In anticipation of a pivotal Week 17 faceoff against the Tennessee Titans, the Houston Texans are gearing up to reintegrate their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Following a brief hiatus of two games due to a concussion, Stroud is now injury-free, garnering no designation for the upcoming game.



The Texans, currently holding the eighth seed in the AFC with an 8-7 record, are pinning their playoff hopes on Stroud’s return. The rookie, with a stellar collegiate career as a reference, has amassed 3,631 passing yards in 13 games, standing just 743 yards away from surpassing Andrew Luck’s 2012 rookie record.



Transitioning seamlessly from college to the professional stage, Stroud’s impact goes beyond mere statistics. Ranking third in the NFL with averages of 279.3 yards per game and 8.2 yards per attempt, he has proven to be a formidable force on the field.



<h2>Stroud’s Quest for Excellence with the Houston Texans</h2>



Throughout the 2023 season, Stroud has been a frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and with two standout performances in the final games, he aims to solidify his claim to the coveted award.



The Texans’ postseason aspirations pivot on victories in their remaining games, and Stroud’s return significantly bolsters their chances. The upcoming clash against the Titans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday is a defining moment for the Texans as they strive to secure their place in the playoffs.



His achievements on the college stage, including being named a Heisman Trophy finalist, set the stage for his transition to the professional ranks. Now, as the Houston Texans’ star rookie, Stroud aims to continue a winning legacy.

C.J. Stroud's Impact on the Houston Texans' Playoff Aspirations

C.J. Stroud's Impact on the Houston Texans' Playoff Aspirations - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-5-most-likely-destinations-for-budda-baker-in-case-of-cardinals-exit-20230417-SPD-3582.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a> are the latest NFL side to unveil new uniforms this week, opting for a minimalist look with an increased focus on silver accents for their jerseys. The 2023 season will see the debut of a brand new uniform for the Arizona Cardinals, who wore the previous set for 18 years.



On April 20, less than a week before this year’s <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-nfc-teams-that-need-to-make-excellent-draft-choices-20230413-SPD-3573.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL Draft</a>, the team debuted three new jerseys with a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. The Cardinals have joined the growing list of teams that have decided to forgo shoulder numbers in favor of simpler stripe patterns and logos.



More and more teams in the league are opting to update their uniforms for purely cosmetic reasons; 14 clubs debuted new helmet and jersey sets in the previous season alone. Take a look at the three organizations that would be ideal for the next major redesign, according to CBS Sports.



<h2>3. Tennessee Titans</h2>



In their current uniforms, the Titans don’t stand out too much. Their trademark pale blue color really has a great deal of promise. However, since the team’s name change to the Oilers and subsequent departure from Houston, they have toned down their own flash by using darker shades of blue and grey. 



The result is a style that lacks the vibrancy of, for instance, the baby blue worn by celebrities like Warren Moon in the 1980s and 1990s.



<h2>2. Atlanta Falcons</h2>



The Falcons unveiled their new jerseys for the 2020 season just after the Buccaneers did the same, but whereas Tampa Bay sensibly returned to a more popular throwback look, Atlanta went all in on Nike’s contemporary pattern. 



The result is a bold “ATL” across the chest of the jerseys, an innovative idea that ultimately draws attention to how simplistically confusing the rest of their uniform is. From gradient alternates to blocky, shadowing numerals, the uniforms may be more annoying than attractive.



<h2>1. Washington Commanders</h2>



The Commanders are still getting acclimated to their new outfits after debuting them in 2022 when they changed their name from the Washington Football Team. Like the Falcons, the problem isn’t the colors themselves—burgundy and gold have long been considered as club mainstays—but how they’re presented.



The away uniforms of the Falcons appear exactly like those of a last-minute expansion club, with the shoulder numbers replaced by a complex color pattern and the huge “ATL” chest label replaced with a wordier “Commanders” ID.

NLF: Top 3 teams that need new uniforms for the upcoming season

NLF: Top 3 teams that need new uniforms for the upcoming season - thesportsdrops NEWS

According to <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-4-most-disappointing-free-agent-nfl-signings-over-the-last-5-years-20230316-SPD-3499.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Belichick</a>, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-nick-chubb-20230313-SPD-3494.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mac Jones</a> is not certain to be the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2023. The former first-round selection may no longer have a secure roster berth. 



Belichick reportedly is still furious with Jones about his choice to seek outside counsel in 2022, even though New England reportedly wants to maintain developing around the QB in front of the QB’s third season. Moreover, the coach has reportedly led the charge this summer in an attempt to move Jones, as reported by ProFootballTalk.



The 24-year-old was once a first-round pick and a Pro Bowler, but he still wouldn’t get much in return if he were traded. In case the Patriots choose to make a change at quarterback, here are three possible future destinations for Jones, as per CBS Sports.



<h2>3. Washington Commanders</h2>



Washington has settled with lackluster 2023 choices up to this point, counting on 2022 rookie Sam Howell to knock over veteran No. 2 Jacoby Brissett, despite coach Ron Rivera’s periodic complaints about their struggle to establish a reliable signal-caller. 



To get a top quarterback prospect with the 16th overall pick, they’d have to make a significant leap. Since Jones would be in the team’s control for the next three years, he would provide them with some much-needed competition.



<h2>2. Tennessee Titans</h2>



The Titans have been scouting every top quarterback prospect in the draft, despite the fact that incumbent Ryan Tannehill has been praised by many. Jones is a Patriots fan like head coach Mike Vrabel and would cost far less than Tannehill, who may still be the Week 1 starter. Since the club has already investigated Brady, it seems reasonable for them to think about who might replace him.



<h2>1. Las Vegas Raiders</h2>



After trading away Derek Carr in the offseason, Josh McDaniels restocked the Patriots’ quarterback room with Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. Due to his close links to the team’s management, Jones may not be activated until 2025, the last year of his rookie contract.



As Belichick’s director of player personnel at the time, general Dave Ziegler picked him 15th overall when Josh McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. With the seventh overall pick, the Raiders have an opportunity to make a splash at quarterback and then pivot to give McDaniels another veteran who can succeed in his system.

Top 3 most likely destinations for Mac Jones in case of Patriots exit

Top 3 most likely destinations for Mac Jones in case of Patriots exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

It’s possible that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-how-much-do-super-bowl-rings-cost-20230212-SPD-3400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Rodgers</a>‘ time with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-nfl-teams-with-most-potential-for-improvement-in-2023-20230216-SPD-3406.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Bay Packers</a> has come to a stop. The NFC North team is ready to move on from the quarterback, who has asked to be traded and has selected a former first-round choice to take his place.



Bob McGinn, a journalist who writes on the Green Bay Packers, recently reported that the team had effectively moved on from the veteran quarterback and that he will return to Green Bay solely as Jordan Love’s backup next season. It may come as a surprise, but rumors about the 39-year-old’s future keep piling up.



The quarterback is on the verge of making a choice about his future, so now is a good moment to consider the possible outcomes. Three potential destinations for Rodgers in the next season are listed below.



<h2>3. Tennessee Titans</h2>



Ryan Tannehill did a good job for an undefeated club, but he will be paid more than even Aaron Rodgers in 2023 if the Dolphins are eliminated from the playoffs in the first round again. he has A-undying Rod’s affection Mike Vrabel, who has been in playoff contention in the past, but has never had a quarterback of his caliber in his starting lineup. 



To put it another way, LaFleur grew out of this group. Rodgers might need an attack built on the punishing legs of Derrick Henry and a more competitive division. The fact that Tennessee isn’t in prime position to pick a top quarterback prospect probably helps.



<h2>2. Las Vegas Raiders</h2>



Derek Carr, formerly highly regarded inside the club, will either be released or traded as a result of salary limit constraints and was likely already contemplating a change of scenery in the wake of yet another disappointing season. Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Raiders’ top investment, Davante Adams, have developed a rapport, and he’d be relocating closer to his West Coast home.



<h2>1. New York Jets</h2>



Any quarterback this offseason would be wise to consider the Jets as a potential landing destination. The Jets have a lot of promising young players and came within a decent quarterback’s arm’s length of making the playoffs last year. They’ve got Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner.



In addition, Breece Hall was a strong contender for that honor until he was injured at the end of October.

Top 3 most likely destinations for Aaron Rodgers in case of Packers exit

Top 3 most likely destinations for Aaron Rodgers in case of Packers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

After a miserable 31-14 defeat to the Cowboys on Monday night, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a> and the Buccaneers’ playoff hopes for this year are officially over. This was just Brady’s fourth one-and-done performance in his 23 seasons as an NFL starting quarterback, and the loss was the second most lopsided of his career. 



The 45-year-old told reporters he would ‘take it one day at a time’ in the wake of Monday’s defeat, being characteristically evasive. Being a free agent, this season marked Brady’s third season with the Bucs, and it very well may have been his last, either by the team’s or his own decision.



It’s possible that Brady may revisit his old stomping grounds in Tampa. It’s possible he’ll look for a new team to play for. He even could decide to call it quits at some point once again. In any case, what choices does he have? Let’s find out.



<h2>Return to Buccaneers</h2>



It’s no secret that Brady gets along well with the team’s higher-ups, especially the Glazer family, who own the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-takes-leave-from-buccaneers-until-august-20-for-personal-matters-2506-20220811-SPD-2506.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buccaneers</a> and helped lure Brady away from the Patriots in 2020. Compared to other NFL locales, Tampa, Florida, must be a lot more pleasant now that he’s reached the end of his career. And he leaves behind a short but significant legacy as a Buccaneer, ending a decade of club irrelevance with an MVP-caliber championship run.



<h2>Join Jets</h2>



Currently, the Jets’ sole evident need is for a veteran quarterback. Meanwhile, Brady’s arrival would instantly restore respectability to a locker room that cheered Zach Wilson’s demotion that year. For the most part, what’s holding things up is whether or not the Jets would rather have a somewhat longer-term potential.



<h2>Go back to Patriots</h2>



Despite the general public’s disapproval, here is where Brady made his mark, and he is still respected among his peers. The Patriots’ offense may be revamped without a financial problem. Mac Jones has to move over here and regain his bearings. It would also serve as a logical stepping stone for Brady’s eventual transition into full retirement.



<h2>Join Titans</h2>



Prior to re-signing Ryan Tannehill, the Titans explored a free-agent deal with Brady in 2020. The departure of general manager Jon Robinson and the hiring of coach Mike Vrabel gives the quarterback a chance to return to his roots as a quarterback.



<h2>Join 49ers</h2>



On paper, this seems like a match made in heaven: Brady grew up in the Bay Area and has always had a soft spot for the 49ers, and his ability to make split-second decisions and read the field effectively makes him a great fit for a system designed to get the ball to its playmakers as quickly as possible. However, the team may not be able to afford to change a winning recipe only to bring together a renowned name and a legendary team.

NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady

NFL: Return to Buccaneers and four other options for Tom Brady - thesportsdrops NEWS

The Tennessee Titans head into the 2022 <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season with some significant changes in their roster. While star wide receiver A.J. Brown was traded to the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/carson-wentzs-honest-take-on-returning-to-philadelphia-to-face-eagles-for-the-first-time-755-20220513-SPD-755.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, the team added a promising quarterback in Malik Willis.



The decision took many by surprise, given that <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-ryan-tannehill-takes-subtle-shot-at-titans-front-office-for-aj-brown-trade-317-20220503-SPD-317.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Tannehill</a> is still under contract and was expected to take the reins for another year. That may not change, but he will certainly be under more pressure to keep the job.



Tannehill’s reaction only made things worse, as he said that mentoring the rookie QB is not part of his job. After receiving a lot of criticism, the veteran signal-caller said he feels disappointed with how people took that comment.



<h2>Ryan Tannehill addresses his comments about ‘mentoring’ Malik Willis</h2>



“I meant no disrespect to Malik or anything close to that,” Tannehill said, via ProFootballTalk. “We’ve been in constant communication since he was drafted, through the madness that ensued after my last press conference. . . . We’re happy to have him in the room. Really just disappointed in how things got spun and twisted a little bit.“



Willis also told the media that there was nothing wrong between them after Tannehill’s comments, while head coach Mike Vrabel had his back. It’s too early to create drama in the locker room, so the Titans should move on from this as quickly as they can.

Ryan Tannehill clarifies his comments about 'mentoring' Malik Willis - thesportsdrops NEWS

Ryan Tannehill clarifies his comments about 'mentoring' Malik Willis

In a shocking turn of events, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tennessee Titans</a> traded star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia Eagles</a> in the first day of the 2022 NFL Draft to move up in the first round.



Even though the Titans used the first pick they got in return to draft a promising prospect like Treylon Burks, veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill seems to be upset with Brown’s departure.



Speaking for the first time since the trade, the former Miami Dolphins signal-caller looked disappointed about the front office’s decision to let him leave after three seasons in which their partnership paid off.



<h2>Ryan Tannehill upset about A.J. Brown trade</h2>



“Professionally, it hurt,” Tannehill said, per Turron Davenport of ESPN. “Top target, made big plays for us consistently over the last three years. Personally, it hurt. A.J.’s a good friend. Have a lot of great times, great memories on and off the field with him. Not being able to see him on a daily basis is going to be different, going to be hard. Happy to see him get what he wanted, but, at the end of the day, it hurts.”



Now it’s time to turn the page for Tannehill, who may feel a lot of pressure on his shoulders after the Titans selected quarterback Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Tannehill had an unpopular take about it, stating that it’s not his job to mentor the rookie quarterback. 



It may not be the reaction everyone expects from a veteran QB, but at the end of the day, it’s also understandable that he has a job to take care of after a painful ending to the 2021 <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-75-20220501-SPD-75.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">playoffs</a>.

Tennessee Titans