As Tennessee pivots from the inconsistent production of the past, the former Giants blocker aims to expand his role and provide Cam Ward with a versatile weapon.
The Tennessee Titans made a big decision this offseason.
After another 3-14 season, they knew changes had to be made. They released Lloyd Cushenberry and L'Jarius Sneed after failing to live up to their contracts.
They also opted not to re-sign Kevin Zeitler, Chig Okonkwo, Arden Key, Jihad Ward and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
It became pretty clear what the Titans' plan was for tight end shortly after the decision to part ways with Okonkwo. Although he led the team with 560 receiving yards last season, Okonkwo was too inconsistent for the Titans to be motivated to give him another contract.
Then the Titans decided to sign former New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger, signaling that Gunnar Helm would be the receiving option at the position for quarterback Cam Ward.
Bellinger has mostly been used throughout his NFL career as an extra blocker. He can also be used as a good option in the red zone. Like Wan'Dale Robinson, he knows the system Brian Daboll will bring to the Titans.
Back in June, he said he's ready to do whatever is asked of him in the Titans' offense, but he's also trying to become more than just a blocking tight end to increase his value.
He's trying to become more of a receiving option, which is great for a team with a young quarterback like Ward.
"I want to be more dynamic after the catch," he said. "I want to get better at that and continue to grow in that area. … (But) my job overall is to help us win. Whatever that takes, whatever they need me to do, I am here to do it."
We know the kind of player that Helm is based on his rookie season. If Bellinger can improve his receiving ability, it could help the Titans in several ways.
The Titans had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL last season, averaging 93.5 rushing yards per game. That number was the third-fewest per game in the league.
If Bellinger can be more of a threat in the passing game, it would mesh well with what Daboll loves to do on offense, which is stretch the ball downfield.
With how inconsistent the passing game was last season, Ward needs all the help he can get.
If Bellinger can become another option that he can throw to, even better. Don't sleep on Bellinger's abilities as a receiver.
