The Tennessee Titans must make some difficult decisions before Tuesday’s deadline to reduce their roster to 53 players.
Will the Titans keep three quarterbacks? If not, that means 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis is likely on his way out.
However, one of Tennessee’s more intriguing decisions is at kicker. Head coach Brian Callahan has indicated that veteran Nick Folk, who turns 40 in November, will be the Titans’ kicker.
In last weekend’s preseason win over the Seahawks, undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson attempted to make Tennessee’s decision a bit more difficult. Not only did Narveson crush a 59-yarder with room to spare in the fourth quarter, but he also kicked the game-winner. With multiple NFL teams looking for a kicker, Narveson could be in demand if the Titans waive him on Tuesday.
What should the Titans do?
Folk should win the job if we go by preseason and training camp. Jim Wyatt of Titans Online tracked the kicking numbers throughout camp, and they favor Folk:
- Nick Folk: 31-of-33 (93.9%)
- Brayden Narveson: 21-of-28 (75%)
Tennessee is not expected to be a contender in 2024. Could the Titans be a surprise team? Sure. So, if you’re a team in the first year of a new regime, do you keep a reliable soon-to-be-40-year-old kicker or go with the rookie, who may not be as consistent right now but has more upside?
Folk made 29 of his 30 field goal attempts in his first season with the Titans last year. That type of consistency is hard to pass up. With Folk, you worry about his range. With Narveson, there are no concerns there.
With only 53 roster spots, keeping two kickers is difficult. Narveson would be an ideal candidate for the practice squad, but there’s a good chance another team claims him.
The Titans could also look to trade Folk. A contending team with questions about the kicker would be a good fit for Folk.
Narveson will get one more chance to attempt to change Tennessee’s mind when the Titans face the Saints in Sunday’s preseason finale.
