In a surprising trade in the middle of training camp, the Titans dealt wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham to the Eagles in exchange for offensive lineman Dennis Kelly.
It's the latest sign that new general manager Jon Robinson and coach Mike Mularkey are running a new program in Tennessee. The move provides valuable depth and versatility for an improved offensive line while parting ways with a talented, but unproven playmaker.
Green-Beckham was the team's second round pick in 2015, but a hamstring injury limited him in training camp and the early part of his rookie season. He finished the year with a respectable 32 catches for 549 yards and four touchdowns giving fans a reason to be excited.
We have traded WR Dorial Green-Beckham to the Eagles in exchange for OL Dennis Kelly: https://t.co/s0JeseWMus pic.twitter.com/1ORgxmryhI
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 16, 2016
But with a new regime in charge of the franchise, DGB failed to fit in this offseason. Robinson and Mularkey challenged him to work harder and he showed up to training camp leaner and more healthy this year, but his performance remained inconsistent highlighted by drops and poor route running.
With the emergence of rookie Tajae Sharpe and the additions of veterans Rishard Matthews and Andre Johnson, it was unclear where Green-Beckham fit in on the roster.
So the Titans cut ties with a guy that has the potential to be an elite receiver to acquire a known commodity. Kelly has played in 30 NFL games, starting 15, and has the ability to play both tackle and guard. He has will provide an experienced backup at tackle, where the team's depth was hurt with the injury to Josue Matias in the preseason opener, and be able to add competition at the guard positions.
Robinson has shaken up the franchise since taken over as GM in January. The message is clear: the Titans want guys who work hard and provide consistent value. A team that has won just five games over the past two years doesn't have time for projects.
That's why DGB is now flying with the Eagles, and the Titans are plowing full steam ahead with their new smashmouth brand of football.
