NFL Rumors: Tennessee Titans Trying To Sign Ryan Tannehill With Tom Brady's Free Agency Looming

The Tennessee Titans might have the best chance of any team to lure Tom Brady away from the New England Patriots. The quarterback is headed for free agency and expected to consider joining the team that knocked him and New England out of the 2020 NFL playoffs.

But if Tennessee has its way, Brady might not even get a chance to speak with the Titans.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tennessee is focused on re-signing Ryan Tannehill. Like Brady, Tannehill doesn’t have a contract for next season and can officially hit the open market on March 18. NFL teams can start negotiating with free agents from other teams on Monday, March 16.

The Titans have the option of using the franchise tag on Tannehill before Monday afternoon. Doing so would guarantee the quarterback a one-year deal worth close to $27 million if the two sides can’t reach a new agreement by July 15.

Tennessee and Tannehill have reportedly been in talks regarding a long-term contract.

Tannehill replaced Marcus Mariota as the Titans’ starting quarterback when the team was 2-4. Tennessee finished the 2019 season with seven victories over its final 10 games before beating the Patriots and Baltimore Ravens on the road in the playoffs.

The Kansas City Chiefs beat Tennessee in the AFC Championship Game.

In 12 games and 10 starts, Tannehill completed 70.3% of his passes for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. He led the league with a 117.5 passer rating and 9.6 yards per attempt.

Brady went 12-4 as a starter. He completed 60.8% of his passes for 4,057 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Brady had an 88.0 passer rating with 6.6 yards per attempt.

Tannehill is 11 years younger than Brady, coming off the first Pro Bowl season of his career. Brady wasn’t selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in a decade.

The Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considered to be among the top suitors for Brady.