I Want Ryan Tannehill and NOT Kirk Cousins

[SoFlaJets]

Could the New York Jets trade for Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill?

By Will Lomas | Sep 27, 2023

I can't stress enough how important the next 18 days are for the Tennessee Titans. 

Looking at the schedule right now, the Titans are going to have to face a banged-up Cincinnati Bengals team that just started to show signs of life, an intriguing Indianapolis Colts team, and the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens. 

 

If the Tennessee Titans play anything like they did in Weeks 1 and 3, then it could get grizzly. Even if they play like they did against the L.A. Chargers in Week 2, a 2-4 record seems more likely than a 3-3 record after that stretch. 

For the sake of argument, let's say that the Tennessee Titans enter the bye week with a 2-4 record (or worse). Will that be the point where Mike Vrabel finally realizes that this team needs to go through a rebuild? 

If that happens, don't be surprised if a team like the New York Jets calls the Tennessee Titans with an offer according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 

"Here's an idea that a league exec floated to me, and I'm curious on your thoughts: Tannehill to the Jets. He'd cost less draft capital than Kirk Cousins. He has a connection with Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing, a former Titans playcaller. His $27 million salary is modest for a reputable NFL starter. And the Jets just need someone who can get the ball to Garrett Wilson on third down. Tannehill can get that done."

Dan Graziano agreed with this take saying that he made more sense given that Kirk Cousins would be more expensive and that he has a no-trade clause with the Minnesota Vikings. If Cousins believes that he can pump up his stats by throwing to Justin Jefferson for another season and then choose his own destination in 2024, he would be smart to force the Vikings to stick with him. 

There are a few reasons why this deal could make sense. Tannehill's contract means that the Jets wouldn't be on the hook for him when Aaron Rodgers gets back, the coaching staff is familiar with Ryan Tannehill, and there were rumors that they had an interest in him before the Aaron Rodgers conversations really took off. 

 

However, the biggest reason why this could work was something completely random. The biggest reason why this makes sense is because both teams have a bye in Week 7. 

Timing is crucial for a Tennessee Titans, New York Jets trade

The Jets aren't going to make a move at quarterback right now, but Robert Saleh is reportedly taking a lot of heat for his unflinching support of Zach Wilson. Assuming that Wilson doesn't have a complete career turnaround in the middle of a season where the New York Jets already traded for one veteran quarterback to replace him, there aren't that many quarterbacks on the trade block right now, especially if Cousins isn't waiving his no-trade clause. 

That brings us back to the big reason why this is a talking point right now. Ryan Tannehill is the only real option for a team that is looking to trade for a veteran QB. 

If a move is made, it will happen after the Week 6 games. If a deal is done quickly, then Tannehill will be able to get to New York quickly and work on learning the Jets offense and getting familiar with the players before the Week 8 matchup. 

The schedule sets up perfectly for Tannehill and the Jets in this scenario. In the three weeks following the bye, the Jets play against the New York Giants who have allowed nearly 33 points per game, the L.A. Chargers whom Ryan Tannehill thrived against in Week 2, and the Las Vegas Raiders. 

 

That gives the Jets and Tannehill time to win while building chemistry and getting ready for the second half of the season. 

A Tannehill trade gives the Jets a chance to make the playoffs in a surprisingly weak AFC this season, and it gives the Tennessee Titans a way to tank without really saying they are tanking. 

To be clear, I'm sure the Tennessee Titans and Mike Vrabel will never get anywhere close to admitting that they are tanking. They will talk about the last time the Titans made a QB change midseason and they will talk about how they want to see what they have in Will Levis and to a much, much lesser degree Malik Willis. 

Still, trading Ryan Tannehill would be waving the white flag on the 2023 season and it would almost certainly doom the Tennessee Titans to their worst season since the pre-Jon Robinson days. This will probably be Mike Vrabel's last chance to get a crack at making this roster competitive and he should try to do that with as much draft capital as he can get along with the $100 million in cap space the Tennessee Titans will have next year.

[Rich Thornburgh]

Tannehill would be way cheaper and wouldn’t cost draft picks 

[SoFlaJets]

I believe if this team makes this deal and goes into the bye week we could be looking at an 10-7, 11-6, and yes maybe even  a 12-5 great season IF we get out of this next game without Zach Wilson killing this defense  for the 3rd straight game by keeping them on the field 2/3 of every game. I saw Quinnen go out last week holding his leg and I thought "Uh oh, here we go again" Luckily, he was back in there. I've seen Jets teams go through this exact same thing in 2005  

[Warfish]

I'm against any trade of draft assets for a veteran QB.

By the time any trade could get done, and that veteran made ready to play, it'll be too late to save the 2023 NY Jets.  

I hoard my draft assets, I sell/trade veteran assets I do not intend to keep past 2023, and build for our future.

The present is already lost.  It cannot be saved.

[usanyj]

28 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I'm against any trade of draft assets for a veteran QB.

By the time any trade could get done, and that veteran made ready to play, it'll be too late to save the 2023 NY Jets.  

I hoard my draft assets, I see/trade veteran assets I do not intend to keep past 2023, and build for our future.

The present is already lost.  It cannot be saved.

I still think they try to run this back next year with Rodgers...but I agree, keep the 1st rounder, use it on a qb to actually sit behind rodgers for at least a year and learn from him and hopefully you set yourself up when he walks at the end of next year or the year after.

[Warfish]

Just now, usanyj said:

I still think they try to run this back next year with Rodgers.

Oh aye, I think Woody retains JD and Saleh, and just try to do in 2024 what they planned for 2023.

Make no mistake, I agree 100% that is what's likely to ACTUALLY happen.  

I'd just do something very different, but I am not the Owner/GM.

[hawk]

Someone start a fire SoFlaJets thread...

[JoeNamathsFurCoat]

Tannehill is washed?

I think I’d take Malik Willis over him at this point.

At least he can run around and threaten defenses with his speed.

[bonkertons]

42 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I'm against any trade of draft assets for a veteran QB.

By the time any trade could get done, and that veteran made ready to play, it'll be too late to save the 2023 NY Jets.  

I hoard my draft assets, I see/trade veteran assets I do not intend to keep past 2023, and build for our future.

The present is already lost.  It cannot be saved.

I don't agree with this.  That the season would be lost already, at least.  I guess I understand wanting to hold onto the draft capital, but we have two 4ths(if I remember correctly) and I'd assume one of them would be the absolute worst case scenario in a Tannehill trade.  I honestly think you could possibly get him for like a '25 5th.  We're basically talking Carter Warren or Izzy Abanikanda for a QB who can potentially get us to the playoffs.

 

Honestly though it all comes down to that Denver game.  If we want any hope of making a run, we have to win that game.  Go into the BYE at 2-4.  Assuming that happens and assuming you can trade for Tannehill right after those week 6 games(TEN's BYE is the same week as us), that gives him almost a full 2 weeks to settle in.  Like the article says, he's also already familiar with Todd Downing, plus he's been around long enough to the point where he can pick up an offense faster than most guys we could target.

 

Post-BYE there are many winnable games.  Giants, Raiders, Falcons, Texans, Commanders, Browns.  That's potentially 8 wins right there.  Even if you pencil in both Miami games and the road Buffalo game as L's, there's still a chance.  Chargers and Patriots would be the two toughest games outside of that.  Chargers to me are like a poor man's Bills.  Again, with a decent QB, I think we could beat them.  Pats are the Pats, and until we beat them we will always be the underdog there, especially on the road.  That said we've all seen it these past 2 years:  games that we win with even barely competent QB play.  

 

Is it likely we make the playoffs at 2-4 and having just brought in Tannehill?  **** no.  Is it possible?  Absolutely.  Worth paying a 4th to find out?  Absolutely, IMO.  

[Warfish]

2 minutes ago, bonkertons said:

Is it likely we make the playoffs at 2-4 and having just brought in Tannehill?  **** no.

I don't believe we'll be 2-4, I strongly believe we'll be 1-5.

2 minutes ago, bonkertons said:

  Is it possible?  Absolutely. 

Yes, it's possible  a Tannehill-led Jets could recover from 1-5 to get to 10-7, by going 9-2 the rest of the way. 

Just very, VERY unlikely IMO.

2 minutes ago, bonkertons said:

Worth paying a 4th to find out?  Absolutely, IMO.  

I don't agree, but I respect your feelings on the issue.

[Jetsfan80]

We will get neither and there's not a f**king thing we can do about it, sadly.

I hate this team.

[slimjasi]

1 minute ago, Jetsfan80 said:

We will get neither and there's not a f**king thing we can do about it, sadly.

I hate this team.

Yep - we won’t even try to get either guy 

[ChuckkieB]

Yes to Cousins, hell no to Tannehill!

[bonkertons]

2 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I don't believe we'll be 2-4, I strongly believe we'll be 1-5.

Yes, it's possible  a Tannehill-led Jets could recover from 1-5 to get to 10-7, by going 9-2 the rest of the way. 

Just very, VERY unlikely IMO.

I don't agree, but I respect your feelings on the issue.

Like I said, the only way I do it is if we're 2-4.  1-5 and I just commit to the retool.  Sell off Huff, any other non-long term vets under contract(Lawson? Cobb if anyone wants him, and I guess if AR "approves"?  Cook, if he has any value at all anymore.  Etc.).  Stock up picks and try to get a pick high enough to take Maye or Marvin Harrison Jr.  No matter what we'll need to take a QB early, 1st or 2nd round.  Zach will be replaced by the next shiny kid.  

 

But yeah, if we're 2-4 that's a different story IMO.  8-3 sounds much more possible, especially when looking at that schedule.  Even 7-4 could get us in at 9-8.  The AFC seems to be much more wide open this year based on what we've seen so far.  

 

Again though, it all comes down to the Denver game.  As bad as we think we are, their fans are saying the same sh*t about them right now.  At least we have a new QB coming in to "save" us, even if it's only Trevor Siemian.  They are stuck with the same team that just got dropped for 70 points.  

[Barry McCockinner]

1 hour ago, Rich Thornburgh said:

Tannehill would be way cheaper and wouldn’t cost draft picks 

so how do we trade for him without using draft picks? What are we going to offer Zack "let it rip" Wilson?

Go get Cousins for a 4th when the Viking lose to the Panthers this week. 

[THE BARON]

All indications are that the Jets GM/HC/Owner have agreed on one thing,  None of them are responsible for Rodgers going down.  It was just bad luck.  True you make your own good luck, but bad luck can happen to anyone. 

That being said, between themselves, they have agreed to defer success until 2024 without anyone being penalized or losing their jobs.  

Clearly, they have also decided not to make any QB moves that will diminish their chances for success in 2024.  That means, no spending of significant monies on a stop-gap QB right now and no relinquishing of any 2024 draft picks for a stop-gap QB now.  The addition of Trevor S. is simply a very affordable way of getting a warm body on the roster if ZW gets his sh*t knocked lose. 

They do indeed know that Wilson is not playing well.  They are resigned to letting him sink or swim with the understanding that it will probably be *sink* with a slight chance of *swim*.

That is the plan.  2023 is deferred to 2024.  

No way are they giving up anything right now on a stop-gap QB

Wilson is cleared to crash and burn with their blessing.  If he busts his ass, the expendable bargain basement QB, TS comes in to get his ass beat next. 

 

[viffer]

None of this has any chance of happening. Siemian was signed specifically so as to not put any pressure on the MILF hunter. We are stuck with Zach unless (until?) he gets hurt. 

[Jetsplayer21]

3 minutes ago, viffer said:

None of this has any chance of happening. Siemian was signed specifically so as to not put any pressure on the MILF hunter. We are stuck with Zach unless (until?) he gets hurt. 

So JD is choosing to tank without really admitting it ? Saleh can’t be happy. 

[More Cowbell]

If the Jets trade even a 7th round pick for Tanny, JD should be fired 

[JagsFanJif]

19 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

We will get neither and there's not a f**king thing we can do about it, sadly.

I hate this team.

100%, I think my favorite laugh in this comedy of errors called trying to find a QB written and performed by Joe Douglas, is in a lost season, w/ nothing on the line, they traded for Joe Flacco when Zach got "injured", and this year, w/ expectations, they're just going to sit on their hands and sign Trevor Siemian, who once started a game for the NY Jets and only outlasted Rodgers by 2 plays.  So yeah, we're that close to Zach Wilson again because apparently Tim Boyle is here just to hang out fully dressed to play on the sidelines but not actually capable of playing.  That's besides the fact veteran guys like Colt McCoy, Carson Wentz, Cam Newton and oh hey, Joe Flacco are freely available to sign as well but nah, it's the Zach Wilson show, till it's maybe not but then ultimately will be back to the Zach Wilson show because  Jets.

[MysticalJet2]

Everyone is coming out with these trade scenarios. We are not trading for a QB.  No way no how unless AR makes the decision not to come back…which ain’t happening.  We live and die by the group we currently have. End of story.

[JagsFanJif]

Oh and Tannehill is straight trash.  Have you seen him this season?  Holy dog sh*t.

[Barry McCockinner]

1 minute ago, JiF said:

Oh and Tannehill is straight trash.  Have you seen him this season?  Holy dog sh*t.

didn't have Tannehill > Cousins on my bingo card today.

[carlito1171]

It pointless to even entertain a trade at this point....

It makes no sense, by the time the trade is complete and the QB is ready to start.....the season will be over...

The time to do it was right when Rodgers went down. That QB would've been getting prepared to start this week or next. 

[Untouchable]

You could argue that Tannehill has been even worse than Zach this season

[Jetsfan80]

4 minutes ago, Untouchable said:

You could argue that Tannehill has been even worse than Zach this season

It's way closer than it should be, but not really, no.  Tannehill has him beat in QB Rating (67.7 to 57.0), Completion % (59.0 to 52.4) and Yards per Attempt (6.6 to 5.6).

[JagsFanJif]

23 minutes ago, Barry McCockinner said:

didn't have Tannehill > Cousins on my bingo card today.

That's because you dont have the depth enough to look past Cousins leading the league in passing yards and TD's and completing 69% of his passes vs. a Tannehill who has similar numbers to Zach Wilson and see it the better fit for this team.

 

 

[Larz]

You got Trevor. 
 

zach is the starter this year 

How have people not figured this out yet?

[kevinc855]

If the Jets are 2-4 they will 100 percent move for Tanehill or Cousins......1-5 maybe not. 2-4 at the bye they are still in it for the 7th seed

[bla bla bla]

52 minutes ago, THE BARON said:

All indications are that the Jets GM/HC/Owner have agreed on one thing,  None of them are responsible for Rodgers going down.  It was just bad luck.  True you make your own good luck, but bad luck can happen to anyone. 

That being said, between themselves, they have agreed to defer success until 2024 without anyone being penalized or losing their jobs.  

Clearly, they have also decided not to make any QB moves that will diminish their chances for success in 2024.  That means, no spending of significant monies on a stop-gap QB right now and no relinquishing of any 2024 draft picks for a stop-gap QB now.  The addition of Trevor S. is simply a very affordable way of getting a warm body on the roster if ZW gets his sh*t knocked lose. 

They do indeed know that Wilson is not playing well.  They are resigned to letting him sink or swim with the understanding that it will probably be *sink* with a slight chance of *swim*.

That is the plan.  2023 is deferred to 2024.  

No way are they giving up anything right now on a stop-gap QB

Wilson is cleared to crash and burn with their blessing.  If he busts his ass, the expendable bargain basement QB, TS comes in to get his ass beat next. 

I do agree with your sentiment overall. If the Vikings lose this week, I hope the move is Cousins. Vikings get a 2025 5th if he walks, offer them a conditional pick in 2025 based on team performance.

Cousins would be on our team for 1 year $7m (give or take). Our young players are worth that price IMO.

[THE BARON]

3 minutes ago, bla bla bla said:

I do agree with your sentiment overall. If the Vikings lose this week, I hope the move is Cousins. Vikings get a 2025 5th if he walks, offer them a conditional pick in 2025 based on team performance.

Cousins would be on our team for 1 year $7m (give or take). Our young players are worth that price IMO.

Good point.  No big deal if 2023 goes south.  If the star players go south due to frustration over ZW, it may be unfixable for 2024

[rex-n-effect]

This isn't happening nor should it. Tannehill has looked absolutely terrible this year. Jets dodged a bullet not pursuing him in the offseason. He may not be ZW bad but he's one of the worst QBs in the league this season. 

[PFSIKH]

Tannehill is never the answer.  

I understand trying to avoid nuking the season, but he makes your QB situation what?  12th best on the AFC?

 

[Joe W. Namath]

1 hour ago, kevinc855 said:

If the Jets are 2-4 they will 100 percent move for Tanehill or Cousins......1-5 maybe not. 2-4 at the bye they are still in it for the 7th seed

2-4??????  Hahahahaha

[Sperm Edwards]

2 hours ago, Rich Thornburgh said:

Tannehill would be way cheaper and wouldn’t cost draft picks 

How is he way cheaper?

His salary is literally $1MM per week higher than Cousins.