NASHVILLE – They call this time of year "March Madness" because of basketball, but it could also apply to the month of the Tennessee Titans.
It's been wild around here, with 16 new players signed in free agency, and two more acquired via trades. The team has also re-signed six of its own, while releasing three others. Meanwhile, nine others from last year's squad have signed elsewhere.
And, oh yeah, there was a uniform and logo change, if you haven't heard about that.
Yes, it's been a wild stretch, and the NFL Draft is coming up.
Let's talk more about it in this weekend's mailbag…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE.
Alexander Nazerias from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: Hey, hope you are doing well. Bit of a silly question, but is the actual Titans mascot (the man dressed up as a Greek warrior at games who plants the sword) surviving the rebrand? I hope he does! That aspect is always such a cool part of our team brand. Have a great week.
Jim: Hey Alexander. Everything is fair game in these changing times. Hyperion is the mascot who dressed up as a Greek Warrior, in full body armor. He was out there with T-Rac before kickoff. But he hasn't been out there for several years. There is a fan, Adam McMillin, aka Titan Man, who sits in the north end zone for games. Not 100 percent sure of his plans moving forward, but Burke Nihill, President and CEO of the Titans, told me he'd love to keep seeing him in the stands.
Eric Biederman from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Last time I wrote you, Wan'dale Robinson, JFM, Alontae Taylor, and Cordale Flott weren't Titans, and we had a different logo and different uniforms. Lots has changed. I'm a bit concerned with the amount of former Jets and Giants that are now on this team, and the Bellinger contract was absolutely horrible, but things are looking up.
I'm here to make the case to convince fans that Jeremiyah Love should be a Titan.
I completely understand the case for an edge rusher here. That's a premium position that gets paid a lot, and we would get a huge discount for a few years if we draft a good one. But to me, this doesn't make sense due to our recent roster moves and last year's draft.
Since we spent a 2nd on Femi and traded for Jermain Johnson, we've already prioritized our edge rushing. We also signed JFM to create the best DT tandem in the entire league.
David Bailey as an OLB is much better in a 3-4 scheme, which Saleh just changed to a 4-3. And whether or not you are high on Reuben Bain Jr, there's no denying that his arm length is a serious drawback.
I am not in love with either of these edge prospects.
Jeremiyah Love is one of the better running back prospects over the last decade or so. He's fast, strong, and an insane red zone threat. He adds through the air as a dynamic pass catcher, and would force teams to game plan around him. Obviously these are all projections because it's impossible to predict his play until he's on an nfl field. But conventional wisdom tells us that when you have a promising young quarterback, you help him out. Nothing would help Ward more than drafting Love.
Cheers!
Jim: Hey Eric. I think a lot of Titans fans are getting on board with your line of thinking on the draft. But the one that matters is Mike Borgonzi.
Joe Allen from Gainesboro, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Been a while since I last made a comment or asked a question. I started watching the Houston Oilers back in '62 when I got my orders for my new assignment in California. Been a fan since then, win or lose days. Thank you Miss Amy for bringing these uniforms back to life and a remembrance of those days in the Astrodome, Bud Adams, the AFL and the days of the Run & Shoot and I can't leave out Warren Moon and the gang! God Bless them all! Can't wait for draft day and who we will end up with. Love is a beast and a true number one. We will see what our coaches and Borgonzi decide, just hope it is a good one! Thank you for all you do for us fans Jim and Titan Up for sure!!
Jim: Appreciate it, Joe. And best to you.
Juan Bueso from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. It's me again. Why isn't Dike WR1? If we compare his stats, it's very clear that he's better than both Ridley and Elic, and Ik we're getting Wan'dale but he should still be wr1 or at the very least 2
1. He had more tds than both Elic and Ridley combined and he's not even wr1
2. He had almost as many yards as Ridley and Elic this season, and hes not even a starter, imagine him if he was wr1
3. He was a pro bowler and even though it was punt return yards, its not exactly an easy task to run from one end of the field to the other, it shows his field iq and his skill
4. He was the showcase for the new uniforms
My depth of the Wr's excluding Wan'Dale would be
WR1: Dike
WR2: Ridley
WR3: Elic
Jim: Hello Juan. Chimere Dike was a big part of this team last year, and he's going to be a big part of this team moving forward. The team is all about acquiring as many good players as possible, whether that's at receiver or another position. All the guys you mentioned are going to play, and more will be acquired. The hope is the offense will continue to get better because of it. I also think Chim is just going to keep getting better and better.
Rene Bourbonnais from Traverse Bay, Manitoba, Canada
Question: Hi Jim, I've been a diehard Oiler/Titans fan since i saw Earl Campbell on Monday night football a looong time ago. I haven't been on the site in a while so this question may have been asked and answered. What is the story on Will Levis? Is he still a Titan? Will he compete for a back up job?
Keep up the great work. TITAN UP
Jim: Hi Rene. Will is still with the Titans. He's one of three quarterback still on the roster, along with Cam Ward and Mitchell Trubisky. I've actually speculated a lot in here on the position, and on Will, who I think has talent and is a great guy. Where does he fit behind Cam and Trubisky? Well, it's hard for me to forecast a scenario where they're all on the roster when the season starts. How it all plays out, well, we'll just have to wait and see.
Pepe Toño Herce from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: How's it going, Jim? A nostalgic "Luv Ya Blue" fan here. I've gladly embraced every change the organization has made to the uniforms and logo. My son and nephew, who didn't live through the Oilers' glory days, are now thrilled with the new look. The team is all of us — the past, the present, and the future. Go Titans!!
Pepe Toño Herce from Mexico
Jim: Good to hear from you, Pepe.
Joel Callaghan from Riverpool, United Kingdom
Question: Hi Jim, do you think we're likely to see Xavier Restrepo play this year? He clearly as a great chemistry with Cam and I think the snaps he played he got open really well. I know he went undrafted but I really think he just needs a shot!
Jim: Hi Joel. I like Xavier. He's a hard-working young man who has made a name for himself. He was a stud in college at Miami, Cam's top target. I'm never going to disrespect him by counting him out, or by selling him short because he's proven a lot of folks wrong in the past. But let's face it, he's going to start training camp fighting to make the 53-man roster. I'm going to wait and see what other receivers are signed in free agency or picked in the draft before I discuss his chances of making the team.
Alexander Nazerias from Knoxville, Tennessee
Question: I was wondering, with the 30th anniversary of the franchise's move to Tennessee coming up (and the third jersey/second helmet option not yet being used) could you see the franchise doing a throwback jersey to honor the original Titans' look that was worn for the Music City Miracle, the Super Bowl, etc
Jim: Hey Alexander. I think folks are still catching their breath after the uniform reveal. The Rivalry Uniform, which will be worn once this season, is up next. We'll see after that.
Dom O'Leary from Adelaide, Australia
Question: Hey Jim. Lots of exciting movement happening in free agency so far. With the Crosby trade falling through Maxx could be available. Is his knee issue something he can overcome and provide real value in Tennessee that we wouldn't look for an edge rusher in the first three draft picks we have or is Coach Saleh looking elsewhere?
Apart from Wan'Dale Robinson who else is on the radar in receiver threats to support Ayomaner and Dike this year? Can't wait for Draft to see who comes on board! Exciting times ahead. Cheers.
Jim: G'Day, Dom. I'm not anticipating a trade for Maxx. He's a perfect Raider if you ask me. Personally, I'd like to see him play his whole career there. Don't forget about Calvin Ridley. Others will join the likes of Robinson, Ayomanor, Dike, Bryce Oliver, Mason Kinsey and Restrepo at some point. Currently those are the eight receivers on the roster but there will probably be 14 or 15 by camp.
Andy Rao from Arlington, Virginia
Question: Jim, I've been sitting back and watching the Titans FA signings with interest. A lot of Giants and Jets players making their way to Smashville. I'm not sure how to feel about that. That being said, I do like the fact that most of the FAs are on the younger side (with the exception of Tribusky and Johnson), and pretty much coming off of their first contracts. I believe that's the way most teams from now on should approach this period. I am a little sad to see Chig sign with the Commanders. I really thought he was worth keeping (that off the line speed to get deep as a TE. You just don't find that.), especially with Helm. Would have been the best TE combo since Frank Wycheck & Jackie Harris. Signing Bellinger does allow Helm to focus on being a receiving TE, and we finally get to see Martin-Robinson take off. He's long overdue for snaps. One other thing I've noted. We're not going after names in the FA market, just solid under the radar performers. No Sneeds, Ridleys, and etc. With all these confirmed signings, I wouldn't be surprised if we end up taking Love with our first round draft pick (He may be the most talented player available on Thursday night). It's lining up that way in my mind, anyway. Anyway, that's all for now. Fingers crossed for the Draft.
Jim: Thanks for chiming in, Andy.
Cosme Belmonte from México City, Mexico
Question: Hey Jim! I'm so excited to see that free agency, the uniform change, and soon, the college draft have prompted all of us Titans fans to speak out. There are those of us happy about the return of the Oilers' colors, and the younger fans who aren't too keen on the change—we're all having our say.
If you don't mind, I'd like to share my "Tell Us Your Titans Story"—my brief history with the Oilers/Titans and why I'm here with them, and to remember the players who made this team.
I must have been 4 or 5 years old, and I was always with my uncles watching Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Oilers games. The first two were more popular here in Mexico than my Oilers. Nevertheless, I liked the Oilers more, from their war song and colors to, most importantly, the players. I remember Dan Pastorini, Ken Burrough, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, and especially Earl Campbell. From the late 70s to the early 80s, I remember the arrival of Warren Moon (run and shoot), Mark Rozier, Ray Childress, Mike Munchak, Bruce Matthews, Keith "el suavecito" Bostik, Jeff Donaldson, Haywood Jeffries, Ernest Givins, Curtis Duncan, Blaine Bishop, Chris Dishman, and so many more. Towards the end of the century, there was Steve "Air" McNair, Eddie George, Keith Bulluk, Jevon Kearse, Frank Wycheck, and shortly after, Chris Johnson. And I want Closing with King Henry. To the "Teen Titans," I want to say that it's okay to feel angry about the change; we all resist it. But this team, my Oilers, my Titans, will always be my team.
Thank you for your time and for sharing.
Jim: Hello Cosme. I appreciate you sharing your story.
Have a great weekend everyone!
