The Tennessee Titans have made sweeping changes to their special teams unit this offseason. The overhaul began by firing coordinator Colt Anderson and replacing him with the legendary John "Bones" Fassel. Since then, Fassel has helped the Titans rebuild that side of the roster to fit his vision.
It started with the shocking decision to allow punter Ryan Stonehouse to sign elsewhere. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi replaced him with Johnny Hekker, a veteran punter who had previously punted for Fassel at other stops. The reshaping continued earlier this week when the Titans signed kicker Joey Slye, signaling they are not bringing free-agent kicker Nick Folk back next season.
The only prominent Titans special teams player set to return next season is now long snapper Morgan Cox.
Another position the Titans are looking to revamp is punt returner. They began the season with sixth-round rookie Jha'Quan Jackson in that role. Jackson struggled with ball security and was eventually benched after coughing up the football too many times. The former Tulane standout returned 28 punts for 215 yards, averaging just 7.7 yards per return. Practice squad call-up Mason Kinsey replaced him in the lineup.
Jackson was drafted by previous GM Ran Carthon. Borgonzi and the new Titans regime don't possess ties to Jackson. And it appears they're making a move at punt returner, having signed wide receiver James Proche in free agency.
Titans sign WR/PR James Proche
News of Proche joining the Titans via free agency was first reported on his personal social media account. Titans insider Terry McCormick has since confirmed the report. Proche immediately offers the Titans an experienced option at punt returner.
Proche broke into the league as a sixth-round selection of the Baltimore Ravens during the 2020 NFL Draft. He played three seasons there before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2023. He's a five-year pro.
Proche has returned 68 career punts for 591 yards. That's a ton of experience at the position for Fassel to work with. He's not as well-versed as a kick returner, having returned just four kickoffs for 68 yards. The Titans utilized five different returners on kickoffs in 2024, and will need to continue working through alternative options at that position.
Proche probably won't contribute much to the Titans as a receiver. In five completed campaigns, he's totaled just 28 receptions for 299 yards. This move strictly bolsters special teams while the Titans continue searching for help at receiver.