Titans Sign 23-Year-Old 1,000-Yard RB to Contract
The Tennessee Titans decided to wait until the sixth round to draft a running back when they selected Kalel Mullings. However, that wasn't the last running back move they made.
According to Blaine Kellar, the Titans have signed former Utah running back Micah Bernard as an undrafted free agent.
Advertisement
Bernard spent all six years of his college career playing for the Utes, but it wasn't until last season that he really broke out. He rushed for a career-high 1,009 yards on 5.1 yards a carry. He also caught 30 passes for the Utes. Bernard may also be underrated as an athlete.
New Tennessee Titans RB Micah Bernard.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Back in 2022, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman named Bernard to his annual "Freak List," coming in at No. 70.
"He played both ways for the Utes in the Rose Bowl, starting at corner when the team desperately needed his help there. He made a team-high 10 tackles and also ran for 31 yards and had a receiving touchdown. For the season, he ran for more than 500 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry and led Utah backs with 26 catches and 251 yards. The 6-0, 202-pound sophomore broad-jumped 10-9 1/2, clocked 4.42 in the 40 and vertical-jumped 38 1/4. Teammate Clark Phillips gushed about Bernard's Freak credentials, pointing out the guy who is barely 6 feet can do 360 dunks."
Advertisement
Now, 2022 was a long time ago, so it's notable that Bernard wasn't able to get back on the "Freak List" this offseason. That said, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry in college and could be an intriguing project for the Titans.
Related: Titans QB Cam Ward Issues Strong Message on Shedeur Sanders
Related: Mike Borgonzi Turns Heads With Comments About Titans QB Will Levis

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Fox Sports
5 hours ago
- Fox Sports
How to measure success for Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, other rookie QBs in 2025
Collectively, the latest crop of quarterbacks entering the NFL has drawn little enthusiasm. But that ultimately doesn't matter. Settling into their NFL homes, the QBs have an opportunity to write their own story in the league. All the rookie quarterbacks are starting from square one, though with differing expectations. Here is how a successful 2025 should be measured for each of the first eight quarterbacks taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cam Ward Team: Tennessee Titans Round 1, No. 1 overall 2025 goal: start 17 games (flashing star potential) As the top overall selection, Ward is expected to be a franchise-altering quarterback for the Titans. But it could take a few years for him to reach that level, even if he's a "hit." What Jayden Daniels (2024) and C.J. Stroud (2023) did the past two seasons are outliers. If Ward can show an ability to elevate in spurts what appears to be an average supporting cast, display composure in critical moments and limit turnovers, that should be viewed as a win for the Titans. And that should be the case even if Tennessee's record does not reflect a substantial improvement from the team's 3-14 finish in 2024. Jaxson Dart Team: New York Giants Round 1, No. 25 overall 2025 goal: learn by watching; ready to take QB1 reigns in 2026 If all goes according to schedule, Dart won't play meaningful snaps in 2025. Russell Wilson is the starting quarterback for the Giants, who also have Jameis Winston as a capable veteran backup. The best case scenario is that Dart takes in everything he can from them in a "redshirt" year so he's ready to start Day 1 in 2026 — while still being ready to play in 2025 if New York's quarterback plan falls apart. Tyler Shough Team: New Orleans Saints Round 2, No. 40 overall 2025 goal: hold on to starting job In the wake of Derek Carr's retirement, the Saints are saying that they have a quarterback competition between Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. They're splitting first-team reps. But the reality is that Shough should win the job, given the draft investment in him as a second-round pick. So it's paramount that he doesn't give them a reason to think twice about his readiness. Decision-making and ball security will be key for the former Louisville quarterback, like with all rookie passers. Jalen Milroe Team: Seattle Seahawks Round 3, No. 92 overall 2025 goal: win QB2 job; flash promise in specialty role With Sam Darnold being the unquestioned starter in Seattle, Milroe's first goal should be earning the top backup role over Drew Lock, who returned to the Seahawks this offseason on a two-year, $5 million deal. The team has talked about the possibility of playing Milroe a few snaps per game in packages that utilize his rushing ability. If he can bring value there and make steady progress as a passer, the former Alabama standout could be in the mix to start in 2026. Dillon Gabriel Team: Cleveland Browns Round 3, No. 94 overall 2025 goal: become a regular on the gameday roster In Cleveland's crowded quarterback room, which includes 40-year-old Joe Flacco and journeyman Kenny Pickett, Gabriel may have the most roster security as a third-round rookie. But as a Day 2 quarterback, he'll need to show poise and comfort in Kevin Stefanski's system. Even if he's not QB1, Gabriel could get an extensive look if the offense struggles, keeping him in the Browns' quarterback plans moving forward. Shedeur Sanders Team: Cleveland Browns Round 5, No. 144 overall 2025 goal: become a regular on the gameday roster A projected top pick early in the pre-draft process, Sanders' status as a Day 3 pick puts him at the bottom of the Browns' quarterback pecking order to start his career. But he's firmly in the QB1 competition and should stay on the 53-man roster as an early-round talent. Like Gabriel, Sanders earning his way into a regular role on the game-day roster — even as a backup — would cement his place in Cleveland for 2026. Kyle McCord Team: Philadelphia Eagles Round 6, No. 181 overall 2025 goal: win QB2 role While he certainly won't supplant Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts as the starter, McCord has an opportunity to fill the top backup quarterback role vacated by Pickett, who was traded to the Browns earlier in the offseason. The FBS leader in completions per game and passing yards in 2024, McCord has competition in Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who've started a combined six NFL games. Will Howard Team: Pittsburgh Steelers Round 6, No. 185 overall 2025 goal: win QB2 job Now that Aaron Rodgers has signed with Pittsburgh, Howard will compete with Mason Rudolph for the primary backup role. A national champion at Ohio State last season, Howard will have to impress Pittsburgh's coaches to beat out Rudolph, who started 13 games for the Steelers between 2019-23 before playing for Tennessee last season. But there's a scenario in which Howard gets meaningful snaps as a rookie, based on Rodgers' age and Rudolph's low-end potential. Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He previously worked for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network, where he was the Titans beat writer for a year and a half. He covered the Seattle Seahawks for for three seasons (2018-20) prior to moving to Tennessee. You can follow Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more


USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
5 things to watch during Tennessee Titans' mandatory minicamp
5 things to watch during Tennessee Titans' mandatory minicamp The Tennessee Titans will be wrapping up their offseason program this week with a three-day mandatory minicamp at the team facility in Nashville. These sessions will be the culmination of all of the work the team has put in as they attempt to climb out of the NFL basement. The Titans have made some significant changes during the offseason and are moving in a positive direction. This period will give the coaching staff and front office a final look at their roster heading into training camp, helping them decide if any further additions or changes are necessary. With minicamp scheduled to start on Tuesday, here are five things to keep an eye on in the coming days. Where is Jeffery Simmons? Simmons did not take part during the initial stages of Phase 3 OTAs. While the star defensive tackle has posted workouts on social media, he was not seen at the facility for the voluntary sessions. While head coach Brian Callahan did not seem concerned about his absence, the media ran with it and called out the team leader. With this minicamp being mandatory, Simmons should be in the facility practicing with his teammates, but if he isn't, it could speak to a larger issue. Odds are, Simmons will be there, but it is still something worth monitoring. Quarterback reps There have been reports that Tennessee will ramp up the amount of first-team reps for first-overall selection Cam Ward moving forward, and this is the final set of practices before training camp. Callahan said at the beginning of Phase 3 that the number and order of reps doesn't mean anything in the big picture, but heading into this week, that approach should start to change. The organization has been clear that Ward is battling Will Levis for the starting job, and it will be interesting to watch how they distribute the first-team reps between the two young signal callers during this final minicamp. If it is genuinely a quarterback competition, the reps should be equal, but if some of the reports are right, that will not be the case. Cornerback battles Quietly, Tennessee acquired a lot of cornerbacks during the offseason between the draft, undrafted rookie free agents and the waiver wire. After entering the 2024 season with only four on the roster, it appears they want to go in a different direction this season and will have some interesting battles ahead. With L'Jarius Sneed still rehabbing, monitoring the reps to see how the team handles the position could be a strong indication of what to expect during training camp. With Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee, and Roger McCreary likely locks for the roster, there is a wide-open battle behind them. Wide receivers Much like at cornerback, the wide receiver room is crowded, and the Titans did a great job at retooling the unit by bringing in multiple receivers with different skill sets. The Titans need better production from the unit outside of Calvin Ridley and have a lot of new bodies competing to carve out a role. Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett should be on solid footing, but they could face some challenges from a young crop of wideouts. Rookies Chimere Dike, Epic Ayomanor, and Xavier Restrepo flashed during the opening sessions of Phase 3. Monitoring how these young receivers progress and where they are positioned could give insight into how the room will look heading into training camp and whether fans can expect more production in 2025. Injury Updates Tennessee has a few players still working their way back from injury, and there should be some final updates prior to the start of training camp. Looking at the veterans, wide receiver Treylon Burks was seen doing individual work, although he has not been cleared for team drills. Veterans L'Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry did not participate in the OTAs as they were rehabbing. This week will likely continue the rehab process for these three, and head coach Brian Callahan will likely update their status at some point. Rookies Kevin Winston and Kalel Mullings were both seen during OTAs but have been limited as they recover from injury. Winston likely won't be ready until training camp as he recovers from his ACL injury, but Mullings may be close to seeing some action. Any work these two can get will be a huge positive heading into camp.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Inter Milan gamble on novice Chivu after end of Inzaghi era
Cristian Chivu returns to Inter Milan where he won three Serie A titles and the Champions League as a player (Piero CRUCIATTI) Inter Milan have chosen Cristian Chivu to lead the Serie A club into a new era, confirming the former Romania defender as Simone Inzaghi's replacement ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup. Still reeling from humiliation at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Inter have gambled on novice Chivu after failing to get Cesc Fabregas from Como. Advertisement "Inter Milan is pleased to welcome Cristian Chivu as the new head coach of the first team. The coach has signed a contract with Inter until 30 June 2027," Inter said in a statement. Chivu has agreed a deal with Inter worth a reported 2.5 million euros ($2.85 million) a season, taking charge of one of Europe's biggest clubs only a few months after beginning his senior coaching career with Parma. Parma confirmed Chivu's departure earlier on Monday, setting up his arrival at Inter where he won three Serie A titles and the 2010 Champions League as a player. Chivu was part of the iconic Inter team which won the treble under Jose Mourinho 15 years ago, a feat which the San Siro club tried and spectacularly failed to repeat this season. Advertisement In total Chivu played 169 times over six seasons with Inter, and he also knows Serie A well due to the four seasons he spent at rivals Roma before moving north in 2007. The 44-year-old replaced Fabio Pechia in February and guided Parma to Serie A safety in his first job in football of any form since leaving Inter's youth set-up last summer. "I thank the club, staff, players and fans for having believed in me and our project," said Chivu on Instagram. "Together we overcame obstacles and wrote a page (in Parma's history) which will remain in my heart." Chivu's first match in charge of Inter will be against Monterrey in the Club World Cup next week, in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Advertisement He will lead a group of players who looked dead on their feet during their 5-0 hammering against PSG in the Champions League final late last month. Inzaghi left Inter in the wake of the Italians' thumping in Munich, taking the job at Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal who are also participating the Club World Cup. He had made light of serious financial problems in turning Inter into one of Europe's best teams in his four seasons at the Milan giants, but his final campaign ended in a bitter fashion and with no trophies. Inter had looked a decent bet for the Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup treble when they booked a place in the semi-finals of Europe's top club competition by knocking out Bayern Munich. Advertisement At that point Inter were three points clear at the top of Serie A, but they ended up conceding the Scudetto to Napoli on the final day of the season and were knocked out of the Italian Cup by AC Milan. That left the Champions League as Inter's only hope of a trophy but they lost in embarrassing fashion their second final in three years under Inzaghi. td/ea