It’s Sunday again, which means we’re taking a look at the biggest headlines from around the Tennessee Titans’ division to keep up with their AFC South rivals, the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Like the Titans, the other three teams in the division have begun making moves to prepare themselves for the offseason, which will really kick off in earnest on March 13, the first day of the legal-tampering window.
After free agency comes the 2023 NFL draft, where both the Texans and Colts are expected to pursue the top two quarterbacks. The general managers of both squads addressed that subject last week at the combine.
Just when things started looking up for the Jaguars, it was revealed last week that the team might have to make hiring a better exterminator a point of emphasis this offseason.
Check out those stories and more as we take a pretty lengthy trip around the AFC South to see what the Titans’ rivals are up to.
Gus Bradley to return as Colts defensive coordinator
New Colts head coach Shane Steichen has decided to hang on to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Bradley and Steichen spent time together in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
Report: Colts free agent LBs to be 'highly coveted'
The Colts have a pair of pending free agents at the linebacker position in Bobby Okereke and E.J. Speed, both of whom are expected to be “highly coveted” on the open market.
The Titans could very well end up being one of those teams, especially if David Long isn’t re-signed.
Colts still working through Matt Ryan decision
Colts GM Chris Ballard isn’t ready to say one way or the other if Matt Ryan will be back in 2023. Cutting the veteran quarterback would save Indy a little over $17 million in 2023 but leave them with a dead-cap hit of $18 million.
What Chris Ballard said about a potential trade to No. 1
The Colts have been connected to trading up for a quarterback this offseason for obvious reasons, but Ballard says trading up for one isn’t automatic. Ballard also didn’t rule out staying put and getting one at No. 4.
Report: Jaguars 'okay with drafting an OT,' letting Jawaan Taylor walk
If the Jaguars can’t come to an agreement on an extension with right tackle Jawaan Taylor, the team is reportedly content with letting him walk in favor of drafting another in 2023. Taylor’s career has been a disappointment overall, but he is coming off his best season in 2022.
Jaguars clear $26.14 million in cap space with 3 restructures
The Jaguars cleared up $26.14 million in cap space by restructuring the deals of wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, and guard Brandon Scherff, which leaves the team with about $13 million in cap space.
Trent Baalke: Jaguars are a team players now want to play for
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke believes Jacksonville is a destination players want to go to now that the team is on the right trajectory. That’s a far cry from where this franchise has typically been over the years.
The Jaguars had a rat problem in 2022
Baalke might be right in saying the Jaguars are a more popular destination for players to go to now that the ship appears to be righted, but I’m not sure there are too many players keen on joining a team with a rat problem.
According to a recent NFLPA report card, which we covered for the Titans right here, the Jags had a rat infestation “in the locker room and laundry hampers.”
Yikes. Maybe they should hire a cat to take care of the problem.
When taking all player grades into account, the Jaguars finished with the fifth-worst overall mark. They had better straighten that out or Jacksonville won’t be the destination Baalke thinks it is.
Report: Jaguars expected to franchise tag TE Evan Engram
With their inability to come to an agreement, the Jaguars are expected to place the franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram, which will cost Jacksonville $11.34 million in 2023.
This is a problem for the Jags, as Engram’s franchise tag salary nearly covers the entirety of the cap space the team just cleared up. Jacksonville has other means to free up cap space, but will be limited in their spending no matter what.
Report: Jaguars will release Shaquill Griffin if they can't trade CB
The Jaguars are shopping cornerback Shaquill Griffin this offseason, but if they can’t deal the veteran they are reportedly expected to release him. Such a move would free up $13.14 million in cap space.
Texans should look into trade talks with Rams CB Jalen Ramsey
Texans Wire’s John Crumpler believes the Texans should be interested in trying to trade for Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is expected to be dealt this offseason.
Texans should consider QB Marcus Mariota as veteran backup
After being released by the Atlanta Falcons recently, Marcus Mariota is now on the open market and available to sign, and Texans Wire’s Mark Lane believes he should be considered by Houston.
Texans GM Nick Caserio says 'we're going to add' to QB position
In what is a surprise to nobody, Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team is planning on adding a quarterback in 2023. He believes the team could add one in the draft, and as many as two in free agency. Houston sits with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, so the team is guaranteed at least one of the two best quarterbacks in C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young.
Texans GM Nick Caserio doesn't rule out potential trade with Bears
While the Texans are guaranteed one of the two top quarterbacks in this draft, Caserio isn’t ruling out the team trading up one spot, which would ensure Houston gets the quarterback it covets the most.
