There’s speculation the Tennessee Titans could make a move for New York Jets veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes thinks the franchise is more inclined to draft Travis Hunter No. 1 overall, and develop a seasoned QB rather than selecting one from this year’s draft class, despite the team’s reported positive meetings with Colorado star Shedeur Sanders .
“I don’t think they’re [The Titans] going to draft a quarterback,” Kimes said. “I do think they’re going to go the veteran quarterback route, I suspect. His style of play meshes really well with [Titans head coach] Brian Callahan. ”
With Rodgers under center, the Titans would be in a position to draft the best overall available player instead of scrambling for a star QB out of necessity. Kimes sees the potential move as a rare opportunity for Tennessee’s front office to build a more well-rounded roster.
“The Titans aren’t built to win right now, but signing Rodgers would allow the front office to draft the best player available with the No. 1 pick as opposed to reaching for a quarterback just because it’s a need,” she continued. “Bring him in, get the offense going, and then focus on the offensive line and playmakers.”
Tennessee is coming off a league-worst 3-14 season, leaving the team with several glaring needs across the roster. They are projected to address positions like offensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver, and linebacker. Notable contributors, including safety Quandre Diggs, wide receiver Tyler Boyd, guard Dillon Radunz, and linebacker Jerome Baker, are all set to become free agents in 2025.
Last year’s starting QB, Will Levis, continued his struggles under center after being drafted 33rd overall in 2023. If the Titans opt against drafting a quarterback, the Heisman winner Hunter could emerge as the top non-QB prospect in the draft. The versatile two-way star has the best odds among non-quarterbacks to be selected No. 1 overall.
Hunter has previously expressed his desire to be the top pick in the draft during an appearance on The Pivot podcast. “Definitely, man. I want to be No. 1. That’s the first thing I dreamed of. I ain’t dreamed of winning the Heisman. I dreamed of being No. 1,” he said. Hunter responded to the importance of being the top pick and said: “I’m the first to do it in my family. Why not keep going, and be the first?”
The top mock drafts remain divided on who Tennessee will take, with projections varying between Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, Hunter, Sanders, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The Jets, who currently hold the No. 7 pick, are also expected to address the quarterback position.
If Rodgers is traded, New York could look toward Sanders, or they might use their selection to bolster their offensive line, wide receiver corps, or pass rush. The NFL’s mock draft has the Jets selecting Sanders as a potential successor to Rodgers, while others predict they will prioritize pass-catching Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
Leave a Reply