Tennessee Titans named as realistic suitor in Xavien Howard sweepstakes

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen these types of rumors or whether you believe that this type of thing has gotten old or not, you have to admit, in this particular case, you had to know that it was coming. The Tennessee Titans have been mentioned in connection with another big-name NFL star who, for lack of a better term isn’t quite as happy as we’re used to seeing them.

This time, it’s Xavien Howard, and if we’re being honest, aside from the fact that he’s looking to score on a huge payday, this one makes sense. Caleb Farley is hurt. Kristian Fulton is coming off of an injury, and regardless of how good he is, Janoris Jenkins is getting old.

At this point, it feels like, whether they have any money to spend or not, the Titans are going to be linked to just about any disgruntled player that wants out of his current situation, especially if that situation revolves around something contractual.

Are the Tennessee Titans a realistic suitor for Xavien Howard?

Sometimes, things swing in Tennessee’s favor, Julio Jones and Jadeveon Clowney for instance (even though most of you won’t see Clowney’s addition as a win). More often than not however these theories lead to nothing.

They’re still worth mentioning though. Here’s one to whet the whistle if you’re into this kind of thing. Tennessee’s being linked to two-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s two-time leader in interceptions (2018, 2020).

On the final Wednesday of July, as the Tennessee Titans were set to begin training camp on-field practices, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports offered his theory on where he thought Xavien Howard might end up, that is if the Miami Dolphins are interested in trading him.

The Titans were named as one of five possible landing spots for the 2020 First-team All-Pro. Here’s some of what DeArdo offered as his defense.

"Tennessee could use some help at cornerback, especially with first-round pick Caleb Farley currently on the team’s physically unable to perform list (PUP). Along with acquiring one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Howard would give the Titans the luxury of not rushing Farley onto the field. The Titans would have two veteran cornerbacks in Howard and Janoris Jenkins along with youngsters Farley and 2020 second-round pick Kristian Fulton. The Titans have future draft equity to make this deal work; the real challenge would be reworking their current salary cap situation (they are 21st in the league in available cap space)."

Again, it makes sense when you think about it.

Besides, who truly understands how the salary cap works anymore? It feels like it can be manipulated however to achieve the desired result, but on a more Titans-centered level, look at it this way. Before we got to June, most of you guys thought it would be impossible for Tennessee to land Julio Jones too.

We should all know better and be convinced by now. Jon Robinson is a magician. The salary cap looks more and more like a myth every day. Don’t toss this theory aside so quickly. You might want to keep one eye on what transpires if you’re a Tennessee Titans fan.