Thanks Jim for all you do!
Jim: Hey Bob. I'm sure you noticed Victor is disappointed to see Nick go as well. I know a lot of Titans fans are. Heck, he's my wife's favorite player. She even gave me a lot of grief about it when I got home the other night. Remember, free agency is a two-way street. Nick had a choice to make himself – he had offers from here and Miami. He opted to take the deal in Miami. I wish him well. I do know Mike Borgonzi has said repeatedly he wants this team to get faster, and NWI isn't necessarily known for his speed. … Go Dodgers!
Tim Carter from Bethel Springs, Tennessee
Question: Why would you spend 82 Million on a lineman who gave up 13 sacks last season? The names have changed but the stupid moves continues. I would not be surprised to see the Titians use the #1 draft pick to take a punter that is how dumb their drafts have been and this free agent market it seems to be more of the same.
Jim: The Titans aren't using the No.1 pick on a punter, Tim.
Jordan Duberry from Huntsville, Alabama
Question: Howdy there Jim, I write you once a year in the offseason to give you some steals for the later rounds in the draft that our team is desperately in need of:
1.Teddye Buchannan, LB California
2.Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
3.Tacario Davis CB Arizona
4. HunterWohler, S, Wisconsin
Hope the scouts take heed, have a good day Jim!
Jim: Appreciate it, Jordan.
Hadley Stone from New York, New York
Question: Hi Jim. I am a former Vanderbilt baseball player interested in playing on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Former WR and DE.
Jim: Hi Hadley. I've gotten this email from you four, maybe five times. Not sure how serious this is, but I can tell you you're reaching out to the wrong guy. You probably need to get an agent.
Rylan Lynn from Wibaux, Montana
Question: Hey Jim, hope all is well. At the beginning of free agency when the Titans signed Dan Moore I felt like they might be trying to open up the checkbook as well as take Cam Ward and try to compete this year. However after day two of free agency, all signs point to not being good this next year, and going all in in 2026. They let Jevon Holland go to the Giants for what seemed like a very cheep deal considering the type of player he is and what other safety's were getting. No big contracts either on day two. I'm seeing four themes on the first two days, with the exception of the Dan Moore. No massive contracts, only consistent veterans who are very durable and consistent, only stopgap spot fillers who won't be here long term, and ZERO Mike Vrable era players coming back, including Nick Westbrook Ikine, and Ryan Stonehouse. That's not random. This is a new era folks, from how free agency has gone these first two days, my prediction is the Titans will trade back this year draft, be one of the worse teams in the league in 2025, and Draft the QB of the future in 2026. What are your thoughts on free agency so far?
Jim: Hey Rylan. I like some of the new additions. The o-line is better, the defense added a few nice pieces. I'm not sure the team as it stands today could compete for a division title, though. Fortunately, the season is still six months away, and the roster-building process still has a long way to go. I'm sure not conceding anything at this point, though, certainly not being the worst team in the league. Have some faith young Rylan!
Have a great weekend everyone!
