NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans liked what they saw in Dennis Kelly even before he joined the team – it's why the franchise traded for the versatile offensive lineman last August.
Roughly a year later, the Titans and Kelly have reached a multi-year contract extension. The deal became official on Wednesday, just two days before the team kicks off training camp for the 2017 season.
Kelly (6-8, 321) played in all 16 games for the Titans last season, with six starts as an extra tight end. Kelly has played in 46 games, with 21 starts, during his five-year NFL career, including starts at right tackle (9), right guard (4), left guard (2) and tight end (6).
A fifth-round pick by the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelly provides quality depth on the offensive line behind starting tackles Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin.
He proved his value in several games last season with the Titans, but one game really stands out: Kelly entered the Green Bay game at left tackle early in the first quarter after Lewan was disqualified for contacting an official. Kelly blocked for an offensive line that amassed 446 yards and six touchdowns in a 47-25 win over the Packers.
Kelly consistently performed well throughout the season for the Titans, who finished third in the NFL in rushing offense. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was sacked just 23 times in 15 starts last season.
The Titans traded receiver Dorial Green-Beckham to the Eagles to acquire Kelly on August 16, 2016. Green-Beckham didn't make a big impact with the Eagles in 2016, and he was released earlier this offseason. He remains a free agent.
The Titans report to training camp on Friday. The team's first practice is set for Saturday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
