Titans’ Ryan Tannehill posts heartfelt message about Ben Jones after release

One of the people who could be most directly impacted by the Tennessee Titans releasing center Ben Jones is quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

If he returns to Nashville in 2023, Tannehill won’t have the same center he’s had since coming aboard in 2019, something that will no doubt be a tough pill to swallow.

Upon learning of the news of Jones’ release, Tannehill posted this heartfelt message on social media about his now-former teammate.

“One of my favorite teammates of all time,” Tannehill wrote. “You always set the tone for us up front… tough as they come and always kept things light in the locker room. So thankful I got to call you a teammate for the last 4 years. Even more, thankful you’ll be a friend for life.”

One of my favorite teammates of all time.

You always set the tone for us up front…tough as they come and always kept things light in the locker room.

So thankful I got to call you a teammate for the last 4 years. Even more, thankful you’ll be a friend for life. pic.twitter.com/2H4J4CJaRn

— Ryan Tannehill (@ryantannehill1) March 11, 2023

The thought was that Jones would return to the Titans if he didn’t retire, but it appears that wasn’t in the cards for Tennessee, as the team gave the veteran an ultimatum that didn’t involve staying: retire or be released.

Assuming the plan isn’t to bring center/guard Aaron Brewer back and play him at left guard or center, the Titans are facing a situation in which they have to replace at least three starters from last year’s offensive line, and possibly four depending on what happens with right guard Nate Davis.