In his latest mailbag, Tennessee Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt made a very interesting comment about right guard Nate Davis, who is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Wyatt was asked about his thoughts on the interior of the Titans’ offensive line, and in his response he said he would be “surprised” is Davis is re-signed.
Joe Levickis from Joelton, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! What are your thoughts on the status of the interior offensive line this offseason? I thought Corey Levin did a pretty good job when he was asked to step in, and I hope he’s back at least for depth. I’d like to see us bring back Nate Davis but from everything I’ve read, it seems as those most in the know feel he’s as good as gone.
Jim: Hey Joe. Always good to hear from you. Hope you enjoyed the road trips I saw you on this season. I like Corey Levin as well, and I agree it would be good to get him back in the mix for depth. As for Davis, I’d be surprised if he’s back in 2023.
Davis, who doesn’t figure to command a ton in a new deal (Spotrac estimates $7.4 million per over three years), has developed into a quality starter over four seasons and was easily Tennessee’s second-best offensive lineman in 2022.
Aside from pass protection, which he improved this past year, the biggest knock on Davis has been his inability to play a full season, something he has done only once in his four years. Davis missed three games twice, and then a career-high five games in 2022.
Perhaps that’s behind Wyatt’s belief, or maybe there’s more to it. Whatever the case may be, I have to rethink my own belief that there was at least a good chance the two sides would work something out.
If Tennessee does indeed let Davis walk, they’ll be filling at least three open spots on the offensive line in 2023, and quite possibly four depending on what happens with Jones, who isn’t certain to play.
