Ran

Carthon

Tennessee was 9-25 over Carthon’s two seasons as GM. Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement that she was concerned not only with the team’s win-loss record over the past two years, but the “long-term future should we stay the course.” Carthon in 2023 was victorious in a power struggle with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and was promoted to executive vice president. He then used the 33rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to take Will Levis, who was one of the NFL’s worst quarterbacks in 2024 and appears to be a career backup at best. Carthon’s front office also made curious signings like Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley in the offseason. Carthon will likely land with another front office, though his days as a general manager are probably over.

Carthon takes on more power within the organization after the Titans fired Mike Vrabel, who didn’t see eye to eye with Carthon on the direction of the team. The Titans said Carthon’s responsibilities will expand to include “all areas that impact the football team: roster control, team activities and personnel decisions including draft and free agency acquisitions. Carthon will also have “oversight of [head coach Brian] Callahan and his coaching staff, scouting, sports medicine, and player engagement.” It’s clear the organization will be led by Carthon. There will be no power-sharing arrangement like there was when Vrabel was in Tennessee.

Carthon has been the 49ers director of player personnel since 2017, and has extensive experience dating back to 2008 with the Falcons and Rams. It’s likely that Mike Vrabel will have more power in the Tennessee front office going forward, but Carthon has an impressive front office career and is certainly a worthy successor to Jon Robinson. Carthon beat out in-house candidate Ryan Cowden and Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham amongst finalists. The 49ers will collect two compensation picks.

Carthon is one of three finalists listed for the job by Garafolo, all of whom are getting second interviews. Also on the finalist line are interim GM Ryan Cowden and Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham. The Titans have the last remaining GM opening barring a surprise firing.

The team also announced it talked to 49ers director of pro personnel Ran Carthon and Eagles vice president of player personnel Andy Weidl. The Steelers continue to cast a wide net as they hunt for Kevin Colbert’s replacement. Somewhat surprisingly, it is appearing that Colbert’s heir will likely come from outside the organization.

The Giants have also requested permission to interview Carthon following Dave Gettleman’s retirement. Last year was Carthon’s first as director of personnel after serving five seasons as the director of pro personnel with San Francisco. Former Texans GM Rick Smith has also garnered interest from the Bears.

Indianapolis needs help in the run game but Carthon is not likely to be the answer. Joseph Addai’s role should be increased in Week 2.

Maurice’s son may score a few TDs like James Mungro last year, but he’s not Edgerrin James’ handcuff yet.

Not a lot of fantasy implications here. Dominic Rhodes will back up Edgerrin James on Monday Night.