We’re now less than a week away from the start of Titans training camp.
Obviously, since the previous mailbag on Saturday, there has been a significant event – the rumoured contract agreement between the organisation and receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
While the club has yet to make the announcement “official” – be patient, it seems to be coming shortly – I’ve heard from numerous supporters who have expressed their thoughts on the relocation.
It’s safe to assume it was favourably accepted.
Let’s go ahead and have a look…
Mike Temple, a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Good day, Jim. It’s an exciting time to be alive as a Tennessee Titans fan! DeAndre Hopkins’ projected signing is major news. It wonderfully caps off an extraordinary summer that has seen GM and coaching changes, player departures, unexpected draught selections, troubling trade rumours, and now a significant free agent addition. You surely earned your pay this year by keeping us updated. I’m writing to congratulate new General Manager Ran Carthon on a fantastic start to his stay.
As PSL and season ticket holders, we never want to hear that the club is in full rebuild mode (that is, that they have given up on the forthcoming season). Instead, it seems like Titans management has threaded the needle here, bringing in youthful talent for the future while retaining a senior core (King Henry, Byard, Tannehill) to effectively take another shot at the big prize. We’re thankful and enthusiastic for the new season. Congratulations, Ran, and the whole Titans leadership team! Mike, you’re a titan.
Jim: Mike, this is huge news. I was immediately drawn to the idea of this combo.
Jesse Cano, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas
Chuy here with a question. Mr. Jim from the state of Texas. Hopkins is set to sign with the Titans……Wow!!! I’m grateful he selected us….I remember him being an issue for our guys to cover when he was with the Texans….guy looks like he’s catching nerf balls out there…haha. I’m hoping he can remain healthy and be a valuable asset, freeing up the queue for that big 22 to start rolling!!! I’ve always believed he was a tremendous receiver and will continue to do so when the season begins and players attempt to cover him. Now that Tanny has a terrific seasoned WR, I believe our prospects of winning the division are much stronger!
I saw Dan Orlovsky of ESPN put out a video talking about Hopkins signing with the Titans….thought he’d say something encouraging about the signing…but no…all he says is congrats….now they have a better chance of winning the division…..then goes on to talk about the Patriots missing a big opportunity and so on…..like wth?!…..brief little analysis and no real in-depth look at what Hopkins can offer to our team…..always like that with our team…..no recognition…..but we’ve always been the team to show naysayers and sceptics wrong. I’m hoping our odds have improved. Mr. Jim….I like Hopkins and can’t wait to see him in uniform and on the pitch for my club!!!! Everyone, get your Titan on!!!
Jim: Jesse, it’s great to hear from you again. It should be interesting to see Hopkins in two-tone blue.
Denver, Colorado resident Chris Spaulding
Question: In the midst of Broncos country, a die-hard Titans supporter. Oh, the football gods have blessed us. I was ecstatic when I got the news! The NFL has taken notice of the two Kings Henry and Hop! Baby, Titan up!
Jim: There seem to be a lot of people excited about this, Chris. The “Titans are blowing it up” crowd is having a bad day.
Anthony Hall, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee
Hello there, Jim. I’m overjoyed at the news of Hopkins’ signing. I’m hoping it ends up being one of the finest signings of the Carthon era. Having said that, do you believe Tim Kelly’s (new) offence will be as dynamic as some of the top offences in recent years? Given that we now have weapons in vital places. A strong receiving core, as well as outstanding running backs and tight ends. A reconstructed offensive line (which, in my view, still needs some patching) and a decent quarterback. Can you envision the Titans being among the top five offences in the league this season, or am I exaggerating? In any case, I’ll continue to ride with the Two Tone Blue Crew until the wheels fall off!!!
Jim: Hopkins will undoubtedly be of assistance. But I’m not going to make any wild predictions until camp begins. The offensive line must gel, and the whole offence must be on the same page.
Carlos Perez, a native of Columbus, Indiana
Good day, Jim. I hope everything is going well! I haven’t posted since the conclusion of last season, when I thought the Titans were only an average offensive line and a wide receiver away from becoming a contender… guess what? We’re in the running! I cannot wait for the season to begin! Titan Rising!
Jim: It will arrive shortly, Carlos. Don’t be an outsider.
Jeremy Rodriguez, a resident of Winchester, California
Hello there, Jim. Christmas has arrived early!! D-Hop is a god!! With that transaction completed, Vrabel and Kelly can no longer be a run-first offence, right? To put that much into two years and have D-Hop want to come to Nashville, he must catch a lot of footballs. I know the WR group will be much improved, but the Titans being a run-first offence has to be a thing of the past, right? I’m looking forward to seeing what this club can do this season; it’s a terrific day to be a Titans fan. Have a nice week, Jim, and remember to TITAN UP!!!!
Jim: The Titans will still have a run/pass balance, but they also have another significant incentive to sling it….
Troy Patterson is a resident of Iowa City, Iowa.
Hello there, Jim. I’m delighted yet cautiously hopeful about DHop’s signing. This should undoubtedly help the offence. Like most Titans fans, I’m apprehensive about signing a veteran receiver who has been hurt and hasn’t worked out. Only time will tell. I’m more worried about how the offensive line will perform this year in order to allow Tannehill enough time to pass to his receivers. I did have a few queries.
1.Do you believe management will attempt to sign a free agent or remain in-house to identify a replacement for NFP? What are your feelings on George Fant?
2. Given the Titans’ $9 million in cap room, how do you believe management will structure DHop’s contract? I’m not sure I understand how Tannehill’s contract works, but couldn’t they modify it?
Jim: Hello, Troy.
1. Some prospective right tackle prospects are in-house, as I’ve mentioned in previous mailbags. However, I am aware that there are other possibilities. I’ve also previously said that any vested veteran who is on the roster for Week One would have his compensation guaranteed for the full season, so that must be considered when contemplating a possible six-game replacement. Is it fair to give a player “starting money” if he only plays in six games?
2. There are some solutions for increasing cap space, and I’ve heard rumblings that I can’t discuss here.
Durago, Mexico’s Alberto Armando Tellez Salcedo
Question: The contract with D-Hop is excellent, and Jim likes the salary and incentives. Treylon Burks and/or Chigoziem Okonkwo will be given double coverage while on the pitch. With Hopkins, Burks, Philips, Moore, NWI, Dowell, and McMath in the lineup, the offence seems more balanced. I’m hoping Tim Kelly’s game plan turns out well. It will be interesting to see whether the Oilers’ throwback uniforms are worn against the Texans.
My question is, with Nicholas Petit-Frere suspended, do you think they’ll go for George Fant, or do you think Jamarco Jones or Jaelyn Duncan will take his place?
Thank you, and greetings from Mexico to all Titans fans.
Jim: Hello, Alberto. After this, the receptor body looks noticeably better. When it becomes official, the addition will benefit everyone, from Ryan Tannehill to Derrick Henry, Treylon Burks, and others. I’ve spoken a lot about the Oilers’ uniforms here, and I’m curious to see what they’ll be wearing. Everyone will be able to see them for the first time on Sunday night. I have yet to hear anything about potential free-lance agents.
Laurence Nakasone is a resident of Aiea, Hawaii.
Jim’s question: Howzit? Hello from Hawaii.
The Titans have agreed to terms with a veteran receiver named DeAndre Somebody-or-other. What information do you have about him? Is he good? Is he physically attractive? How are his hands doing? Is he capable of making contested catches? Most importantly, is he able to block? Anyway…Let’s Go!!!
Jim: Hello, Laurence. Please research De’Andre Hopkins and let me know what you think. He’s rather excellent…
Jonathan Humphrey is a resident of Rumsey, Kentucky.
Query: WOW!!! D Hopkins = Victory!!!! We’re very delighted we got him. On a scale of 1-10, how do you think our offseason pairing with the offence and defence will rate this next chapter in Titans football?!?! Wouldn’t you agree that the rest of the NFL will be looking at us as a force to be reckoned with? I’m beyond thrilled!!!!! As usual, I adore you and can’t wait to see you during pre-season!!!! Titan Rising!!!!!!
Jim: I’ll have to see training camp first, but I doubt you’ll see many of the top names in preseason games.
Michael Miles Sr., a resident of LaVergne, Tennessee
Hello, Jim, how are you doing? I’m sorry to hear the Titans will have a dismal season this year. I guess we should go get another quarterback. I mean, we have a new WR in D HOP and others on the offensive line to consider, but they won’t amount to anything. If you don’t believe me, just look at Titan supporters on Facebook; they will tell you how horrible we are and will always be.
We have no hope of winning the Super Bowl unless we get rid of our quarterback. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO GIVE US A CHANCE. SHUT UP WITH THE BULLCRAP OF KNOWING EVERYTHING. If we win all of our games and make it to the big game, all of our crows in town will be gone since so many people will be eating crow for supper. Wait till the end of the season to roast someone; don’t do it before turning on the grill. FANS, TITAN UP AND WAIT TO SEE HOW IT TURNS OUT. Thanks Jim
Jim: Oh, Michael, you’re all fired up over this and training camp hasn’t even begun… I’d stopped reading Facebook comments.
William Young, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada
Question: Hi Jim. I’m a jerk who is impatient! I reacted harshly and incorrectly to the Titans failing to draught a wide receiver early in the draught. As you are aware, I have an issue that only harms myself and others! I sincerely apologise to Jim and the Titans organisation for my errors! After DHop, I will never longer mistrust Amy, Ran, Mike V., and the rest of the organisation! The Titans are on the right track! I’m really looking forward to the new season! Also, please pray for me to quit being that man and learn patience!
Jim: William, I recall those post-draft emails. Everything has been forgiven. Have you seen the Facebook remarks Michael was referring to?
Randy Phillips, a resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois
I’m very happy about D Hop joining the Titans! If opponents continue to fill the box against D Henry, I think Tannehill will be able to regain form and rip apart opposition defences. Is there any chance of Tannehill getting a contract extension? Because Levis or Willis are waiting, it doesn’t have to be this season or even next. Tanney has the ability to slow the replacement train in its tracks. I’d want to see a two-year deal for D Henry as well. It was difficult enough to watch Eddie wear another team’s jersey, and I’d rather Henry retire playing solely for the Titans!
Jim: Randy, it’s great to hear from you. Thank you for contributing. We’ll see you at Steak n Shake.
Houston, Texas resident Stephen Snyder
What are the chances that the Titans will use the Oilers throwback this season against the Texans in Houston? Titan Rising
Jim: Hello, Stephen. The Oilers throwbacks will not be worn in Houston, at least not this year. And, despite originally believing the Titans may wear them once on the road this season, I’m no longer optimistic. That doesn’t seem to be working out as well as intended.
Fred Trotman, a resident of Saint Louis, Missouri
Quick inquiry, but I think I already know the answer. But what are your opinions on the Titans re-signing Rashaan Evans or Jayon Brown? I know we have multiple new linebackers, but I believe just one of them would significantly improve our inside linebacker group. We made a HUGE error with Cunninghamc (THAT WE SPOKE ABOUT LAST YEAR SOMEWHAT). All we need is a trustworthy component on the inside if at all feasible. My apologies for asking more than a simple inquiry. I hope everything is well.
Jim: Hello, Fred. I haven’t questioned anybody about it, but I doubt either of them would respond.
Franklin, Tennessee’s Jim Bryant
Question: What are the chances of DeAndre Hopkins working out after several washouts of former wide receivers?
Jim: DeAndre Hopkins has nothing to do with what occurred in Tennessee with Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, or Julio Jones. Only time will tell…
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