Analyzing the Tennessee Titans' 6 options at punt returner

Eric Garror, CB

Eric Garror ended up being the Titans' primary punt returner last season despite not being promoted to the active roster until late October. He averaged 7.6 yards per return. Garror lacked the explosiveness and playmaking ability some of the other players flashed via earlier returns (and via smaller sample sizes), but he was sure-handed, with five fair catches and a long return of 15.

Winning the punt return job may be Garror's clearest path to the roster. He played a lot of nickel for defense last season when injuries began mounting, but the Titans have Roger McCreary and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. in that spot now. Garror should place heavy emphasis on impressing via punt return drills.

Kyle Philips, WR

Kyle Philips entered the league with an impressive history of returning punts at UCLA, but it hasn't carried over to the professional ranks. Philips has not looked natural in that role when afforded opportunities in past seasons. He lost a fumble in his 2022 Week 1 debut versus the New York Giants (he also returned one for 46 yards), and lost another fumble in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.

Philips only returned four punts for 23 yards as a sophomore in 2023. Ball security has been a consistent issue as he muffed a punt versus the Baltimore Ravens in London last season with one second remaining in the half as opposed to letting time expire. Philips will need to showcase significant improvement to win the job.

It's also his clearest pathway to the roster with Tyler Boyd now in the slot receiver role.