Ran CarthonINDIANAPOLIS – When we last heard Ran Carthon talk formally to the Titans' media, he’d just become the Titans’ GM and he had not had time to assess Ryan Tannehill.

Tuesday afternoon at a podium at the NFL combine he offered much more of an assessment, but hardly one that tells us the team’s plan for the quarterback position for 2023. He declined to get into any discussion about whether the team will look to renegotiate or extend Tannehill’s contract. But he said the QB heading into his 11th year “is under contract and will be a Titan.”

“Ryan’s done a great job, Ryan’s won a lot of football games as you guys know,” Carthon said. “He’s been a diligent worker. He’s been in the building every day rehabbing (his ankle), getting his work in. He’s under contract. I’m excited about moving forward with him. Like I said he’s done a lot of great things and I have a ton of respect for him.”

Later asked for more, he said:

"I know everybody wants to make a big deal out of the quarterback position and whether he will or won’t be here. But you guys just have to accept the fact that Ryan is under contract for us and right now he is a Titan and will be a Titan.”

Kuharsky megaphoneTwo pieces of that make it seem like there is a finality to it -- "I'm excited about moving forward with him" and "right now he is a Titan and will be a Titan."

While I think Tannehill is going to be the Titans quarterback in 2023 and probably 2024 too, Carthon still wasn't definitive. Moving forward for how long? Will be a Titan until when?

Until a cap move in the coming weeks? Until a draft trade? Until the end of his contract? Until the end of an extension?

I think he's the quarterback this year, and probably in 2024 too. But I don't think Carthon put anything to rest Tuesday.

Update: Here's how Mike Vrabel responded to a question about Tannehill's status later on Tuesday afternoon.

Cron Job Starts