Robert Saleh has added more New York talent to the Titans’ roster, according to reports.
Former Jets quarterback Hendon Hooker has signed a free agent deal, alongside former teammate Michael Carter, a running back. This news was shared by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday.
Hooker, who was a third-round draft pick by the Lions in 2023, didn’t cross paths with Saleh during his time in New York. Meanwhile, Carter was part of the Jets’ 2021 draft class that Saleh oversaw as head coach.
Hooker, once a standout at the University of Tennessee, joined the Jets’ practice squad in December after being let go by the Panthers. He later moved up to the active roster under coach Aaron Glenn in January, who was the Lions’ defensive coordinator during Hooker’s draft. Incidentally, Glenn replaced Saleh as the Jets’ head coach last year while the team struggled with a 3-14 record.
Despite being a Heisman candidate in his final college season, an ACL tear dropped Hooker in draft rankings, landing him with Detroit in the third round.
Since being drafted, he’s only appeared in three games, mainly as a backup for Jared Goff with the Lions during the 2024 season.
Now, as he joins the Titans, he faces competition from Cam Ward, who is entering his second year as a starter. The Titans have also signed veteran Mitchell Trubisky and brought in Will Levis, who is recovering from a shoulder injury.
Saleh was the Jets’ head coach for three and a half seasons before his dismissal five games into the 2024 season, finishing with an overall record of 20 wins against 36 losses.
Carter, who spent two full seasons with the Jets, was released midway through the 2023 campaign. He found a temporary home with the Cardinals and has had a limited role in Arizona over the past three years.
Hired by the Titans in January, Saleh previously served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, marking his second tenure with the San Francisco team.
He has also brought in former Giants coach Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and has actively recruited players from the New York area through free agency.
Other Giants to make the move to Tennessee include wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, cornerback Cordale Flott, and tight end Daniel Bellinger.
Interestingly, the Titans reportedly dished out $270 million last month to kick off free agency. Coming off a tough 3-14 season, where Ward was a rookie starter, the team let go of second-year coach Brian Callahan following a rough 1-5 start.
