The Titans lost their tight end Jonnu Smith in the 2021 offseason to the Patriots through free agency.
Although Tennessee was able to replace Smith’s performance during the year, it couldn’t run back Derrick Henry’s injury-related absence for half of the season. Anthony Firkser, the most productive tight end caught 34 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Smith, however, caught 41 passes for 448 yard and eight touchdowns in 2020.
The Titans signed Austin Hooper, a free agent, to a one year deal in 2022. Tannehill and he were at the offseason program working together to get on the right page. This process will likely continue through training camp.
Tannehill stated, via Turron Davidnport of ESPN, “Just reading his physique, how he comes into and out of breaks.” “There are small things you don’t see from the outside that I can learn from and file away. He has a great sense of running routes and his route craft. It’s amazing how he can use his speed/quickness to open routes.
It’s important to see the tape at least three times. This way, we can both be on the same page and I can predict where he will go.
Hooper was a Pro Bowler for the Falcons in 2018 and 2019. He didn’t quite find his feet with the Browns in 2021 and 2020. Hooper only had 38 catches last season for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
Tannehill will need to put in a lot of effort this summer to build chemistry with his top pass-catchers. Treylon Burks and Robert Woods join Hooper at the top three spots.
