The Tennessee Titans have been teetering on the edge of a rebuild for quite some time after what has been an incredibly disappointing 2024 season, and Ran Carthon has officially removed all doubt that this team is playing for the future on Wednesday morning. Both DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones IV have found new homes on contending teams.
Hopkins was the first salvo, as the Kansas City Chiefs acquired him in a move that will bolster their championship aspirations. Just a few hours after this move, the Titans traded linebacker Ernest Jones IV to the Seattle Seahawks. The Titans had traded for Jones before the season was set to begin.
The Titans' core will look much different than it has in the past. However, they kick-start their retooling with a brand-new starter on the defensive side of the ball and some impactful picks that could be used to great effect in 2025.
Another Titans trade! https://t.co/Yr4YBx8hxt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2024
Full trade details after Titans part with DeAndre Hopkins, Ernest Jones
- Titans Receive: LB Jerome Baker, 2025 4th-Round Pick (via SEA), 2025 5th Round Pick (via KC)
- Chiefs Receive: WR DeAndre Hopkins
- Seahawks Receive: LB Ernest Jones IV
*The fifth-round pick received in exchange for Hopkins could end up being a fourth-rounder if certain conditions are met
After recording 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks in just 15 games last season with the Los Angeles Rams, Jones was traded to the Titans after LA seemed unwilling to give him a long-term deal. Seattle needs a player with Jones' speed and aggression in the middle, and they paid a big price to make this deal happen.
Baker recorded 30 tackles and a sack in five games with Seattle, who he joined after six seasons as a key starter with the Miami Dolphins. While Baker is a downgrade compared to Jones, he's a solid starting linebacker that will keep the Titans' defense chugging along without too many hiccups.
The Hopkins trade seems like an easy win for Kansas City, but the Titans did manage to get a pick of some value back for a receiver in his early 30s who clearly did not have a long-term future with this team. This was the only worthwhile move for Hopkins, who had one catch in three of his six games this season.
The Titans may have finally pushed the rebuild button, though it remains to be seen what the long-term outlook for this team is amid Will Levis' struggles. At least they got a solid starter and some picks to help kick-start the effort.