NASHVILLE – We're now into May, and just a few days away from Titans rookie minicamp.
Quarterback Cam Ward will be on the field with the team's draft picks, undrafted free agents and tryout players this weekend, beginning on Friday.
The first session open to media is set for Saturday.
So, get ready.
While we wait, let's dive into another Titans mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Bren Allster from Haines City, Florida
Question: Hi Jim. I read the story about Legend Warren Moon saying the Titans would have new uniforms this year. "Something futuristic" I think he said. I have bad flashbacks to the Oregon Ducks and watching their games in a constant changing of the uniforms, so I wanted to see what you might be able to share before I purchase an outdated jersey. Thanks for all you do!
Jim: Hey Bren. I was standing right in front of Warren Moon when he first mentioned publicly the possibility of new uniforms while in town for the Cam Ward presser. Then I saw where Warren doubled down in the topic over the weekend when he was at the Kentucky Derby, speaking with Kay Adams. I received probably a dozen inquiries over the weekend, after some folks jumped to conclusions, reporting the uniform change is for 2025. I can tell you that's not the case. The Titans, as announced back on March 27, will be wearing the Titans blue as their primary home jersey this fall and the team will have the option of wearing their white jerseys on the road, with the navy blue jerseys becoming the alternate uniform. Nothing has changed there. Warren's description of any potential new uniforms – "something futuristic" – is intriguing for sure. But I haven't seen any sneak peeks, I can promise you that, and no one has told me anything is "official." So, stay tuned on this.
Ed Pierce from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: What are the "strategic" days for the GM coming up? In other words, when must they cut the squad size this year in pre-season and when can they waive guys for an advantage of the salary cap or is that already past?
Jim: Hey Ed. Well, I guess every day is strategic when you're the GM, especially when you're No.1 in the waiver claim order. Like we saw last week, guys could be claimed – and others released as the corresponding moves – just about every day. But for now, the undrafted free agents will be announced later this week, along with a group of guys who will take part in the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. In some years, some of the tryout guys have been signed, and they replace other guys on the roster. So that's worth keeping an eye on. But official roster cut-down days aren't until after training camp.
Tobias Hildesheim from Hamburg, Germany
Question: Hey Jim, thanks for keeping us informed about our favourite team! My question:
Why are the practice sessions at the moment voluntary and why are so many of the veterans not participating?
We had a 3-14 season! Shouldn't everybody be eager to get better, train harder and connect tighter with his teammates as early in the year as possible? I mean, there is nothing to be proud of from last year! I now it's a really tough sport, but isn't now the time to get a head start on other teams?
Greetings from a confused german (our soccer-players have only a few weeks of free time between seasons).
Jim: Hello Tobias. All the offseason work is voluntary across the league, with the exception of the mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 10-12. And, attendance has been pretty good from what I've seen. As the offseason goes on, I expect more guys will be in town.
Ron Reacher from Miami, Florida
Question: Jim. I just finished reading your Saturday mailbag because I am now the world's biggest Titans fan after the team's drafting of Cam Ward! I saw in response to one fan you noted the long list of wide receivers who will be vying to make the team and help the team, and there was one noticeable absence: Xavier Restrepo. As Cam Ward said, don't let the 40 yard dash time at the combine fool you. Xavier said he was running 4.5's constantly but tweaked his hamstring during the combine. Regardless, the guy is the all time UM reception leader for a reason and they have had some great ones. All he does is get open and catch the ball. I predict he will not only make the team but has the ability to be a star. Don't sleep on him Jim! And I hope the Titans don't either. It was a gift he was undrafted due to that 40 time. Cam and Xavier are about to make the Titans the new mid-south regional office of The U. And help the Titans win a lot of games!
Jim: Hey Ron. Thanks for reading. I didn't mention Xavier Restrepo because he's not officially on the team yet. The undrafted free agents will be on town later this week, and they'll be announced after they sign. I've seen it reported – and heard myself – he's going to be in the mix. No one is sleeping on him. I like him myself, and think he's got a real shot. But, nothing is guaranteed either. Right now, I can count 4 to 5 locks to make it at the receiver position, and he's not one of them. He'll have to earn it.
Marcel Freling from Hilversum, the Netherlands
Question: Hey Jim. I'll be coming down to Nashville soon for a few days mid of May for work, unfortunately I'm missing any OTAs or rookie camp activities and it looks like there won't be any Nissan Stadium Tour during my time over. Are there any Titan-related sites you can recommend me visiting? Or just enjoy all the music Nashville has to offer. Appreciate all the work you do.
Jim: Hey Marcel. I hope you have a great trip. Not sure of your exact dates, but CLICK HERE for dates available for a public tour of Nissan Stadium. Either way, you should visit the Team Store at Nissan Stadium, which is open each day. You'll also get to see the progress of new Nissan Stadium while you're there. I think you'll be impressed. Downtown Nashville is a happening place for sure, with tons to see and do off of Broadway. If you have a car you can drive by Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, which is on 460 Great Circle Road, but practices are closed and the building isn't open to the public, unfortunately. Be safe!
Clint Richie from Medford, Oregon
Question: Why are rookies who haven't signed their contract able to participate in mini camps and OTAs?
Jim: Yes.
Jason Knight from Cleveland, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim I pray all is well with you and your family. I have been reading up on Ward, and I will say this the more I read the more I like him not just as a football player. He seems like a grounded individual sure of himself but not cocky. He also seems matter a fact about things, plus he has things in order in his life. I think we did good in the draft I really like the receiver out of Stanford. We for sure drafted guys that seem to be high character football players. I hope the coaching staff can get the full potential out of them. I think we have had trouble over the years developing players. Looking forward to the start of the season. The ufl just makes me miss the nfl. GOD Bless you and your family and thanks for all you do for us fans.
Jim: All is good, Jason, thanks. Cam is an impressive young man for sure. And, all the draft picks made a great first impression on me on their zoom calls.
John Feeley from Boston, Massachusetts
Question: Hi Jim, hope all is well. Do you think the Titans target a veteran Edge Rusher between now and training camp? Still feel like it is a position of need even after the Oladejo pick. Za'Darius Smith, Mathew Judon and Preston Smith are all still available, curious if that is a position you think the Titans could add too.
Jim: Hey John. Well, it wouldn't surprise me. But whether that comes via a waiver claim or by signing a free agent off the street remains to be seen. I look at the edge rusher spot and see some guys who have done it, some who still have something to prove, and some youngsters who will need to establish themselves. I think the GM will be looking to upgrade there, along with several other positions. But I suspect the personnel guys will want to see how guys do during offseason work, including OTAs and minicamp, too.
Darius Powell from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hello Jim ! I'm excited about our draft picks! Cam Ward is definitely a major upgrade and should keep us competitive. My questions is: Being that our new stadium will have an LED ring of fire and plus new uniforms. When will the Titans have all black uniforms with a ring of fire around our Logo?
Jim: Would this be considered "futuristic?" Actually, it sounds kind of cool. Let me ask Warren…
Have a great week everyone!
