Key Takeaways:
– Ryan Tannehill, a seasoned quarterback, is being seen as a paramount free agent for Green Bay Packers ahead of training camp.
– The Packers are reportedly hesitant to rely on a completely unseasoned backup quarterback.
– Although Tannehill’s days as a frontline starter seem to be over, he is still regarded as a valuable potential backup.
– Tannehill previously played under a $118 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, but is expected to draw a lesser deal in free agency.
– The Packers’ need for another seasoned player at the quarterback position might provide Ryan Tannehill with a lifeline.
The Green Bay Packers, currently in search of a seasoned quarterback to shore up their team, may find the solution in Ryan Tannehill. A high-profile free agent and veteran quarterback, Tannehill could be a significant addition to the Packers roster before the onset of training camp.
Exploring Free Agent Options
According to Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report, the Packers should consider several free agents. Besides Tannehill, D.J. Humphries, a seasoned Pro Bowl OT is also on the potential pickup list. Ballentine emphasizes Tannehill’s veteran profile and experience, despite his career pivot from a starter position. In Ballentine’s words, “Tannehill could be the solution to the absence of a seasoned backup for Packers. While his starter days appear to be over, he still has much to offer as a veteran backup, especially within the Packers’ team environment.”
Tannehill’s Professional Journey
Having played under a considerable $118 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, Tannehill may now have to settle for less lucrative offers deep into his free agency. Nevertheless, given his talents and on-field maturity, he is likely to find an apt suitor soon, with the Packers potentially being a promising prospect.
Strangely, Tannehill remains uncontracted despite several teams securing veterans as backup quarterbacks in the offseason. A late bloomer, Tannehill shifted from a wide receiver to quarterback during his junior year at Texas A&M and eventually made his mark as a dependable quarterback with the Titans.
However, his journey has not been without its trials. While at Miami Dolphins, Tannehill struggled to secure a strong footing, with lackluster records to his name. His trade to the Titans altered the scenario, earning him accolades, including the 2019 Comeback Player of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. With a QB rating of 117.5, Tannehill demonstrated his NFL leadership capabilities, throwing 93 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.
Yet, his journey in recent years has been marred by challenges. Initially reluctant to mentor Malik Willis in 2022, he was then overshadowed by Will Levis, a second-round addition by Titans the same year. Following these developments, Tannehill finds himself jobless and without a contract in 2024, with the Packers now posing as a last beacon of hope.
Challenges for the Packers
The Packers have Jordan Love as their franchise quarterback and are facing a foresight challenge with their backup quarterbacks. Sean Clifford, the current backup, does not possess the necessary skills to substitute Love if needed. This uncertainty propelled the Packers to secure Michael Pratt recently in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pratt, though not armed with the most potent throws, is competent in hitting tight spots downfield and shows promise.
Subject to Packers’ approval of Clifford and Pratt as backup quarterbacks, Ryan Tannehill could be an excellent addition to the Packers as his experience could bolster and provide reassurance to the team setup.
Provided the developments on both ends, Packers’ quest for a seasoned backup quarterback and Tannehill’s joblessness, the two parties could provide each other with mutual benefits, marking a critical move in the NFL free agency.