Titans Star Celebrates $40.5M Extension Promising Loyalty And Leadership In The Tennessee Secondary Until 2028
Amani Hooker secures $40.5M extension with Titans, vows loyalty and leadership through 2028:
Tennessee Titans DB commits long-term to franchise
The Tennessee Titans have solidified their secondary for the foreseeable future with the recent contract extension of defensive back Amani Hooker. The safety, who has been a crucial part of the Titans since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Iowa, has signed a three-year extension worth $40.5 million, ensuring his presence in Nashville through the 2028 season.
Hooker expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his career with the only NFL team he has known. His enthusiasm was palpable as he reflected on the significance of the extension, stating, “It’s a true honor. A lot of guys don’t get to that second or third contract, so to be in the same place for seven years and have enough faith in my play—and who I am as a person—to help this team win, it’s amazing.”
At just 27 years old, Hooker is determined to prove himself further, both to the league and his teammates. He remains focused on his development as a player, asserting, “I am not going anywhere. I have some years left in me.” His commitment to the Titans signifies not only a personal milestone but also a promise of leadership within the team’s defensive unit.
The Titans were considering the idea of a future without Hooker because they drafted Kevin Winston Jr. out of Penn State in the third round of this year's draft. However, Winston is still recovering from injuries and he did not play in the team's Week 1 contest against the Denver Broncos.
Hooker’s extension highlights the Titans’ focus on building a stable and competitive roster, as they rely on his skills and experience to guide the team through the upcoming seasons. With Hooker at the helm of the secondary, fans can expect a blend of loyalty, skill, and a strong work ethic as he continues to contribute to the Titans’ success.
While Winston was out, Hooker played well by recording five tackles as the Titans forced four turnovers. Hooker hopes to take that momentum into the team's Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
"We started fast. We started fast. We had great communication. This detail stuff that happens in the first game, whether it's basic fundamentals of just tackling basic techniques, but this week, we're gonna hone in on it, and we're gonna be ready to go," Hooker said.
Hooker and the Titans defense are putting their finishing touches on the preparation going into the upcoming matchup, where they will look to get back in the win column to even things up at 1-1.
Noah Fant talks choosing Bengals over Dolphins, Saints
New Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant didn’t need long to make an impact in Joe Burrow’s offense.
Fant arrived just before the season and wound up catching Burrow’s first touchdown throw of the season in the win over the Cleveland Browns.
Ahead of Week 2, he sat down with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com and talked about his brief free-agency process after being cut by the Seattle Seahawks:
“I visited here. Miami. New Orleans. I probably could have signed with a team the next day, but I wanted to talk to the coaches, meet the coaches, see what their vision was for me, all these things. See where I fit in, not only into the offense, but the team and the tight end room. All that stuff is important, and being around good people. So I really felt that connection here. I feel like the most, so it was an easy decision from that standpoint.”
Timid history in free agency or not, it wasn’t a shock to see the Bengals get in on the Fant sweepstakes aggressively. We’re seeing why already: He’s perfect in that Erick All Jr. hybrid role that brings strong blocking and a serious threat in the passing game.
There will be games where Fant isn’t on the field as much as Mike Gesicki, as tight end usage will be highly matchup dependent all year. But he couldn’t have been in a better spot with a matchup against the Browns in the opener, nor in a better spot overall, thanks to the guy throwing him the ball.
