NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Titans are facing a fresh wave of controversy this week as veteran kicker Nick Folk finds himself at the center of intense scrutiny following a scathing assessment by a top NFL analyst. The 39-year-old kicker, who joined the Titans in 2023 and provided stability at the position, is now under fire after NFL insider Jason Cartwright delivered a brutal, no-nonsense verdict about Folk’s place in the modern NFL.
In a segment aired nationally on NFL Today, Cartwright didn’t mince words:
“Nick Folk is a reliable kicker, but let’s be real — the NFL has moved on from kickers like him. He doesn’t have the leg strength for today’s game. Fifty-yarders are now basic requirements, not luxuries. Folk might be accurate, but you’re not winning shootouts with a guy who tops out at 52.”
The comments immediately sent shockwaves through Titans circles, igniting fierce debate among fans, former players, and sports media. Many believe Folk’s consistency, especially inside 45 yards, still makes him a valuable asset. Others agree with Cartwright, insisting Tennessee needs to upgrade to a younger, stronger-legged kicker to keep pace with elite teams in the AFC.
A Look at Folk’s 2024 Performance
Nick Folk’s stats from the 2024 season add more fuel to the fire:
•Field Goals Made: 33 of 36
•Field Goal Percentage: 91.7% (one of the best in the league)
•Longest FG: 53 yards
•Extra Points: 31 of 32
While those numbers demonstrate outstanding consistency, critics argue that Folk’s lack of range on longer kicks forces the Titans’ offense into difficult decisions in enemy territory, especially in close games where every yard counts.
Titans’ Front Office Caught in a Tough Spot
Sources inside the Titans organization say that head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Jeff Fisher are now internally debating whether to bring in competition for Folk during training camp or stick with the veteran’s reliability.
Speaking to local media, Callahan offered a measured response:
“Nick’s a pro. He’s been doing this at a high level for a long time. We’re always evaluating every position, but we also know the value of having a kicker who can win you games inside 50. It’s about balance.”
Fans React
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram erupted with mixed reactions after Cartwright’s blunt assessment:
•@TitanUpNash: “I get the leg strength argument, but how many times has Folk bailed us out with clutch kicks? Don’t disrespect him like that.”
•@AFCBattleReady: “It’s 2025. We need kickers banging 60-yarders like it’s nothing. Move on from Folk.”
•@CJ2KSpeedster: “Can we appreciate both? Folk’s been great, but competition brings out the best. Draft a rookie, keep Folk, let the best leg win.”
What’s Next for Folk and the Titans?
With training camp set to open next month, eyes will be on whether the Titans bring in another kicker to challenge Folk or stick with the veteran presence as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season (3-14).
Insiders suggest that Tennessee may target an undrafted rookie or a free-agent kicker with a big leg to push Folk in preseason. However, Folk’s experience, calm demeanor, and sharp accuracy could make it difficult for any challenger to displace him.
For now, Nick Folk remains the Titans’ kicker, but the pressure has never been higher as Tennessee weighs loyalty to a veteran versus the ruthless demands of an evolving, fast-paced NFL.
Stay tuned. The kicking battle in Nashville might just be one of the Titans’ biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season.
Titan Up—or Kick Out? The next few weeks will tell.
