The Tennessee Titans have declined the trade offer from the New York Giants, and the New York Giants have declined the trade offer from the Tennessee Titans. So what was offered?
Giants’ Bold Offer to Titans Falls Flat
We don’t know the full details of the Giants’ offer but sources close to the situation say it included a 3rd round pick and other assets. The offer was designed to get the Titans to move down 2 spots so the Giants could jump over the Los Angeles Chargers and get the 1st overall pick.
Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi said during a press conference on Tuesday that the team had gone through all the offers. “It’s a long process and we wanted to go through the whole thing,” Borgonzi said. “We did our due diligence, listened to the offers and we came to a consensus: we’re staying put.”
Why the Titans Said No
For the Titans, keeping the No. 1 pick fits with their long term plan to rebuild the franchise. With Miami quarterback Cam Ward considered a generational talent, the Titans saw this as an opportunity to get their quarterback of the future. Chad Brinker, the team’s president of football operations, said you can’t pass on a generational talent, and we won’t do that. He also said the organization’s draft plan is to get 30 picks in the next three years, with 12 in the top 100. That’s why they wouldn’t trade the No. 1 pick even for a big haul of picks.
The Cost of Missing Out: What the Giants Gave Up
We don’t know the exact terms but a 3rd round pick suggests the Giants overpaid to move up the board. For context, the top 3 picks in recent trades have required multiple 1st rounders or high 2nd rounders. By including a 3rd rounder, the Giants may have shown their hand and weakened their bargaining position.
Now, the Titans have the Giants stuck at 3 unless they find another trade partner. With Bo Nix and DJ Uiagalelei still on the board the Giants need to move fast if they want to fix their long standing QB problem.
What This Means for the Titans?
By keeping the No. 1 pick, the Titans are setting themselves up to draft Cam Ward who many scouts think can fix their offense. They’re also stockpiling draft capital as they did with the Kansas City trade in January. They sent their 3rd round pick to the Chiefs for L’Jarius Sneed and that shows they’re willing to make moves while keeping control of premium picks.
Chad Brinker said they have “30 picks in the next 3 years” so they’re playing the long game. They’re building depth across the roster especially in the OL and secondary and grooming Ward as the face of the franchise.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
Titans fans are divided. Some love the team for not taking the money and running. Others are worried about the pressure on Cam Ward to perform right away. Giants fans are wondering if they overpaid for the 1st overall pick and if it’s going to mess up their offseason.
Social media was buzzing after Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) tweeted Brinker’s quote about wanting “30 picks in the next three years”. Many loved the Titans for thinking ahead but others wondered if they can even use that many picks.