Locked On Titans - Daily Podcast On The Tennessee Titans - BREAKING: Gus Bradley PERFECT HIRE for Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator & Salary Cap Update

Episode Date: February 2, 2026

The Tennessee Titans have hired Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. This is a huge win for Robert Saleh as Bradley had other options that would have allowed him to call plays. Bradley adds eve...n more massive experience to the coaching staff and adds another bald!(LOL). There was a major salary cap update this weekend and the Titans now have even more cap space than before, but the reality is this affects all teams and doesn't give the Titans some new advantage. Regardless, the money they have to play with is significant and there should be options to create even more room if needed. Finally, it is mock draft season, but it is clear from some of these mocks that people outside the Titans circle have no clue about the team and that is why there are so many with the Titans taking offensive line. Not only are those misinformed from a draft value perspective, but they also show a lack of understanding of how the offensive line played at the end of the season. LOCKED ON TITANS EVERYDAY CLUB: https://lockedontitans.supercast.com/ Subscribe to the TicTacTitans Film Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TicTacTitans TicTacTitans Merchandise: https://dixons-dream.square.site/shop/tictactitans-gear/C3AAPNWXSXA6SBYG3USV2I7R?page=1&limit=30&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc Follow Tyler on Twitter @TicTacTitans Follow the show on Facebook @LockedOnTitansPod Subscribe to the Locked On Titans YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/LockedOnTitans/videos Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!TurboTaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFLGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.RobinhoodTrade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firmIndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.GustoTry Gusto today at http://gusto.com/lockedonNFL and get three months free when you run your first payroll.QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnfl.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. DripDropRight now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to http://dripdrop.com and use promo code lockedonnfl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 The Tennessee Titans search for a defensive coordinator got more interesting this weekend as Gus Bradley entered the picture. But Robert Sala shouldn't wait on Gus Bradley to make his move. I'll explain why on today's edition of Locked on Titans. You are Locked on Titans, your daily Tennessee Titans podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome to the Locked on Titans podcast. I am your host, Tyler Rowland Titans fans. Today's edition of the Locked on Titans podcast is brought to you by Fandall.
Starting point is 00:00:41 It's the last call for football on Fandle, and if you're a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if you win on today's show. I'm going to tell you why Gus Bradley is a great option for defensive coordinator, but the Titans shouldn't be waiting on him. Also, I'll give you an update on the Tennessee Titans salary cap situation as we got some big news from the NFL over. over the weekend and I cannot take these mock drafts given the Tennessee Titans and offensive line.
Starting point is 00:01:10 And I'm gonna set the record straight on how fans should be viewing the O line when it comes to the NFL draft. Before we get into all of it though, do want to thank you for making the Locked on Titans, your first listen each and every day. Remember Monday through Friday Tennessee Titans content all year round, always for free make sure that you get subscribed, stay subscribed. It's your team every day. Speaking of every day, shout out to my everydayers out there. tuning in Monday through Friday. Couldn't do it without you guys. If you aren't an everydayer, you need to be one again. We're gonna have roster decisions, free agency, the draft, all coming up very soon.
Starting point is 00:01:43 It is a critical all season for the Titans. You wanna stay as informed, as up the date, and as entertained as possible. Make sure that you stay locked in to the number one Tennessee Titans podcast in the world. Locked on Titans. But with that being said, again, we had four defensive coordinator candidates. It was Aaron Whitecotton. It was Mike Ruttenberg. It was Al Harris.
Starting point is 00:02:03 It was Dino Vaso. But over the weekend, a new name entered the fray. It literally happened while I was recording on Sunday, and it's Gus Bradley. Bradley was a guy that I talked about early on in the process when Robert Sala got hired because, in my opinion, Gus Bradley was the cleanest fit. He's a veteran guy, been with Robert Sala multiple years.
Starting point is 00:02:23 I mean, look at the connection here. Gus Bradley, a name that you've probably heard of, 16 years of NFL experience as a defensive coordinator or a head coach. He was with Robert Sala in Seattle when Sala was a quality control coach for him in 2011 and 2012. He was the Sala was the linebacker coach while Gus Bradley was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014 to 2016. Then again last year in San Francisco, Bradley was under Sala this time as the assistant head coach of the defense. So of course bringing over a guy who brought you up and then you gave him a job.
Starting point is 00:03:01 That makes a ton of sense. not going to deny that. And hey, Gus Bradley would make a great defensive coordinator to teach Robert Salah's defense to the defensive player. Salah is going to be the play caller. So in my mind that makes it even more important to have somebody that knows the defense that can teach it. But here's the thing. The Titans aren't the only people who want Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. It's being rumored right now according to Albert Breer that the Arizona Cardinals, who just hired Mike LaFleur.
Starting point is 00:03:33 They are going to be looking for a defensive coordinator and might be going after Gus Bradley. Here's my thing. I think Bradley would be the best defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. I certainly do agree with that thought process. But I'm not willing to miss out on Mike Ruttenberg or miss out on Al Harris
Starting point is 00:03:52 or miss out on Dino Vaso to go get old Gus Bradley. Like that's not, it's not a big enough gap in my opinion to have to wait around, especially when you consider how fast the Titans need to get their stuff together. Folks, I don't know if you've seen the calendar, but it is February. Okay? The NFL Combine is in three weeks.
Starting point is 00:04:12 Free agency is in five weeks. All right, the Titans don't have time to wait for Gus Bradley. I'm sorry, but Gus Bradley is not a big enough upgrade over a guy like Mike Ruttenberg to do that. Like, I just don't buy that. Now, again, if Gus Bradley is hired by the time that you hear this and he decides to come to Tennessee, I would love that. That's a great move.
Starting point is 00:04:35 But again, the gap between Gus Bradley and a guy like Mike Ruttenberg, who is my favorite option, there isn't a big enough gap to justify waiting a super long time to go out and get a defensive coordinator. Because again, things have to move here. Something that I'm going to talk about as we transition to roster decisions and free agency and the draft and all that is, Mike Borgonzi in his interview with the Tennessee Titans media team,
Starting point is 00:05:01 over the weekend, literally said we're about to go dark. We're going to spend 17 straight days, not literally locked in a room, but 17 straight days where the entire day is devoted to going over free agency, the draft. Free agency work has been done for the most part with the pro scouting department and everything. Obviously meetings will be had. But they need to transition to getting ready for the NFL scouting combine. And you don't go into the scouting combine, not knowing what your board looks like
Starting point is 00:05:33 and not knowing which guys you like and not knowing hey if this guy blows up at the combine we confirm that what we see on film is certified by the data that we're seeing or hey this guy looks kind of slow on the film and then he runs a bad 40 and a bad 10 yard and you're like okay
Starting point is 00:05:50 the concerns that we had on film are backed up by what we're seeing at the combine those conversations can only happen if you are properly prepared. And again, Borgonzi said it himself, they are about to go dark for 17 days to figure all that out. Well, Borgonzi also said that they want teach tape, they want prototype tape from the defensive and offensive coaching staff.
Starting point is 00:06:15 They want the coaches to tell them this is what we're looking for. Oh, I'm the linebacker coach. This is tape showing what I want out of my linebackers. Oh, I'm the wide receiver coach. This is tape on what I want out of my wide receivers. I'm an offensive line coach. You guys get what I'm saying here. So, they need to get their coaching staff certified as quickly as possible.
Starting point is 00:06:40 You cannot wait another, what, week, week and a half for the Arizona Cardinals to go through their defensive coordinator search and decide that they don't want Gus Bradley and then be like, okay, we'll bring in Gus now. I mean, Robert Salas said at his introductory press conference that coaches are to report on Monday. So if the Titans don't have a linebacker coach, if they don't have a safety coach,
Starting point is 00:07:09 if they don't have their nickel coach set in place, well that is only going to delay the ability to get the tape to the scouts and to the front office, which is only going to delay the draft process, which puts them behind the eight ball to get ready. Look, the Titans were already dealing with, the coaching staff instead of being at the senior bowl. Robert Sala wasn't there. Couldn't be.
Starting point is 00:07:36 Had to work on getting his coaching staff in place. Do the introductory press conference on Thursday. So the Titans, in my opinion, are already behind the ball when it comes to scouting for the draft. Which, if this is going to be a draft and develop organization, then the draft is absolutely critical. So again, I like Gus Bradley. I think Gus Bradley would be the best choice.
Starting point is 00:07:59 But I don't think it would be wise to wait a week, 10 days, to get Gus Bradley in here and to solidify the defensive coaching staff. Again, maybe there are some other San Francisco assistants that can be brought over. Johnny Holland linebacker coach. Chris Corricek, who I do not think is going to be brought over. He's going to be retained by San Francisco. K.J. Wright is a guy who I'd be interested in taking the linebacker duties. Ray Brown, potentially. He was a cornerbacks and defensive backs coach.
Starting point is 00:08:26 I know the Titans have Tony Odin, who's going to be the quarterback. cornerback coach, but maybe Ray Brown will do safeties. Maybe he'll be that nickelback coach. Also want to throw this in here if you guys didn't see it. Cade Knox was the Giants game management coach challenges and, you know, giving the analytics to the coach and game situations and everything like that. Cade Knox has been hired away from the New York Giants to come to the Tennessee Titans and be their game management analyst. He was a former Harvard grad. And again, he's a guy who's going to be relaying, hey, the analytics say do this.
Starting point is 00:09:02 The analytics say do that. Hey, I think we need to challenge that. And we know that the last guy who did it for Brian Callahan was terrible. And Stretch, the guy who did it for Mike Rable was pretty good. So hopefully Knox, a smart young guy can help Robert Sala in that regard since Robert Sala is going to be calling plays on defense. But again, the defensive coaching staff not being filled out, not being official yet. Hopefully, by the time you hear this, late on Monday night,
Starting point is 00:09:28 early Tuesday morning, we get more confirmation, but with all of the different things that have to happen to get the Tennessee Titans ready for the NFL draft, it's time to get a move on. And I think a guy like Mike Ruttenberg, who again was with Robert Sala in Jacksonville, with Robert Sala in New York, with Robert Sala in San Francisco.
Starting point is 00:09:47 Ruttnberg would be a great option to be the defensive coordinator. He knows Robert Sala's system, especially the more modern versions of Robert Sala's system just as well as Gus Bradley does. So I would almost favor Mike Ruttenberg, quite frankly. But hopefully we get some news about that soon. But with the coaching staff updates out of the way,
Starting point is 00:10:04 we got a big time update on the salary cap for the NFL. I'm going to tell you how much salary cap space the Titans have, what they can do with it, and how they can make even more. Do you want to let you know that today's episode is brought to you by gusto. Let's be real. No one starts a business for the joy of calculating tax withholdings and managing payroll spreadsheets. except Gusto. That's where Gusto comes in to take the stress out of payroll benefits in HR
Starting point is 00:10:35 so you can focus on running your business and supporting your team. Gusto is an all-in-one remote-friendly payroll and HR platform that makes managing your team simple, transparent, and fast. Whether you're hiring, onboarding, or paying employees, Gusto helps you do it all from one place without the hassle or the hidden fees. Unlimited payroll runs for one monthly price, which means no surprise charges at the end of the month and knowing that you can reach a certified HR expert anytime gives you real peace of mind.
Starting point is 00:11:07 Try gusto today at gusto.com slash locked on NFL and get three months free when you run your first payroll. That's right, three months of free payroll at gusto.com slash locked on. NFL one more time, that's gusto.com slash locked on NFL. Today's episodes also brought to you by Fandall Sportsbook. Call for football on Fandle. One final Sunday, one last kickoff. The final chance to get in on the action
Starting point is 00:11:36 before the NFL season officially comes to a close. This is Super Bowl 60, and Fandle is making sure that you're right in the middle of it with a special offer just in time for the biggest game of the year. Whether you're back in the favorites, like me, riding with the underdog or building one last same game parlay. This is the game that everyone's been waiting for. It's a perfect way to cap off the season
Starting point is 00:11:58 and make the Super Bowl, even more exciting from kickoff to the final whistle. If you're a new customer, just bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if you win. Make it count because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on Fandle, an official sportsbook partner of Super Bowl 60. Visit fandel.com. And make sure that you get started today. Let's continue today's edition of the Locked on Titans podcast.
Starting point is 00:12:42 Again, we talked about Robert Sala being interactive. interested in Gus Bradley and how if it's not Gus Bradley, I think it's going to be Mike Ruttenborough from the Atlanta Falcons and the Titans should not wait forever to make that move. But now, let's move on to some salary cap talk. The Titans got a big update from the NFL over the weekend about how much salary cap space they're going to have and they still remain with the most in the NFL.
Starting point is 00:13:07 But I want to talk about the ends and outs of those things before I do thanks again for making Locked-on Titans. You're first to listen each and every day. But the expectation was that the Tennessee Titans would have about $100 million in cap space. And that's exactly where they're at. Now, the NFL came out over the weekend and told teams that the salary cap estimation is going to be about $301 to $305 million. Now, a lot of people were saying, Tyler,
Starting point is 00:13:40 everyone was telling me that the Titans had $100 million in cap space So now that the NFL said this and it's about 10 million higher than expected, why do the Titans still have $100 million in cap space? Shouldn't they have more? And here's the thing, guys. Most of the public websites where you can look at salary cap stuff like SpotTrack.com, which is my favorite, or over the cap, which is another good one. Those places had a good idea of what the estimate was going to be.
Starting point is 00:14:11 They do a pretty good job. So you could have gone back a month ago and looked at the Titan's, salary cap space and the estimated salary cap was going to be about 303, 304, 305 million dollars. So a lot of these places already estimated this total, which is why the Titan salary cap didn't really move when people are talking about it because that was the estimation all along. But here's one thing that I want to take into account. The Titan's salary cap is actually 32 million. The salary cap is not the same for every team around the NFL.
Starting point is 00:14:45 here's why. You guys remember old cell phone plans like singular wireless and things like that where you have rollover minutes and if you didn't use your minutes in a month they'd roll over to the next month. You remember when we had stuff like that? That's how salary cap works in the NFL. You can roll over salary cap space from one year to the next and the Tennessee Titans had $18 million in salary cap space left last year that they roll over to this year. So the salary cap based in the NFL is going to be about $304 million. Well, the Titans get to add $18 million to that. John Robinson did that in his early years with the Tennessee Titans.
Starting point is 00:15:30 He rolled over like $34 million one year. Now, there is a cap on it and that cap changes every year based on whatever the salary cap is. But the point is, the Titans have $304 million in salary cap space, plus $18 million of rollover money, that's $322 million, and their total team salary right now on the books is about $220 million. So they have about $100 million of cap space, and there are a few things that can happen here to make that even more. All right?
Starting point is 00:16:01 Number one, they can cut Calvin Ridley. If they cut Calvin Ridley, that would give them $13 million of dead money, which is already accounted for. but it would save them $13 million. So you were at $100 million, you cut Calvin Ridley, now you're at 113. Now, the thing about Calvin Ridley is, if you can't find a good wide receiver and free agency because George Pickens gets the franchise tag
Starting point is 00:16:28 and Alec Pierce resigns with the Colts and Wondell Robinson goes back to the Giants and Romeo Dobbs goes back to the Green Bay Packers and Joanne Jennings goes back to San Francisco and you know, you're looking at some rough options. Why would you cut Calvin Ridley? Are you going to find a better wide receiver than Calvin Ridley? And I know that Calvin Ridley got hurt this year and didn't play his best football,
Starting point is 00:16:56 but he was a thousand-yard receiver the year before. Are you going to find somebody better than Calvin Ridley in free agency? Brandon Ayyuk? I think I'd rather just stick with Calvin Ridley for one more year than cut Calvin Ridley to save 13 million. and pay Brandon Iyuk 20 million when he doesn't even love football. He literally gave the 49ers money back because he doesn't want to play football. I don't know if I want that kind of guy in my locker room when I'm a rebuilding team.
Starting point is 00:17:25 I think I'd rather just have Calvin Ridley back. And yeah, Calvin Ridley is overpaid at $26 million on the salary cap. That's way too much for Calvin Ridley. He should probably make, you know, $15 million a year, 16, 17, somewhere in there. But like, at this point, again, Would you rather pay $13 million for dead money for Calvin Ridley to cut him so he can go somewhere else and then pay $18, $20 million for Brandon Ayuk? I wouldn't.
Starting point is 00:17:54 Why would you do that? I don't know. That doesn't really do a lot for me. Joanne Jennings? I don't like Juan Jennings at all. I'm out on NWI with good PR. Not for me. So I'm looking at it and I'm like, yeah, you could save $13 million on Calvin Ridley, but like, do you need that $13 million?
Starting point is 00:18:16 I don't think that you do. And if you do need that $13 million, then cut him and then go use that money elsewhere. If Pickens does become available, which Pickens may not be a locker of pit for this Tennessee Titans team, but I have very strong conviction that George Pickens will not hit the free agent market. The Cowboys didn't trade all that
Starting point is 00:18:37 and then him be awesome last year for them to let him go. The counter is it's Jerry Jones, who knows. Okay, fair enough. Same agent as Michael Parsons, maybe that creates an opening. But again, I don't think that's happening. And even if it does, is he really a fit for Mike Borganzi in the locker room? I don't know. I don't know.
Starting point is 00:18:56 But like, if Alec Pierce is available, I would cut Calvin Redley and go get Alec Pierce. If Michael Pittman Jr. gets cut by the Colts because they want to keep Alec Pierce, I would cut Calvin Ridley and go get Michael Pittman. Jr. Sure. But I also could make the argument. The Titans don't really need the money to do that. They have $100 million in cap space right now.
Starting point is 00:19:21 You could just keep Calvin Ridley and have Michael Pitman Jr. And instead of getting rid of talent, just keep it. What's the worst that can happen? Ridley's bad again? Well, then you cut him next year and you save even more money and less dead money. No big deal. So I'm kind of on the fence about Calvin Ridley. You know, I just don't, if they need the money, then yeah, cut him.
Starting point is 00:19:43 But I would rather cut Ligerious Sneat. That's a guaranteed cut to me. That's $12 million of savings, only $8 million dead. And the Titans need to cut Sneed by March the 15th to make that happen. And I think they will. And then Tony Pollard, some of you guys really defend Tony Pollard. Say, oh, a thousand yard back, back to back guys. Running backs are a dime a dozen.
Starting point is 00:20:10 They can find somebody to do what Tony Pollard does for cheaper than Tony Pollard. And let me also say this. Tony Pollard does not run hard enough to be the lead back in a Brian Dable system. They need a true north or south runner. I would rather cut Tony Pollard, save $7 million on the salary cap,
Starting point is 00:20:33 and sign Tyler Algier, who runs harder than Tony Pollard does. No question about it. Like, I would rather have Tyler Algier at $8 million than pay $10 million for Tony Pollard. When you could save $7 million by cutting Tony Pollard and then use $7 million add a million and then you get a stronger running back.
Starting point is 00:20:59 Tony Pollard needs to go back to being a complimentary running back, a number two. He can't be a number one anymore. And the Titans have a better number two, in my opinion, and Tage Spears, if you're looking at number two responsibilities. Tony Pollard is a better player than Tadier Spears. But Tajay Spears is way more electric and a way better change of paceback. They need to upgrade on Tony Pollard.
Starting point is 00:21:22 Whether that be Breece Hall, whether that be Tyler Algier, whether that be Rashad White, who I like a lot. I would rather go that route and cut Tony Pollard than keep Tony Pollard at $10 million. He's just not worth it. And I honestly think that I think what happens is, and I don't mean to like demeanue. guys, but I think a lot of you guys only watch Titans games for the most part.
Starting point is 00:21:50 You're not watching most of the other NFL to see other running backs and how good they are. You know, like, I would rather the Titans cut Tony Pollard and get a running back in the third or fourth round. Like, it just running back production is a dime a dozen. The Titans can find hundreds of people to do what Tony Pollard did last year. And quite honestly, I don't think that Tony Pollard was very good last year. He didn't run very hard. his rush yards over expectation wasn't impressive. I thought there were holes open that he didn't hit.
Starting point is 00:22:21 He's not good on the goal line. He's not good in short yardage. The Titans could do a lot better. They need a true power back to be their number one back. And then have Tadge Spears be their number two. So I would absolutely cut Tony Pollard no matter what, save the $7 million. So if the Titans did cut Calvin Ridley, Legerius Sneed, and Tony Pollard,
Starting point is 00:22:44 that's 13, 12, and 7 million. That's $32, $33 million extra right there. Add that to the $100 million that they already have. The Titans could have $130 million in salary cap space. And not only that, but there are two guys who should get extensions this offseason. Jeffrey Simmons is going to get an extension this offseason. I bet it'll be, you know, $110 million for three or four seasons. $70 million guaranteed. He's the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
Starting point is 00:23:14 But the good side of that is, other than just, locking up Jeffrey Simmons for the rest of his prime. The good part of that is Jeffrey Simmons extension could save the Titan some money because they could take bonus money that he's set to make this year, put it into, or salary money he's set to make this year, put it into his new bonus amount and lower a salary cap pit this year.
Starting point is 00:23:36 And the Titans could be up to 140, $145 million in cap space if they do that. Now, Peter Skoronsky should also get a contract extension this year. But because the final year of his rookie contract is this upcoming year, it's not going to save the Titans any salary cap money to do that extension with him. His extension will kick in after next season. But with Jeffrey Simmons getting an extension, cutting Ridley, cut and Sneed, cut and Pollard, they could cut Lloyd Cushenberry and cut Cody Barton
Starting point is 00:24:07 and save about $3 or $4 million a piece on that. I don't think those guys are as wise to cut because the finances aren't there. But again, the Titans have so much salary cap space, so much room and so much ability to create even more that they can really do what they see fit as they go along in free agency, and they don't got to do things too early.
Starting point is 00:24:29 They can wait to see how things play out. And that is great flexibility for them and also gives them leverage in these negotiations. And we don't have to cut Calvin Ridley and give your guy 20 million a year. Let's make it 18 and then we'll cut them and we got a deal. those sorts of things. So with that in mind, again
Starting point is 00:24:47 $100 million in cap space can open up about 33 to 45 more with the moves that I've talked about here but with that in mind I got a Roland's rant for you guys the Titans are not picking offensive line
Starting point is 00:25:03 in the first round of the draft stop doing that with your mocks do want to let you guys know that today's episode is sponsored by Better help. We're getting into February guys okay and in February things can be a lot
Starting point is 00:25:25 you got flowers candy stuffed animals and so much talk about relationships and I know all right it can honestly feel like everyone else has it all together in their love life but here's the truth whether you're married dating single or just focusing on you most people are still figuring things out and no matter where you are
Starting point is 00:25:45 in your romantic journey therapy can help you find your way. It can help you get clear on what you want, what feels heavy, and how to take some pressure off yourself. It's easy to assume that everyone else has a perfect relationship, but most people are working through some things. I know that's true in my relationship, and every relationship of everybody who I've ever known. The biggest thing is it reminds you that you're not behind and you're right on time. BetterHelp has licensed therapists in the U.S., and they do the initial matching work for you so you can focus on your goals. And if you want to switch therapists, you can do that at any time.
Starting point is 00:26:22 Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com slash locked on. That's B-E-T-T-E-R-H-E-L-P dot com slash locked on. Today's episode is also brought to you by TurboTax. Tax season doesn't have to take over your life, guys. This year, TurboTax is making it easier than ever to just hand. hand things off and move on with your day. With TurboTax full service, you can have your taxes done for you by a trusted local expert from start to finish without the stress or guesswork.
Starting point is 00:26:58 Instead of spending hours trying to figure out forms, you can meet with a local TurboTax expert in person or connect online. It's a huge time saver gives you real peace of mind knowing an expert is handling it. For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150. all in if a TurboTax expert didn't file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit turbotax.com slash local to book your appointment today. Fans, let's cap off today's edition of the Locked on Titans podcast.
Starting point is 00:27:52 We looked at the defensive coordinator situation for the Tennessee Titans and why they shouldn't wait on Gus Bradley. We talked about the current salary cap situation for the Tennessee. Titans. Now I got a little bit of a Rollins rant on you guys. Why mock an offensive lineman to the Titans in the first round is truly the dumbest thing that I've ever seen. Now before I do that I do want to thank you again for making Locked on Titans your first listen. Make sure that you guys check out the Locked on Titans Everydayer Club. You can go to Lockedon Podcast.com slash everydayer or go to
Starting point is 00:28:23 locked on Titans.com. The link is down below in the description. You're going to get ad-free versions of the show in your favorite podcast. feed. You're gonna get access to a locked on Titans group chat with me and about 30 to 40 other Titans fans chopping it up all day every day All day long all things Titans. It's so much fun. You're really missing out if you're not getting into that and you get access to a locked on Titans merch store so much value for only five dollars a month. It's literally a cup of coffee the show is always free Buy a cup of coffee a month and get ad free versions of the show and get in the group chat and have some fun be a true every day But with that being said again, I am sick. I'm sick and tired of seeing mock drafts with offensive linemen at number four.
Starting point is 00:29:12 And for that matter, I am sick of seeing mock drafts with the Titans taking offensive line in the second round. To me, guys, the conversation is easy. Do you know what you're seeing when you watch the Titans play football or do you not? If you think that the Tennessee Titans are going to take an offensive lineman with one of their first two picks, you don't know what you're seeing. Simply put, I don't know the nice way to break the news to you. But you don't know football
Starting point is 00:29:44 if you think the Titans are going to take an offensive line with their first two picks. It's just not going to happen. And I've seen Daniel Jeremiah. I've seen more random type guys on other publications. I've seen, you know, Matt Miller for ESPN. who does great work and has been on the show before, having the Titans taking Caden Proctor, the offensive tackle out of Alabama in the second round. I just, I can't.
Starting point is 00:30:12 Not only do the Titans have way bigger needs than offensive line at edge, at wide receiver, at cornerback. But the Titans' offensive line played significantly better at the end of the season. After the bye week, when the Titans offense got go, they scored 20 points multiple times. The offense functioned way better. They ran the football way better. Like, did you guys not see the offensive line improve vastly at the end of the year after the Callahan's were gone? Did everybody miss that? I'm just so confused. You know, like, from weeks 14 to 16, the Titans gave up three sacks total.
Starting point is 00:30:56 They gave up zero sacks in week 15. They had the 13th best true pass set win rate in the NFL. And a true pass set is like a traditional drop-back pass, not a screen, not a rollout, stuff like that. Like just pure what you think of dropping back to pass and having to pass protect. The Titans were the 13th best offensive line, according to pro football focus.
Starting point is 00:31:23 They were the 16th best offensive line in pass blocking, according to ESPN's pass block win. rate, 64% win rate. And a lot of this talk is about J.C. Latham. Mooth Latham into guard, but J.C. Latham gave up six sacks
Starting point is 00:31:39 in eight games before the buy week. He didn't play well. He had the hip injury. He was coming back for it. He came back too fast. He switched to right tackle. He didn't play well. But Latham only gave up two sacks in
Starting point is 00:31:56 seven games after the buy. eight games after the buy because it's week 11 to week 18 so like J.C. Latham wasn't even that bad at the end of the year in the second half of the year which also coincides with the Titans
Starting point is 00:32:15 offensive line in general being significantly improved in the back half. Yes, the Titans need a right guard Kevin Zitler is probably gone and we'll go over free agent options that I think could fill that spot but if you go out and you get a veteran in free agency and you let Jackson Slater develop,
Starting point is 00:32:35 I can't even see a way where the Titans would take an interior offensive linemen in the first three picks. I just don't understand. Like, with the mock drafts, it's easy to say, okay, these are people who don't follow the Tennessee Titans, they don't actually know, they don't know the roster.
Starting point is 00:33:01 That's why you guys come to me because I live and breathe the Tennessee Titans and these other national people doing mock drafts who have no clue how much better the Titans' offensive line played at the second half of the year who have no clue that Dan Moore Jr.'s contract is not something the Titans are getting out of.
Starting point is 00:33:19 You want the Titans to take a backup offensive tackle or a right guard in the top five? To me, the people who say they have to take O-Line, They have to shore up the offensive line. It's two things. One, you're just throwing a temper tantrum because you're mad about the sack numbers.
Starting point is 00:33:37 Or you truly just don't know what you're seeing and don't realize that the offensive line played significantly better at the end of the year. It's one of those two things. That's it. So like, yes, they're going to need a new right guard. But it's going to be, Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski,
Starting point is 00:33:56 one of the best guards in the entire NFL. Lloyd Cushenberry a year removed off the Achilles. They might cut Lloyd Cushingberry, but I don't see the value in it financially. You might as well give them another year. You need a right guard and then you have Latham at right tackle. Oops, smash my mic. I'm getting frustrated. I just cannot take, see a national people mock draft the Titans
Starting point is 00:34:19 offensive linemen in the first or second round. And then some Titans fans who just don't know what they're seeing getting upset like, what do you mean they shouldn't go offensive line? They gave up 56 sacks. Well, I have bad news for you. Some of that was on Cam Ward. And when Cam Ward got better at getting rid of the ball and going through his progressions
Starting point is 00:34:39 and getting more comfortable using his legs, the Titans' offensive line got a lot better. And let me say this. A lot of these sacks, people aren't open. So I could argue that a wide receiver that could beat man coverage consistently would actually help the sacks. numbers more than an offensive lineman.
Starting point is 00:35:01 Sacks are not only on the offensive line, they're on the offense. So in years past, yes, the Titans needed to improve the offensive line. But they're not using one of their top two picks. Now you get to the third round, if you get to the third round, 66, 68, and you want to take a development offensive tackle that can replace Dan Moore after 2026. All right, all right, I could hear that
Starting point is 00:35:31 You want to take the top interior offensive linemen on the board Who can come in and be a starter right away at right guard And maybe your long term center Third round? Okay, okay Titans got a fourth round pick, two fifth round picks Okay, I could see that But at pick four At pick 35
Starting point is 00:35:53 Not a chance Not a chance The Titans are taking offensive line, and they shouldn't either. So, I'm just, I'm done with that entire conversation. It's illogical. It's not only unlikely, it's near impossible. I don't buy it. And let me say this.
Starting point is 00:36:12 I haven't gotten too deep into the weeds on my draft scouting outside of the top 10, 15 prospects. But Caden Proctor from Alabama, get out of my face. I want nothing to do with him. He's on my do not draft board. No interest in Proctor. whatsoever. Not doing the too heavy
Starting point is 00:36:32 laboring feet Alabama offensive linemen, especially not for left tackle. Not a chance. But with that being said, that is going to do it for me today, folks. As always, I am your host, Tyler Rowland, and this was Locked on Titans.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.