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Titans fans have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2025. The franchise finally landed a potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick – something that’s been missing since the Steve McNair era. Ward brings elite passing upside that Tennessee hasn’t seen in ages, especially after their last high-profile QB draft pick (Marcus Mariota) failed to live up to expectations.
But here’s the problem – the Titans may have seriously jeopardized their rookie QB’s development with one massive free agent mistake.
The team handed left tackle Dan Moore a staggering four-year, $82 million contract to protect Ward’s blind side. That kind of money typically goes to elite offensive line talent – and Moore simply isn’t that.
Titans’ $82M Gamble Could Backfire Spectacularly
Moore arrives from Pittsburgh where he started all four seasons since being drafted. The eye-popping contract immediately makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tackles – despite performance metrics suggesting he’s barely above average at best.
Just look at the numbers. PFF graded Moore’s 2023 pass-blocking at just 66.2, ranking him 65th among 140 tackles league-wide according to PFF’s player metrics. That’s squarely middle-of-the-pack production for elite-level money.
When you’re paying someone like they’re a top-10 tackle, you expect top-10 results.
The red flags don’t stop there. Moore allowed a whopping 12 sacks last season – ranking him dead last (140th) among qualified tackles. This is the guy Tennessee is trusting to keep their prized rookie investment upright?
Having an average tackle can work fine when you’re paying them average money. The Steelers got reasonable value with Moore on his rookie contract. But when you’re shelling out $20+ million annually, those same limitations suddenly become glaring weaknesses that can sink an entire offense.
The Titans did make one excellent offensive line addition by signing veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who immediately strengthens the interior protection. He’ll be invaluable for Ward’s development – but his impact can only extend so far.
The problem? Left tackle is arguably the most important position on the line. Moore’s potential struggles could negate Zeitler’s positive contributions and leave the entire unit vulnerable. His downside simply outweighs Zeitler’s upside – that’s the concerning reality Tennessee now faces.
Could a change of scenery help Moore elevate his game? Sure. Maybe Tennessee’s coaching staff sees something Pittsburgh couldn’t unlock. But based on four years of NFL tape, this contract looks like a massive overpay that might actually hinder Ward’s development rather than support it.
Young quarterbacks need consistent blind-side protection to develop properly. Right now, the Titans have invested $82 million in a tackle who hasn’t proven he can provide it.
