Once the Tennessee Titans slapped a $4.3 million restricted free-agent tender on offensive lineman Aaron Brewer, it was assumed he was set to take over at center for Ben Jones, who the team parted ways with this offseason.
Brewer has since confirmed that is the case while speaking to the media last week, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“I have been working at center right now,” Brewer revealed. “And I would say that is the goal for the team right now – for me to move into the center spot and take over that role.”
Titans fans are anxious about Brewer taking the reins from Jones after a lackluster season at left guard, and due to the fact that he’s undersized.
As far as his size goes, Brewer says he’s going to be around 290 when the season starts, which he says is the same weight he’s been at “for a minute now.”
“I am pretty sure I’ll be playing around the same weight I’ve been – I’m now really too light,” he said. “I know the media would probably say I’m about 240, 250. But I’ve been this weight for a minute now – 290.”
Despite his disappointing 2022 campaign, there is hope that Brewer will be better at his natural position at center, where he believes he’s a good fit thanks to his athleticism.
“Center fits me well, because I’m in the middle and I’m facing those big noses, and I’m quick and I’m athletic and have natural leverage, so that’s a good spot for me,” Brewer explained.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been in that guard/center role,” he added. “In my second year, I came in a couple of games at center. Ben has just been that certified center, but I’ve been for sure next up at that spot.”
Speaking of Jones, Brewer says he “learned a lot” from the veteran, who he notes has a wealth of knowledge after 10 years in the league.
“Ben, he’s been in the league 10-plus years, so his knowledge of the game is on another level, just going into practice, going into games” he said. “He sees defenses, and defensive coordinator’s schemes – everything from pre-snap to the snap. His whole mentality about everything, how he goes about things, how he prepares, I took all that in.”
On top of the fact that he’ll be playing his natural position, Brewer also won’t be playing next to an absolute turn style in Dennis Daley again, so that should also help his cause.
