First Down And Tenn: Marcus Mariota Still Unsigned
By Les Bailey
The Tennessee Titans management and the coaching staff got a lot done since the NFL Draft on April 30th, but the only player still without a contract is quarterback Marcus Mariota. They got Utah offensive lineman, Jeremiah Poutasi signed on Friday, so what is the deal with Matiota? The Titans keep saying there is no problem, but to date, he is the only unsigned player on the team.
Titans’ GM doesn’t foresee team having issues signing Marcus Mariota – Paul Kuharsky ESPN
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota remains the only unsigned first-round pick, but general manager Ruston Webster said Friday he doesn’t foresee an issue ahead.
"“It’s going like most contract situations go about this time of year,” Webster said on “The Midday 180” on Nashville’s 104.5 The Zone. “We have had good conversations. We’ll continue to have good conversations. Looking forward to getting that done and him being in here for camp.“I personally don’t see there being a major issue. … I don’t concern myself too much with it if a guy misses a few days. We’ve had good talks. We’re motivated. Marcus is motivated. So I would expect that we would be able to get something done. As you said, we have plenty of time right now, so we’ll just see where it all goes.”"
Tennessee Titans sign Jeremiah Poutasi – Michael Natelli NFL Spinzone
The Tennessee Titans announced on Friday that they’ve reached an agreement with third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi on a rookie contract. The deal leaves second-overall pick Marcus Mariota as the team’s only unsigned draft pick.
Now with a contract in hand, Poutasi can focus on battling with offseason signingByron Bell for the team’s starting right tackle job. The former Utah tackle spent the majority of his college career on the left side, but with 2014 first-rounder Taylor Lewanalready manning the blind side tackle job, the Titans will hope their third-rounder can win a starting job and shore up the tackle spots for years to come.
Evan Mathis: I’m ready for my best year yet – Josh Alper Pro Football Talk
Now that Evan Mathis is on the open market after his release by the Eagles, teams have to weigh whether or not they want to make a bid for the 33-year-old as a free agent.
"“My body of work was limited last year due to the injury,” Mathis said. “I’m very much ready to come back strong for an entire season and have my best year yet. I’ll listen to the age talk when I lose a step.”"
36 things you need to know from AFC minicamps – Around The NFL
1. Marcus Mariota has “looked like a pro” and taken control of the huddle, according to receiver Kendall Wright. “He’s probably further along at this point than we thought he would be,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said, per ESPN.com. “… I think there is good reason to be really excited about him.”
2. Mariota’s other wideout, the enigmatic Justin Hunter, weighed in at 205 pounds this week and hopes to start camp at around 210 pounds, per the Tennessean. That’s a noticeable climb from last year’s playing weight in the 190s, but the extra bulk won’t matter unless his hands improve.
3. The Titans are beginning to form an identity, especially if Mariota makes an impact out of the gate. Tight end Delanie Walker wouldn’t promise a Super Bowl (wisely), but the veteran says the long-lostTitans are at least a .500 team.
QB Battles Roundup: Where do they stand? – Gregg Rosenthal NFL
A word on the rookies
The Buccaneers and Titans are treating their top-shelf quarterbacks differently, but the end result will be the same. Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston are going to be Week 1 starters, and Winston’s turns with the Bucs’ second-team offense in June seems likely to end early in training camp. Tennessee coach Ken Whisenhunt isn’t messing around with a phony competition, handing the reigns to Mariota right away.
The Titans have been effusive in their praise of Mariota’s ability to learn the offense this offseason. Bucs onlookers say Winston has improved dramatically since the start of OTAs. We’d expect to hear this sort of optimism. It’s the season of hope.
Next: Tennessee Titans: Locker Room Cancers