In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the quarterback position continues to reign supreme as the most scrutinized and pivotal role on any roster. The NFC South, a division that has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, is now on the lookout for a potential upgrade under center. With the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback situation uncertain, one of the NFC South teams could look to acquire Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to help bolster their quarterback depth.
Ryan Tannehill, who has been the Titans’ starter since 2019, has been a reliable presence at quarterback for Tennessee, but the team appears to be moving toward the future with younger options. The rise of rookie Malik Willis last season and the recent addition of Will Levis in the 2025 NFL Draft suggests the Titans are preparing for a new era under center, which could leave Tannehill on the move. His contract, which runs through 2025, could make him an attractive trade target for a team seeking immediate stability at quarterback. His veteran experience and ability to manage games could be precisely what an NFC South team needs to elevate their roster and compete in a division that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent seasons.
The NFC South is in a state of flux. Historically, the division has been one of the more competitive in the NFL, with each of its four teams — the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — having their moments of dominance. However, in recent years, no team in the division has been able to maintain sustained success, and a quarterback acquisition could be the key to putting one of these franchises back on the map.
Let’s take a look at which NFC South teams might be in the market for Tannehill.
First up, the New Orleans Saints have made significant changes to their roster in recent years, and they are in win-now mode. Quarterback Derek Carr was signed to the Saints this offseason, but the 33-year-old has shown inconsistent play over the past few seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Carr has the potential to turn things around, but the team’s window for championship contention is narrow, making a move for a more stable veteran like Tannehill an option if Carr struggles. While Carr may have been a significant acquisition for New Orleans, the Saints could look to add depth and competition at the position. The Saints have the roster to make a run at the postseason, but if they feel Tannehill could provide more consistency and leadership than Carr, they might consider exploring trade options with the Titans. Tannehill has proven capable of managing an offense and is familiar with high-pressure situations. His experience would be an asset to a Saints team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Next, we have the Atlanta Falcons, a team with promising young talent but questions at the quarterback position. Desmond Ridder, who is entering his second season as the starter, is still in the process of developing into a reliable NFL quarterback. The Falcons have done a good job building up their roster around him, with standout players like running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts offering significant offensive potential. However, Ridder’s performance in 2024 will determine whether the Falcons are content to move forward with him as their franchise quarterback. If the Falcons decide that Ridder is not the answer, or if they simply want to bring in a seasoned signal-caller to guide the team to a playoff berth, Tannehill could be an intriguing option. With his calm demeanor and ability to control the pace of a game, Tannehill could serve as a stabilizing force for the Falcons’ offense, allowing them to continue to develop their young stars while still competing in a division that is up for grabs.
The Carolina Panthers, now under the direction of head coach Frank Reich, have committed to a rebuild. The Panthers selected rookie quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling their intention to build around the young signal-caller. While Young’s potential is high, it’s unlikely that a rookie quarterback will immediately hit the ground running, especially in the highly competitive NFC South. If Young struggles or if the Panthers decide that a veteran presence is needed to help mentor their rookie quarterback, Tannehill could be a logical target. Tannehill would offer valuable experience and insight into how to handle the rigors of an NFL season, providing Young with a mentor who has faced the highs and lows of the league. While the Panthers are committed to their future with Young, bringing in a seasoned quarterback like Tannehill could provide the team with a bridge to more competitive seasons while Young continues to develop.
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have entered a post-Tom Brady era, and they are still figuring out their quarterback situation. Baker Mayfield, signed as a free agent, is in line to start for the Bucs, but questions remain about his ability to lead the team to success after a tumultuous career. Mayfield’s highs and lows have been well documented, and while he still has the talent to succeed, his performance in Tampa Bay will be under heavy scrutiny. If Mayfield fails to live up to expectations, the Buccaneers could look for an upgrade at quarterback. Tannehill could be a strong option here, as he would bring a steadiness and maturity to the position that Mayfield has yet to fully establish. Additionally, Tannehill’s experience in the postseason could be valuable to a Tampa Bay team that still boasts a talented roster with weapons like wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Rachaad White. With the NFC South being wide open, the Buccaneers could take a chance on Tannehill if they feel his leadership could elevate their offense.
In conclusion, Ryan Tannehill could be a viable trade target for an NFC South team looking to bolster its quarterback depth. While no team in the division has an ideal quarterback situation, Tannehill’s veteran presence and experience leading an NFL offense make him an intriguing option. Whether it’s the New Orleans Saints looking for a more stable hand under center, the Atlanta Falcons seeking a reliable veteran, the Carolina Panthers wanting a bridge for their rookie quarterback, or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploring alternatives to Baker Mayfield, Tannehill could be the piece that one of these NFC South teams needs to push them into playoff contention. As the Titans continue to reshape their roster, teams across the NFC South will be keeping a close eye on Tannehill’s availability as they look to strengthen their quarterback position.