Titans Reward Quarterback Ryan Tannehill With Lucrative Contract

 
The Tennessee Titans signed Ryan Tannehill to a a four-year, $118 million contract. This includes $62 million fully guaranteed. According to a source close to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the average annual value of the contract is $29.5 million.

The 31-year-old gives the Titans a longer window to compete than someone like Tom Brady, who likely has two years left in his career.

Tannehill enjoyed a resurgence with his performance last season and he was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after being able to make the most of his opportunity in Tennessee.

The Titans signed Tannehill last season to be Marcus Mariota’s backup but he played very well when he had chances to prove himself and he eventually won the starting quarterback job.

Tannehill completed 70.3 percent of his passes last season, setting a new career-high. He threw for 2,742 yards and 22 touchdowns with six interceptions in 12 games and posted a career-high 117.5 quarterback rating.

Ryan Tannehill became the unquestioned leader of the Titans, taking them to the AFC Championship game. It was not an easy process and he admitted this in an interview:

“It’s a little bit of a slow process,” Tannehill said. “You don’t want to come in guns blazing and shake the boat too much. It’s just a matter of being myself, leading in my own way, encouraging guys, trying to press this offense, press each and every person, build relationships and try to get the most out of every guy. Every guy is a little different, how you talk to him, how you handle him and hold him accountable, every guy is a little different. So it’s a matter of building those relationships, learning each and every guy, and then trying to push and get the best out of our guys.”

Tannehill’s saved the Titans last season with his ability to read defenses and stretch the secondary. It doesn’t surprise me that he stayed with the Titans. After all, he rejuvenated his career with them and fits perfectly in their plans.