Titans could address a need by reuniting with former player
As news of roster cuts around the NFL trickled out on Tuesday afternoon, Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus (PFF) dropped the news that was music to the ears of every Tennessee Titans fan. Former Titan and veteran offensive tackle Dennis Kelly had been released by the division rival Indianapolis Colts. Kelly has missed most […]
As news of roster cuts around the NFL trickled out on Tuesday afternoon, Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus (PFF) dropped the news that was music to the ears of every Tennessee Titans fan.
Former Titan and veteran offensive tackle Dennis Kelly had been released by the division rival Indianapolis Colts.
Kelly has missed most of Colts training camp with a knee injury that required a procedure on August 20, but all indication from the Colts and head coach Frank Reich give reason to believe the injury wasn't too serious.
The Colts opted to not place Kelly on the PUP list, and a little over a week ago, Reich said he felt Kelly was already "making good progress" towards recovery.
“Yeah, he had a procedure and everything went well and he’s doing very well," Reich said on August 20th. "Talked to him this morning, good spirits, making good progress.”
Because Kelly is a veteran, he was not waived, and him not being on the 53-man roster meant the Colts were making him a free agent that could be signed to any other active roster.
Coincidentally, the Titans may actually be the perfect fit.
The Titans starting RT job was won in training camp by third-round rookie Nicholas Petit-Frere. With NPF starting on the right side, backup tackle Dillon Radunz has been working primarily at left guard with hopes of earning more opportunity to play.
Although the Titans addressed their need for a backup lineman with tackle experience by trading for Dennis Daley from the Carolina Panthers, I still wouldn't rule out the idea of Kelly making a return to the Music City.
In his first stint with the Titans, Kelly played in 74 games and earned 32 starts over five seasons in Nashville. That includes a huge 2020 season where he started every single game at RT, allowed 0 sacks, and was only called for 2 penalties in 1049 snaps played (via PFF).
He also had a bit of a knack for finding the end zone. Kelly scored two touchdowns during the 2019 season. One of those came in the AFC Championship Game.
This really does feel like a no brainer.
I've been saying for a few weeks now that the Titans needed to find a veteran offensive tackle that could be a reliable and serviceable backup in case Taylor Lewan or Petit-Frere go down.
Who better than someone with experience in your system that's played alongside members of the current line?
Insurance policies are never a bad idea, especially when they're reliable and cheap. Kelly could come on an affordable one-year deal and be ready to play as soon he returns from injury if his number gets called.
Jon Robinson just needs to pick up the phone.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-Imagn Content Services, LLC
