NASHVILLE — To the surprise of many, Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since November of 2022.

Farley had been sidelined with a herniated disk in his back that required surgery. It had previously looked like his NFL career was in jeopardy of ending less than two years after being drafted in the 1st round by the Titans. But it now looks like Farley is eyeing a return.

Here's what you can expect from Farley's future with the Titans.

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Farley's Contract Situation

There seems to be a contingent of Titans fans questioning the purpose of keeping  Farley around and advocating from him to be released by the team. Newsflash to those people…Farley is still under his rookie contract.

As a former first round pick, the base salary on Farley's rookie contract is fully guaranteed through four seasons. So if the Titans were to cut Farley during the offseason or even during training camp in 2024, they would save… $0 against the cap. It's an unrealistic scenario to push for. 

The only world in which Tennessee would move on from Farley is if they came to the end of training camp and made the determination that he provided them with no value. At that point, the Titans could opt to cut Farley in favor of another player, but the team wouldn't gain anything financially from the move. 

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Titans Need Cornerbacks

Given the team's dire need for help in the secondary, Farley should at least be given a chance to prove he is healthy and improved during training camp next fall. 

Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting are both unrestricted free agents after this season. That leaves Tennessee with Roger McCreary, Tre Avery, Eric Garror, and Anthony Kendall as the team's only cornerbacks under contract for 2024. Oh yeah…and Caleb Farley.

At this point, Farley is the ultimate unknown. Unfortunately, the Titans may not get a chance to see Farley play in a game before the 2023 season ends. Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen told media on Thursday that questions about Farley getting in a game are better if asked to Mike Vrabel. This seems to just be an effort to get him back on the practice field.

"We'll evaluate him. We'll keep watching him," Titans defensive backs coach Chris Harris told me on Thursday. I asked Harris if there was any chance Farley plays in a game before the season ends. "I can't give you an answer on that. He's getting back into the groove of things after not being out here for over a year."

Under the NFL's rules about the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List, a player can return to practice for up to 21 days before being required to rejoin the 53-man roster. Farley's window to return was opened with just 18 days left on the season. The Titans could just be giving Farley a chance to get back on the practice field without having any intention of dressing him for a game.

Either way, returning to practice is a really positive sign. Farley will head into the offseason with seven months to continue training and rehabbing before competing for a roster spot in August.

Farley said that it was "frustrating" trying to practice at less than 100 percent when he spoke with the media this week. But it's clear he won't be going out without a fight.

Surprising Caleb Farley update from Titans practice on Wednesday

Caleb Farley makes surprising return to Titans practice.