NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There were stretches of time during his 13 years and 197 games with the Titans during which there was a legitimate debate as to whether Brett Kern was the best player on the team.

Yes, sometimes it was because of the franchise’s weak roster, but it was also because of the punter’s excellence.

Brett Kern on the idea there were times he was the best player on the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/uM3LCpU1TA

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) June 1, 2023

And that’s why, following Kern’s official retirement press conference on Thursday afternoon, the Titans should eventually give serious consideration to adding him to their Ring of Honor. [Unlocked]

By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When the Cardinals were shopping DeAndre Hopkins and reportedly asking for a second-round pick, I was adamant that the Titans should steer far clear of any potential trade for the soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver.

Not only was Tennessee not in the position to be trading premium future assets for win-now players, but they also would have had to take on Hopkins’ Cardinals contract, which owed him $19.45 million in 2023 and $14.92 million in 2024.

However, now that Hopkins has been released and is free to sign a brand new contract with any team of his choosing, I am all aboard the Hopkins-to-Tennessee Express.

The reasons to be wary of going down the Julio Jones path again are still valid, but the cost is now much more palatable for the level of risk that the Titans would be taking on.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- I hereby called a gathering for Titans' discussion Wednesday evening after another open OTA in which we in the media saw some stuff, heard some other stuff and had a bit to share.

You saw many of the highlights via social media which prompted some of your questions.

at the practice I focused, as one often does in such circumstances, on the play of the quarterbacks so we delved into that.

There certainly was a lot of curiosity about the quality of what Malik Willis is doing and the potential for him to be around beyond camp.

You're invited to rewatch via the members-only Facebook page or below.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As the Titans began to stretch for Wednesday’s OTA session, Chris Harris stood to himself at a front corner of the field alone. He held his notes for what would unfold in the next hour and 45 minutes close to his face, periodically scribbling on the page, perhaps the practice script or notes on his points of emphasis.

Only after he finished touching that up did he take off, running to his cornerbacks and engaging with them as they finished getting ready.

The Titans' new cornerback coach and defensive passing game coordinator brings from Washington some of the energy the team had two cornerback coaches ago in Kerry Coombs, if not at the same volume. And expectations are high for Harris, a hot commodity in the coaching world who was regarded as a key figure in the Commanders’ strong pass defense in 2022 (fourth) and 2020 (third) with an off year sandwiched in between (29th).

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – We change opinions quickly on players when they disappear from view.

So Kyle Philips' great rookie training camp where he left defenders flailing with his stop-and-go routes started to vanish when he hurt his shoulder in his debut. Rob Moore was calling Philips “The Professor” in mid-August, because there was nothing Philips didn’t know.

Kyle Philips. #Titans pic.twitter.com/LHYDxKPPUl

— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 29, 2022

Kyle Philips having a great day for the #Titans: 2 catches, 2 penalties drawn in 1v1’s + several nice catches during team drills vs the #Bucs pic.twitter.com/8boEnYb0uT

— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 17, 2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Here is hoping you’ve got big plans and they live up to all your expectations.

If you haven't heard or watched it yet, I'm sure you will have room for the latest edition of the podcast. It is waiting for you on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart as well as YouTube.

On to the best questions you've sent my way this week.

Sami Mamou #24 Although we’ve had bad luck with older veteran WRs, getting DHop by some miracle this late for nothing but money would feel a bit like winning the lottery. How much better would adding him make the titans, assuming a best-case scenario with health and production?

When getting DeAndre Hopkins would have entailed putting together a trade package and inheriting big base salaries for 2023 and 2024, I didn’t think it was a prudent move.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When the Titans talked about getting faster, the reasonable presumption was they'd add faster players, particularly at play-making spots.

Instead this week they were talking about running a more efficient offense that would allow their guys to maximize the speed they have.

What a letdown.

That's where I begin the new episode of the podcast, which awaits you on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart as well as YouTube, which is below.

Other subjects I dive into:

💥 Past player peaks and what they mean to Tim Kelly
💥 Thoughts on Succession
💥 Kristian Fulton OTA absence
💥 Weak special teams expectations from Craig Aukerman

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By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- We know that there are going to be changes in the Titans offense in 2023 under new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. Ryan Tannehill referred to them as “huge” changes during his first press availability back on May 3^rd and specifically mentioned new terminology and new concepts.

The new terminology part of that comment perked my ears up at the time it was made. New concepts are a reality for every offense every offseason in the ever-adapting world of NFL offense (yes, even in Tennessee), but new terminology and “huge” changes… that is a more significant development.