Speculation (and at least one false report) has emerged recently indicating Ryan Tannehill intends to depart the Titans to pursue a starting role elsewhere in 2023. The veteran quarterback made it clear on Friday that is not the case. 
Tannehill, who entered the season with questions about his future in Tennessee given his age and contract status, has seen his run as a starter come to an end. Despite returning to health from an ankle injury, the 35-year-old has been demoted to backup behind rookie Will Levis. The latter has started each of the past three games, and he will remain the No. 1 moving forward.
That appeared to make Tannehill a trade chip ahead of the deadline, though the Titans would have needed to retain a portion of his remaining 2023 salary ($27MM) for a swap to be feasible. With the trade deadline having come and gone, a release would now be necessary for him to find a new team – either by being claimed off waivers or clearing and signing with an interested suitor as a free agent. When speaking to the media, Tannehill confirmed that is not in the cards.
“I was kind of caught off guard by those reports as well,” the former Comeback Player of the Year said, via Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky (video link). “Obviously, I have a desire to play, but I just don’t know what that looks like at this point.”
Tannehill added no discussions have taken place with head coach Mike Vrabel on the topic of releasing him before the end of the campaign. While a number of teams in contention for a postseason berth could certainly use a veteran signal-caller, Tannehill will be a valued member of a QBs room which features Levis and Malik Willis, who has 66 pass attempts to his name. Unless Levis loses his grip on the starter’s role, though, Tannehill is in line for an interesting free agent period.
The latter will see his four-year, $118MM deal expire in March, setting him up for a departure from Nashville. As things currently stand, though, he is content for that to mark the point at which he entertains offers on a contract allowing him to reclaim a starting gig.
As bengals fan please do. I can’t take another week with Browning
Lmao or Flacco could sign
The Bengals are still looking for a playoff spot. Why would they consider hiring deadbeat and proven loser Joe Flacco?
I’ve rarely seen a proven QB look as poor as Flacco did at the end of his Ravens tenure or for the Jets. The man’s heart has not been in the game of football for many years.
Unless there’s another payday from a team ‘in need’ it wouldn’t make sense to lose a paycheck sittin on the sidelines.
The list of teams in the playoff hunt with QBs out for the year increased by two this week. He’d likely find a transition job very quickly
Jets / Bengals / Browns all would kick that tire
Doubt the Jets would. They’ve had ample time to find a Wilson replacement and haven’t bothered. They seem content waiting for Rodgers to get healthy.
Why should he want to be released? He won’t make the same money on a new team. B/U for 2 months and then test FA.
Tannehill WAS probably considering making such a request – and then he got a quick call from his agent…
Interesting because of the past connection between Zac Taylor and Tannehill. But not sure how much Taylor’s system has evolved in last 8-10 years.