Tennessee Titans

The Philadelphia Eagles are trading defensive back Ugo Amadi to the Tennessee Titans in exhange for a 2024 late-round pick swap, the team announced Wednesday.

Tennessee is sending a sixth-round pick to Philadelphia for Amadi and a seventh-round pick, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

It is the second time in the last 10 days that Amadi has been traded. The Seattle Seahawks traded Amadi to the Eagles on Aug. 15 in exchange for wide receiver/tight end J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

ESPN's Brady Henderson reported that the Seahawks intended to cut Amadi as part of roster reductions before trading him to the Eagles. He was most often used as a rotational player and was competing with cornerbacks Marquise Blair and Justin Coleman before being traded by Seattle.

The Seahawks selected Amadi in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Oregon. In 47 career games across three seasons with the franchise, he posted one interception, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 125 tackles.

For the limited time he spent in Philadelphia, Amadi provided some extra competition at safety. He logged 27 defensive snaps, four tackles and six special teams snaps in the Eagles' 21-20 preseason win over the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 21.

Had Amadi remained with the Eagles, he would have served as a solid depth piece behind Anthony Harris and Marcus Epps.

Now with the Titans, the 25-year-old will join a safety group that includes Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker and A.J. Moore at safety. He could move into the slot cornerback position for the team if needed.

The Titans have one more preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday before opening the regular season on Sept. 11 against the New York Giants. It's unclear if Amadi will suit up this weekend.

Dontrell Hilliard has firmly locked down the backup running back role behind Derrick Henry in the Tennessee Titans backfield, according to The Athletic's Joe Rexrode.

"He is clearly the second-best running back on the roster, a guy I believe would get the bulk of the work if Derrick Henry were to miss any time," Rexrode reported Tuesday. "Hilliard, over rookie Hassan Haskins, should be the handcuff choice for fantasy owners at this point."

Hilliard performed well while filling in for an injured Henry last year. The 27-year-old ran for 350 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. The undrafted Tulane product also caught 19 passes for 87 yards.

That didn't stop the Titans from selecting Haskins in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. The Michigan product has drawn strong reviews this summer. Henry described him as a "beast," while running backs coach Tony Dews said he was "a pleasure to work with."

Before last season, durability wasn't much of a concern with Henry as he firmly cemented himself as the NFL's premier ball-carrier. Between 2018 and 2020, he appeared in 47 games and logged 896 carries.

However, his foot injury in 2021 that caused him to miss nine games inevitably raises questions about whether that's a sign of things to come. For fantasy managers who want some insurance for the 2020 All-Pro, Hilliard appears to be the safest bet.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Bud Dupree reportedly pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault after he attacked a Walgreens employee in Nashville earlier this year.

TMZ Sports reported Dupree reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. He will be required to serve six months of unsupervised probation and pay $418 in court costs.

According to a police report from Dupree's January arrest, several shoppers got into a verbal altercation with a Walgreens employee before leaving the store and then later came back with Dupree. The Titans linebacker then grabbed the employee and his phone before a fight broke out.

TMZ Sports reported that "sources close to Dupree allege the employee had heckled" him and threatened to spit on the women with whom Dupree came into the store. Their connection to Dupree has not been reported.

The Titans released a statement in January saying they were "aware" of the altercation but have offered no further comment.

“Like always, we try to do everything we can to help our guys make great decisions on and off the field," Titans coach Vrabel said in January. "That’s my response. We’ll continue to monitor it, communicate with Bud and see how everything will eventually play out.”

It's unclear if the NFL will seek to punish Dupree under its personal conduct policy. The 29-year-old recorded 17 tackles and three sacks last season in his first year with the Titans.

Malik Willis flashed his next-level athleticism during his preseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens—perhaps a little too much, if you ask the rookie quarterback.

“I just made up for it with my legs. Can't continue to rely on that, though," Willis told reporters, admitting he missed some reads in the passing game. "But that's what the preseason is for—so you can just see those things against a live defense, one we hadn't played before.”

Willis completed six of his 11 passes for 107 yards while rushing for 38 yards on five carries. The third-round pick had a pair of highlight reel plays, beating several Ravens to the edge on a seven-yard touchdown run and connecting with Racey McMath on a 48-yard deep ball.

Still, Titans coach Mike Vrabel wasn't satisfied with Willis' decision making in the passing game.

"He needs to try to throw the ball when guys are open, be more decisive," Vrabel told reporters. "We'll evaluate that, see if there's a timing issue or what's going on. Wanted to get him out there, see how he responds. There were some good plays and obviously some plays we're gonna have to look at the timing on the release and if we're making the right decisions."

The Titans are expected to give Willis a full redshirt this season behind Ryan Tannehill, so any concerns can be worked on behind the scenes.

That said, Vrabel noted he pulled Willis earlier than he planned because Willis was missing open receivers. It's hard to find a good reasoning behind that decision. Preseason is, at its very core, about developing players in an exhibition setting. The Titans aren't going to suddenly find out they have a star in Logan Woodside, who replaced Willis and struggled mightily, completing 14 of 24 passes for 102 yards and two interceptions.

Preseason should be the time the Titans allow Willis to develop on his game and start to work the kinks out.

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said rookie quarterback Malik Willis has room for improvement as a passer after Thursday's 23-10 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Willis made some highlight-reel plays with his legs in his debut, including a seven-yard touchdown run, but he completed a modest six of his 11 throws for 107 yards and no touchdowns. He was also sacked twice.

"He needs to try to throw the ball when guys are open, be more decisive," Vrabel told reporters. "We'll evaluate that, see if there's a timing issue or what's going on. Wanted to get him out there, see how he responds. There were some good plays and obviously some plays we're gonna have to look at the timing on the release and if we're making the right decisions."

Malik making plays! 👀 @malikwillis

📺: Watch #TENvsBAL on @WKRN pic.twitter.com/bpJHuRof27

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 12, 2022

Willis' progression is in the spotlight because of the slide he suffered during the 2022 NFL draft. Once viewed as a possible early first-round selection, he slid to the Titans with the No. 86 overall pick in the third round.

After starting his college career at Auburn, he transferred to Liberty ahead of the 2020 season for a shot at more playing time.

He starred for the Flames, tallying 74 total touchdowns (47 passing and 27 rushing) across 23 appearances, albeit against lesser competition than he would have faced in the SEC.

While Willis fits the mold of a modern quarterback with the arm strength to make a variety of throws and the ability to make key plays with his legs, the biggest question mark was how quickly he'd learn to read and take advantage of weaknesses in NFL defenses.

It's only one preseason game, but Vrabel's comments make it clear the coaching staff believes that area remains very much a work in progress.

Willis agreed with his coach's assessment, saying he's got "a lot to look at on film" after his first NFL outing.

"I should have done better," Willis said. "Like I said, it's a learning experience and you have to take it for what it is. It's preseason, but it's an opportunity at the same time, so I'm just going to try and continue to work and watch through the film and just keep on going."

Ryan Tannehill is locked in as the Titans' starter for 2022, so there isn't immediate time pressure on the 23-year-old Atlanta native, but the coaching staff would probably still like to see some tangible progress throughout the preseason.

Barring injuries, Willis may not see another meaningful in-game snap until 2023 after the exhibition slate ends, so this is his chance to take advantage of some expansive playing time.

Tennessee returns to action next Saturday when it hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis had a solid debut Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens, and he drew rave reviews on Twitter thanks to a handful of plays that showcased his athletic prowess.

The 23-year-old finished the first half having completed 6-of-11 passes for 107 yards, in addition to rushing for 21 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Willis got out to a rough start in the passing game, but began to pick things up late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter. The 2022 third-round pick's performance was highlighted by a 7-yard touchdown run with 14:18 remaining in the second quarter.

MALIK WILLIS HAS ARRIVED.

📱: Stream #TENvsBAL on NFL+ https://t.co/AXsI2aWMg0 pic.twitter.com/Namb3PRZIv

— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022

Malik Willis is a DUDE. Fell way too far in the draft. Interested to see how his career blossoms. https://t.co/xvqkVyLiXh

— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 12, 2022

That Malik Willis TD run was EXACTLY why I liked him as a prospect.

His cannon arm + his rushing capabilities and play extension are fantastic

— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) August 12, 2022

Beautiful TD run from Malik Willis, showing off that elusiveness.

— Ben Arthur 🇬🇭 (@benyarthur) August 12, 2022

Figure the Titans use Malik Willis in goal line packages immediately. Just so strong/fast.

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 12, 2022

But the highlight-reel plays didn't stop there.

Willis' passing performance was much better in the second quarter as he began to settle in. He was lauded for his "cannon" of an arm after completing a 48-yard pass to Racey McMath and then completing a Patrick Mahomes-esque sidearm pass shortly after.

Malik to McMath 😁 @ohrae17_

📺: Watch #TENvsBAL on @WKRN pic.twitter.com/RvLz6mIilg

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 12, 2022

MALIK WILLIS HAS A CANNON 🚀
pic.twitter.com/9uOu0lDTNz

— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) August 12, 2022

Watching Titans-Ravens on NFL+ tonight to see Malik Willis. Likely won’t play much in 2022 regular season, but feels like eventually (2023?) he’ll be Titans QB1. Exciting athleticism, run ability, instincts, arm strength + plenty of untapped potential eager to be developed.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 12, 2022

He’s doing sidearm throws now?! @malikwillis

📱: Stream #TENvsBAL on NFL+ https://t.co/AXsI2aWMg0 pic.twitter.com/9CtqFTRGBJ

— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022

Malik Willis BALLIN

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 12, 2022

The Titans should play Malik Willis every offensive snap of the preseason. The talent is there, just needs the reps.

— Femi Abebefe (@FemiAbebefe) August 12, 2022

This is why many were excited for Malik Willis in draft season

The fantasy upside is very high - think like a Jalen Hurts 2.0. He’s raw, but all the tools are there pic.twitter.com/YISulgHfsY

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) August 12, 2022

The majority of concerns early in the game highlighted how "raw" Willis looked in Tennessee's first few series. He struggled to complete passes and the Titans appeared to be protecting him in his debut.

The @Titans are really protecting Malik Willis with the game calls. Run, Run, pass. There was a pass on one done outside of 3rd down and you got to see Willis’s legs for just a 3 yard gain. It’s obvious they want an easy debut for Malik.

— Howie The Titan (@howie_thetitan) August 12, 2022

What did y’all expect from Malik Willis? He went 3rd round for a reason bc he is ultra raw

— year 22 (@johnrivers131) August 12, 2022

Breaking news raw rookie QB Malik Willis looks raw 😱😱😱😱

— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) August 12, 2022

Malik Willis looks raw… After we all said he’d be very raw in his first year. Why are yall surprised

— Rich Gonz (@MrRichieG) August 12, 2022

Malik Willis is exactly who we thought he was (so far)

— jack (@ETNfantasyowner) August 12, 2022

Y’all killing Malik Willis for his first couple of reps. He look good to me these last two series. A lot to work on but he’s better than what they had to me

— Lyin’ Brian🥋 (@JustBrian___) August 12, 2022

Ultimately, fans expected Willis to be quite raw in his rookie season. However, he showed flashes of his potential on Thursday night, which has fans excited for his future in the NFL.

Only the beginning for @malikwillis. 🔥 #Titans

📱: Stream #TENvsBAL on NFL+ https://t.co/AXsI2aWMg0 pic.twitter.com/GvQLvlXqTN

— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022

https://twitter.com/DonaghyBrothers/status/1557891376905428994

Malik willis has potential

— Ga₿e Roman (@CrimeBino) August 12, 2022

https://twitter.com/OnlyWssss/status/1557891315446140929

https://twitter.com/Titansssuperfan/status/1557887813168816130

Malik Willis has so much talent if he can put it all together he’s gonna be great

— Football Films (@FootballFilmsYT) August 12, 2022

I know it’s preseason but Malik Willis is showing some signs of what he could be if he learns the NFL game #TENvsBAL

— Dominic Woods (@domiwoods11) August 12, 2022

It's almost like Malik Willis was a freakin' steal in Round 3

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 12, 2022

The Titans' next preseason game is on Aug. 20 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Willis puts together another impressive performance, fans will only continue to hype up his NFL potential.

The Tennessee Titans used a third-round pick to select Liberty's Malik Willis at this year's NFL Draft, but barring an injury to starter Ryan Tannehill, it's unlikely he'll see the field this year.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler: "Willis is very clearly the developmental quarterback, and even when he gets second-team reps, the goal appears to be letting him redshirt behind the scenes."

Fowler said that the Titans "are happy with his progression overall," adding "I don't get the sense the Titans are going to roll Willis out for a Wildcat-type package. He will be stashed."

Before the draft, Willis was a candidate to not only be the first quarterback off the board, but to also be a top-10 pick. Instead, his slide was one of the stories of the event, as he surprisingly dropped into the third round before Tennessee ended his descent.

Fellow quarterbacks Kenny Pickett (No. 20 overall to Pittsburgh) and Desmond Ridder (No. 74 overall to Atlanta) came off the board before Willis.

While Willis is likely to spend the upcoming season as Tannehill's understudy, head coach Mike Vrabel has been impressed with his young quarterback thus far during training camp.

"I think his ability to move on to the next play, to be able to process things quickly and understand when (a play) was a mistake and being able to be coached has been great," he told reporters. "As we move forward here, in some of the stuff that we're doing, to be able to handle the operation (and) making sure it's clean (is a priority). His ability to recover from a snap that he wasn't at his best, I think he's done a really nice job."

The question is when Willis might get the chance to push for the starting gig. Tannehill is under contract through the 2023 season and has played well in Tennessee.

While he took a step back last year after his excellent 2021 campaign (3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions), throwing for 3,734 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 67.2 percent of his passes, he still led the team to the playoffs for the third straight year.

Come the postseason, Tannehill hasn't been able to get the team over the hump, and it's clear that the Titans wanted a long-term contingency plan, hence the selection of Willis.

But for now, it remains Tannehill's team. Willis will be brought along slowly, and likely won't see the field outside of garbage time in 2022.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry said he's ready to handle another heavy workload if that's what it takes for the team to remain competitive.

A foot injury limited him to eight appearances last season. It marked his first extended absence after he missed just two games over his first five NFL seasons.

The 28-year-old former University of Alabama product was asked Monday what type of role he expects in 2022.

"Whatever it takes to win," Henry told reporters. "My mindset has always been the same. If it's going to be that type of game [with a lot of carries], it's that type of game. Then go from there."

Even though the 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year missed over half of last season, he still ranks second in the league in carries since 2016 with 1,401. Only the Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott (1,650) has more.

Elliott has watched his production dip—4.1 yards per carry over the past two years after a 4.6 YPC figure during his first four seasons—and that's been a common trend for players who receive consistently high carry totals over the years.

Henry is one of the most physically imposing rushers in NFL history at 6'3'' and 247 pounds of seemingly pure muscle, which gives him a chance to defy the odds, but there's still injury risk linked to the high volume of touches.

The two-time Pro Bowler is confident the group of reserves behind him, which includes rookies Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut, will be ready to step up if needed.

"I feel like our group is solid," Henry said. "I feel like the rookies can hold their own. They come out here and practice every day. They run hard. In the film room, they pay attention and take notes. So they've been doing a good job."

Henry is still one of the top running backs heading into the new season, both in the real world and in the realm of fantasy football, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Titans scale back his workload a little with hope it can keep him fresh and healthy all year.

That'll likely be dependent on Haskins or Dontrell Hilliard showing they can be productive when the NFL's two-time rushing champion is on the sideline, though.