Tennessee

Jonathan Taylor Landing Spots: Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans Among Limited Trade Candidates

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2023

Jonathan Taylor Landing Spots: Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans Among Limited Trade Candidates

In a league where most NFL owners speak up only when spoken to, a few go out of their way to make headlines. Colts owner Jim Irsay is one of those owners, and his recent comments have everyone wondering what will happen with Jonathan Taylor as the team and player approach contract extension talks.

“NFL Running Back situation- We have negotiated a CBA, that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides,” Irsay tweeted. “To say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact, is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith.’”

Jonathan Taylor Landing Spots

Irsay’s tweet was met defensively by Taylor’s agent, and the Colts’ owner has since said that he wasn’t “really” directing his comments at Taylor or his agent but to Najee Harris and his comments about restructuring the way the NFL does RB contracts.

The best in the game are scraping for every dollar they earn. Running back’s have been devalued to the point where no free agent signed for more than $6.25 million per season during the offseason on a foreign team. That player was Miles Sanders, who was one of the most efficient runners in the league a season ago behind a ridiculously talented Eagles offensive line.

But these players are also arguably the league’s greatest warriors. Offensive linemen take a beating on every play of the game, but the league has legislated away the nasty blows to the head linemen used to dole out. Running backs take a constant beating at greater speeds, and it’s clear by the dip in production after a few seasons that those mounting hits take their toll.

One of the most physically gifted players in the NFL, Saquon Barkley, took a one-year deal at just slightly over the franchise tag number, and there is no clause preventing the team from tagging him again next offseason. The deal, in a way, was a win-win for the team and player, but it was a resounding loss for the position.

Is there a situation where it makes sense to pay a running back a significant chunk of the salary cap? And if there is, are there any teams out there that could be willing to not only pay the player but give up draft capital to do so?

It seems unlikely in the current climate. But if a team wanted to make a push by adding an elite, albeit dependent, player to their depth chart, which teams would make sense?

Tennessee Titans

An intra-divisional trade with the Tennessee Titans seems like an insane proposition, but let’s think about it for a second. If you’re the Colts, and you don’t believe that paying a runner is worth it and the production you get from them is relatively replaceable, a divisional opponent is exactly who you’d want to trade that player to.

Paying an RB what the organization would deem an extortionate amount of money would handicap their ability to pay positions elsewhere. Additionally, they’d be giving their draft picks(s) to a division rival — essentially, it’d be a double whammy.

But why does this make sense for the Titans? The timing would be perfect. Derrick Henry’s contract expires after the 2023 NFL season, as does veteran QB Ryan Tannehill’s. Paying a runner makes more sense when the organization isn’t paying a significant portion of the salary cap to a quarterback.

Will Levis will likely take over next season, and the Titans won’t have much money wrapped up in the position. But their run and play-action-heavy offensive structure also makes sense for a player like Taylor, who is probably the closest thing we have in the NFL to Henry, who he’ll be replacing.

Washington Commanders

Taylor doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of an Andy Reid RB, and Eric Bieniemy likely has a similar outlook on the position. However, the Commanders find themselves in a situation similar to the Titans, with a young quarterback not making much money on a team with a talented defense.

The one thing that makes Taylor more valuable than other runners is his big-play ability. Four yards and a cloud of dust isn’t sustainable. Explosive plays are paramount to scoring touchdowns. He ranked third in 15+ yard runs as a rookie and first in his incredible 2021 season.

However, in 2022, behind an underwhelming offensive line, he only produced seven such runs. That tied him with names like Khalil Herbert, Latavius Murray, and Cam Akers.

So is it the chicken or the egg?

Well, one look at Taylor’s skill set will provide that answer. Yes, as a runner, his success will be tied to the success of the 300-pounders up front. But his contact balance, agility, and breakneck speed also allow him to break chunk plays that merely mortal backs cannot.

Chicago Bears

Taylor’s fit with the Chicago Bears could be better fleshed out after seeing how the RB performs in Shane Steichen’s offense with Anthony Richardson taking snaps. But the thought of Justin Fields and Taylor in the same backfield would legitimately terrify defensive coordinators.

This would also move Taylor to the NFC, where the Colts don’t really have to worry about him hurting them — if they think he even could. The Bears still have time before Fields’ money hits on a second contract — should an extension occur. Additionally, the Bears have more salary cap space than any other NFL team heading into 2023, topping the charts at over $34 million.

They could completely front-load the deal, make a push in what looks like a vulnerable NFC North, and then coast into the future, knowing Taylor won’t crush them monetarily at the same time as Fields.

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Tennessee

Young Titans Star Can Become NFL’s Best OT

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Press Room

Young Titans Star Can Become NFL’s Best OT

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham is entering his second season with the team after being chosen with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Latham transitioned from right tackle to the left side in his rookie season, but the signing of Dan Moore Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers is allowing the former Alabama alum to move back to his original collegiate position.

Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker named Latham as a potential breakout candidate at right tackle.

“After a 2024 first round that witnessed the selection of seven true tackles, that tantalizing talent didn’t immediately pay off: Only Joe Alt finished with an overall PFF grade above 66.5 in his first season. Still, the odds are high that multiple other members of that second-year tackle crop will make leaps in 2025, and Latham has to be a foremost candidate,” Locker wrote.

“In his first season with the Titans, Latham finished with a 61.8 overall PFF grade, but his pass protection was more solid to the tune of a 67.8 PFF pass-blocking grade. Considering that Latham was playing out of position at left tackle and along a unit that finished 30th in overall PFF grade, it hedges the results of his rookie campaign.”

Latham has had a strong start to his offseason, earning praise from his coaches on how he has attacked a new regimen. He has lost weight, made a sacrifice to get back to right tackle and done everything the team has asked of him.

That mindset, coupled with his talents and abilities, make him a candidate to be one of the best young offensive linemen in the league.

Latham is participating in the Titans mandatory minicamp, which is the final part of the offseason ahead of training camp in late July.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes in attendance at NBPA Top-100 Camp

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2025

Press Room

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes in attendance at NBPA Top-100 Camp

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes is making the most of the off-season.

As the Vols prepare for the 2025-26 season, Barnes has made the trip to the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The event will span from June 9-13.

Joe Tipton of On3 reports that Barnes is joined by Duke’s Jon Sheyer, Louisville’s Pat Kelsey, Oklahoma’s Porter Moser, Oregon’s Dana Altman and Virginia Tech’s Mike Young at the most recent session of the event.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

Targets competing

Who is joining Tennessee next year

Tennessee has signed a trio of transfers. Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie joins as an in-state prospect. He is projected to start at point guard. He also played at Belmont. EvanMiya ranked him as the biggest get in the cycle for UT.

The Vols also bring in Vanderbilt forward Jaylen Carey. He previously spent time at JMU, as well. He will have the chance to earn the starting power forward spot.

The final signee was Amaree Abram out of Louisiana Tech. He also spent time at Georgia Tech and Ole Miss. He will compete for the starting shooting guard position to compliment Gillespie in the backcourt.

Tennessee also has five freshmen signed to join. The headliner is five-star Nate Ament. As the No. 4 recruit in the class, he is likely going to start right away as the team’s small forward despite his height being listed as 6-foot-9.

The Vols also bring in four-star wing Amari Evans. He is known for his defense and is a prototypical Rick Barnes player.

At forward, Tennessee signed three-star DeWayne Brown II out of Hoover, Alabama. The Vols also have a signing from unranked point guard Troy Henderson out of Virginia who played alongside Ament during AAU ball.

Most recently, Clarence Massamba picked the Vols out of France. He is unranked but has pro-ball experience.

Who is leaving the Vols

While there are no impactful transfers leaving the Vols, they are losing a lot of their production from a year ago.

This starts with two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Zakai Zeigler. The Tennessee point guard had an illustrious four years in Knoxville but is now out of eligibility. He started in all the games he played in this past season while missing one due to injury.

Also leaving is Jerry West Award winner and the single-season 3-point king, Chaz Lanier. He transferred in from North Florida for his final season of eligibility and started every game of the season.

Jahami Mashack is also out of eligibility. The Field of 68 National Defensive Player of the Year played all four seasons with the Vols. He started every game last season.

The final starter not eligibile to return is Igor Milicic Jr. He transferred in from Charlotte after spending two years there and one at Virginia. He started in every game he appeared in but missed one due to illness.

Six-man Jordan Gainey also can’t return. He was the first spark off the bench but did start the game Zeigler was unable to play in. He began his career at USC Upstate but played his final two in Knoxville.

Darlinstone Dubar is the final member unable to return. He was a piece off the bench that was called on during the NCAA Tournament. He played at Iowa State and Hofstra before his final season was spent with Tennessee.

Who returns from the Elite Eight run

Tennessee is losing a good bit to expired eligibility but does return some key pieces.

The lone returning starter is Felix Okpara. The center started his career at Ohio State before transferring in prior to last season. He started every game of the season that resulted in the Elite Eight run.

The other returning piece to see action on a game-by-game basis is Cade Phillips. The forward enters his junior year after playing a sizable role off the bench as a sophomore.

J.P. Estrella also returns as a redshirt sophomore. He was projected to play a role off the bench last season before a foot injury shut him down for the season.

Coming off his true freshman year, former four-star guard Bishop Boswell is also returning. He saw varying degrees of minutes throughout his first season with the Vols.

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Gov. Lee signs Executive Order to lead the nation in workforce development – WBBJ TV

Published

2 days ago

June 10, 2025

Press Room

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF TENNESSEE GOVERNOR BILL LEE:

Gov. Lee Signs Executive Order to Lead the Nation in Workforce Development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 109, ensuring Tennessee continues to lead the nation in workforce development by demonstrating an innovative strategy to meet the needs of the state’s dynamic and growing labor market. The Order strengthens the State Workforce Development Board’s work by requiring a unified, results-driven approach that aligns education and training with the evolving needs of employers and high-growth industries.

“The state with the workers will win the future, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one,” said Gov. Lee. “As companies continue to invest in Tennessee and create high-quality jobs, continued coordination across state government and public-private partnerships will be necessary to unlock our full economic potential and create greater opportunity for all Tennesseans to thrive.”

The Governor signed the Order alongside students enrolled in the Tennessee Youth Employment Program (TYEP) in Knoxville, which engages youth across rural and urban communities, providing hands-on training to achieve full-time employment and meet the needs of Tennessee businesses. In partnership with the General Assembly, the FY25-26 budget invested an additional $7 million into the program to double its participation and establish year-round operations.

The Order elevates the State Workforce Development Board as the central strategic leadership body guiding Tennessee’s broader workforce agenda by leveraging technology and employer partners to personalize career pathways, drive continuous innovation, and maximize public return on investment. By ensuring the state’s programs are effective, every Tennessean will have the opportunity to succeed, no matter what path they choose beyond high school graduation.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Lee Administration made significant investments in workforce development, including:

$7 million to expand the Tennessee Youth Employment Program to operate year-round, double its participation, and reach even more underserved communities
$25 million for FastTrack grants to recruit new business to Tennessee and support workforce development
$6.3 million to create a statewide Micro-Credentialing Program to develop short-term, targeted certifications that equip Tennesseans with high-demand skills identified by industry and state partners
$25 million to expand the RevV program to connect private companies with Tennessee’s research institutions to drive research and development and job creation
$5 million to create TNWORKS, a partnership between Tennessee Economic and Community Development and the Department of Labor and Workforce to create customized workforce training programs tailored to the specific needs of incoming and existing businesses
$5 million for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission to fund incentive grants to strengthen Tennessee’s music and film industry
$10 million for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds to match federal funds assisting Tennessee startups in securing competitive research and development grants
$10 million further investment in Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) to support nuclear workforce education, as recommended by the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council
$4 million to expand the State Workforce Development Board’s role in planning workforce strategies, identifying high-demand industries, and awarding grants to grow Tennessee’s skilled workforce
$2 million investment in Tennessee Board of Regents’ Center for Workforce Development to expand workforce training for businesses and industries, including specialized onboarding and apprenticeship programs, in partnership with TN Accelerates

To date, the Lee Administration’s most notable workforce initiatives and accomplishments include:

Delivered more than $400 million in tax cuts for Tennessee families and businesses through the Tennessee Works Act, one of the largest tax relief measures in state history
Eliminated the nearly 12,000-person waiting list for Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and invested $1 billion to complete the TCAT Master Plan to improve existing TCATs, replace outdated facilities and build new TCATs at strategic locations across Tennessee
The Tennessee Youth Employment Program surpassed expectations by placing 4,800+ youths in paid positions, each earning up to $4,000 while gaining career‑aligned experience
Established Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Act to expand access to vocational and technical training for students
Through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE), the Lee Administration has served 15,500 rural students and helped spark 41,500 new jobs as well as almost $19 billion in capital investment across rural Tennessee
Created the Future Workforce Initiative to prepare students for jobs of the future in science, technology, engineering and math
First state in the U.S. to establish a Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship, a “Grow Your Own” program for aspiring teachers
Created the innovative “New Pathways” program to help adults earn a high school diploma equivalency faster and made Tennessee the first state to offer five high‑school‑equivalency test options, already enabling over 1,000 adults to earn diplomas and reenter the workforce within its first year.
Strengthened the state’s Apprenticeship Agency, now administering 433 active programs and nearly 10,000 apprentices

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