General Manager Jon Robinson is well-known to Titans fans for a number of reasons — including trades.
Derrick Henry, Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly, Corey Davis, and several others’ place on the roster is a direct result of trading.
Robinson made a trade earlier this offseason to bring backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill aboard, and he might not be finished yet.
Here is a list of trades that could potentially make sense for the Titans.
1. Jack Conklin and Austin Johnson to the New York Jets for Leonard Williams
After an all-pro rookie season, Conklin has struggled to stay healthy after tearing his ACL in the divisional round of the playoffs against the New England Patriots in 2017.
As a result, the Titans have declined to pickup Conklin’s fifth year option. Fellow lineman Dennis Kelly’s performance as a high caliber tackle also likely lead to this decision.
Austin Johnson hasn’t had a ton of opportunities playing as a rotational piece for the Titans or starting when injuries occur. However, he’s shown he could be a reliable player when called upon, even if he doesn’t ever become a household name.
The New York Jets did a fine job of beefing up their defense and adding weapons around second year quarterback Sam Darnold. However, the Jets missed out on improving his protection on the offensive line outside of Kelechi Osemele. After drafting Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Leonard Williams may become expendable.
For the Jets, a healthy Conklin would be a huge upgrade along their offensive line. Johnson may not be on the same level as Leonard Williams, but he should be good enough to start next to Williams.
In Tennessee, Leonard could start along with Casey and Jones until Simmons returns to full health, and potentially give the Titans the best group of defensive linemen in the NFL.
2. LeShaun Sims to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Adrian Peterson and a sixth-round pick
Sims has ideal size to be a cornerback in the NFL. However, Sims hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to play full-time with theTitans.
When Sims has gotten an opportunity to play, he has looked good. Being in the final year of his rookie contract, it makes sense for Sims to play somewhere he has an opportunity to start.
With the Titans, Peterson could serve as a breather back for Henry, and also as a type of mentor. Bringing Peterson in would also allow Lewis to return to his true position of a third down back.
3. Logan Ryan and a fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers Solomon Thomas
After an abysmal rookie year, the 49ers probably aren’t ready to give up on the talent level of Thomas yet. However, if a deal could be made, the Titans could send Ryan to San Francisco to pair with Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett.
Ryan is an elite level slot cornerback who does a fine enough job on the outside, and Verrett’s injury history helps this trade make even more sense. Even with trading Thomas away, the 49ers would still have a very good defensive line with DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford, and Nick Bosa.
If the Titans were to part ways with Ryan, LeShaun Sims would be in a prime situation to show off his skill-set as a starting cornerback in the NFL. As previously mentioned, adding Thomas could be a high risk, high reward situation for the Titans. Thomas is an athletic, powerful defensive lineman, but who has a lot to prove.
If Thomas could reach his potential along with Simmons when he returns from injury, the Titans defensive line not only becomes dangerous, but young as well.
4. Wesley Woodyard to the Cincinnati Bengals for John Ross and a fourth round pick
Much like a fine wine, Wesley Woodyard seems to only get better with age. Titans fans will hate seeing him on this list, and I almost put Corey Levin here, but there isn’t many options at center behind Ben Jones.
While Woodyard maybe the best linebacker on this roster, Jayon Brown’s break out year, and the ability Rashaan Evans showed to step his game up in the second half of 2018 makes Woodyard a luxury, not a necessity.
Taywan Taylor is fast and could be considered a burner, but John Ross is on a different level of speed. What will defenses do if the Titans march Henry, Taylor, and Ross all on to the field? While Ross wouldn’t be a full-time starter, he would bring a much needed element to the team in keeping defenses honest.
Which player or players would you like to see the Titans trade for? Did we leave a scenario out? Let us know in the comments.
