As it turns out
Bennie Logan Jersey White , it’s the Brock Osweiler Trade Light.The curious ability of the Dolphins to unload quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a 2019 sixth-round pick onto the Titans for a 2020 fourth-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round pick was fueled by Miami’s decision to give Tannehill a $5 million parting gift.The Dolphins will pay that much of Tannehill’s guaranteed $7 million salary for 2019, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.So, basically, the Dolphins have purchased for $5 million and a sixth-round pick this year a fourth-round pick next year and a seventh-round pick this year. That’s the only reason to trade Tannehill instead of cutting him, given that Tannehill’s contract had no guaranteed money due in 2019.Indeed, the Dolphins simply could have cut Tannehill, owing him nothing and accepting nothing in exchange for him. Instead, they get value in the form of net draft-pick gain — but they’re paying $5 million for it.From Tannehill’s perspective, there was no reason to accept the trade, given that the Dolphins eventually would have released him. With no trigger in his contract forcing Miami to either make a lump-sum payment or guarantee a chunk of his base salary, however, the Dolphins could have squatted on Tannehill, waiting for perhaps an injury or the inability of a team to get a quarterback they may be targeting in the draft. His base salary would have remained not guaranteed until Week One of the regular season.Of course
Earl Campbell Jersey White , the Dolphins would have had to allow Tannehill to participate in the offseason program opening next month, assuming the risk of a fluke season-ending injury that would have put the team on the hook for the full $18.75 million he was previously due to earn.So it was a win-win-win for a team that needed a backup quarterback, a team that wanted to shed its starting quarterback, and a quarterback whose options likely would have dried up if he’d refused to go along with the trade and the reduced salary.The move will conjure memories of the deal that sent then-Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler and a second-round pick to the Browns. By assuming Osweiler’s guaranteed salary, the Browns bought a second-round pick for $16 million. Here, the Dolphins bought a four and a seven for $5 million and a six — and the Titans got insurance against Marcus Mariota injury or ineffectiveness plus a sixth-round pick for $2 million, a seventh-round pick, and a future fourth-round pick. Talking through the thought process."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Tennessee Titans PodcastNFL DraftDay two needs for the Titans leave Jon Robinson with an interesting dilemma New,46commentsTalking through the thought process.CDTShareTweetShareShareDay two needs for the Titans leave Jon Robinson with an interesting dilemma Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsThe Titans went defensive line with their first round selection on Thursday night, grabbing Jeffery Simmons out of Mississippi State. The move solidifies the defensive front for the future, but leaves Titans’ general manager Jon Robinson in a fascinating position for Friday night’s picks at No. 51 and No. 82. With the way the board fell, it’s tough to argue what Robinson opted to do on Thursday night. Christian Wilkins, Chris Lindstrom
Derrick Morgan Jersey White , Brian Burns and Garrett Bradbury each came off the board in the picks before the Titans, leaving the board relatively empty for Robinson and company. Simmons was easily the most impactful player left, possibly outside of pass rusher Montez Sweat, who was reportedly flagged with a heart condition. It would have been interesting to see Robinson’s decision if Bradbury or Lindstrom had been available, along with Simmons. None of that matters now, however. The Titans are left with one absolute need on the roster to fill — right guard. The surprising release of Josh Kline created that need, which has yet to be addressed. Big time free agent addition Rodger Saffold will replace Quinton Spain, but as things currently stand, Kevin Pamphile or maybe even Dennis Kelly would be the likely starter on the other side at right guard. There’s obvious depth concerns there, but above all else, the Titans need to maximize that offensive line group to protect Marcus Mariota and to clear the way for Derrick Henry. While guard may be the most obvious need, you could make a strong case for the Titans needing to add another receiver. What makes things more interesting here is what’s left at the position entering Friday night. D.K. Metcalf headlines the group, along with A.J. Brown
Delanie Walker Jersey White , Deebo Samuel, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Hakeem Butler and Parris Campbell.If a couple of these names fall to No. 51, would Robinson take one? Or would he feel obligated to fill his need at guard? It obviously depends on what they feel like would be left by the time No. 82 rolls around. What’s the falloff between that group and guys like Emanuel Hall or Kelvin Harmon?As things stand right now, it’s Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, Tajae Sharpe and Taywan Taylor at receiver for Marcus Mariota. Delanie Walker back in the picture should help, but the Titans are in a spot where they would have to rely on Sharpe and Taylor heavily once again. That didn’t go so well last season. I think it’s probably important to keep in mind how aggressive Jon Robinson has been since taking over as the Titans’ GM. He’s not exactly one to leave things to chance. Just a pure guess here, but if he takes his receiver and sees his guard pool dwindling around the 60th selection, Robinson would likely have no issue pulling the trigger and coming back up to get his guy.
