As each NFL season enters its free agency period, it seems as though there are countless big names up for grabs. Most of them find new homes or return to their team, but some fall into the abyss of unsigned talent.
Per cycle, this usually happens to a few players who were considered a key piece of a roster just one year ago. In addition to playing their part, players now have to wait and hope that a team will give them an opportunity.
Ryan Tannehill, the former quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, is living this reality right now. The former Pro Bowler is currently a free agent months after the signing window opened after rookie Will Levis stole his starting job in the beginning lineup last year.
While Tannehill, 35, has come a long way, he is still no slouch. In an emergency, some contestants may find his invaluable experience handy.
These three teams ought to think about bringing him in.
Houston Texans
After a tremendous year from rookie C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans bolstered their receiving room by adding Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl player. They are prepared to challenge for the AFC South once more and maybe even try their hand at the Super Bowl.
As the team’s quarterback, Stroud has generated so much excitement that it’s difficult to envision the squad without him. The issue is that all clubs deal with injuries on a regular basis. In the event that Stroud were to fail, Davis Mills or Case Keenum would be ready to step in.
Although Mills and Keenum are both good backups, they might not be able to lead a team to the postseason. If nothing else, Tannehill’s postseason experience should have his old AFC South rival’s attention.
If nothing else, Stroud would have another brain to pick as he advances.
Buffalo Bills
On the other end of the Diggs swap, the Buffalo Bills will be working on the kinks with a revamped pass-catching unit. They’re still expected to contend in the AFC, as they have in nearly every year of Josh Allen’s time there.
In the event that Allen is injured, the Bills will look to Mitchell Trubisky, a player they know well. This offseason, Trubisky returned to Buffalo following a two-year stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he has shown promise at times, he isn’t the best backup.
By signing Tannehill, the Bills would have a solid backup in case Allen is injured. Tannehill’s longest playoff run ended at the hands of the Chiefs, much like the Bills have lost to the Chiefs in the postseason year after year.
Perhaps this combination will enable them to defeat a shared foe..
Baltimore Ravens
Sticking with the theme of AFC teams that have yet to get past Kansas City, we have the Baltimore Ravens. Adding a quarterback might be the last thing on the minds of those in Baltimore after an MVP season from Lamar Jackson, who guided the group to the conference’s top seed.
Jackson’s flexible style of play has produced amazing outcomes, but it also puts him in danger. Josh Johnson, an experienced quarterback, is now Baltimore’s backup option after Tyler Huntley inked a contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Johnson, 38, has often shown that he is capable of taking charge and managing a group of people. That’s not ideal, though, particularly considering his age in relation to the offensive strategy of the Ravens. Jackson would be a solid backup if Tannehill were to miss time.
