In the cutthroat world of the NFL, rebuilding teams like the Tennessee Titans can’t afford to let talent slip through their fingers. Yet, that’s exactly what happened with safety Theo Jackson, a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Initially hailed as a diamond in the rough, Jackson’s story with the Titans is a cautionary tale of squandered potential—one that’s now haunting them as he thrives with the Minnesota Vikings.
A Promising Start in Tennessee
Selected by then-general manager Jon Robinson, Theo Jackson was a local gem, a product of Overton High School who starred for the Tennessee Volunteers. His selection in the sixth round was a savvy move, a low-risk bet on a versatile athlete with a knack for making plays. But the 2022 draft was chaotic for the Titans, overshadowed by the blockbuster trade of star wideout A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles amid a contract dispute. Perhaps lost in the shuffle, Jackson’s potential went unnoticed by a front office in flux. Just six months later, Robinson was out of a job.
Despite their initial excitement, the Titans didn’t see enough in Jackson to secure him a spot on their 53-man roster. Waived during final cuts, he was relegated to the practice squad—a decision that would soon prove costly. The Minnesota Vikings, always on the lookout for undervalued talent, saw their chance and pounced.
The Vikings’ Gain, Titans’ Loss
In October 2022, the Vikings claimed Jackson off Tennessee’s practice squad to fill the void left by a season-ending injury to safety Lewis Cine. As a rookie, Jackson hit the ground running, appearing in 11 games and carving out a role on special teams. His hustle and instincts quickly made him a valuable asset in Minnesota’s third phase.
By 2023, Jackson’s role expanded. He logged 260 special teams snaps, ranking third on the Vikings in that category, while also contributing 126 defensive snaps. His work ethic and playmaking ability were undeniable, setting the stage for a breakout 2024 season. Last year, Jackson emerged as Minnesota’s top special teams performer, racking up a team-high 340 snaps. His relentless energy and knack for making game-changing plays in coverage and returns earned him a two-year, $12 million extension this offseason—a clear sign of the Vikings’ confidence in their rising star.
Meanwhile, the Titans’ special teams unit floundered in 2024, scraping the bottom of the NFL barrel. Tennessee cycled through players searching for anyone who could make a positive impact in the third phase—precisely the kind of role Jackson has mastered in Minnesota. The irony is stark: a player the Titans deemed expendable could have been the spark their special teams desperately needed.
A Missed Opportunity at Safety
The Titans’ safety room isn’t exactly barren. Amani Hooker, entering a contract year, remains a reliable veteran. Rookie third-rounder Kevin Winston Jr. shows promise, and free-agent signing Xavier Woods is a dependable starter. Still, Jackson’s value isn’t tied to defensive snaps—he’s a special teams dynamo, a role where Tennessee sorely lacked consistency. While Jackson hasn’t developed into a defensive standout, his contributions in Minnesota prove he’s far from the “bust” label the Titans implicitly slapped on him.
A Lesson for the Titans
The Theo Jackson saga underscores a critical lesson for rebuilding teams: talent evaluation doesn’t end on draft day. The Titans identified Jackson as an underrated prospect in 2022, but their failure to protect him on the roster allowed a division rival to reap the rewards. As Tennessee looks to climb out of its rebuild, they can’t afford to let players like Jackson slip away. For now, the joke’s on them—Jackson’s success in Minnesota is a stinging reminder of what could have been.