Titans’ New Lineman Wants to ‘Exceed Expectations’ After Signing Massive Contract

The fifth-year left tackle had high praise for offensive line coach Bill Callahan and his new mates on the line.

Dan Moore (65) of the Pittsburgh Steelers spikes the ball after a touchdown by teammate Najee Harris in the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Jan. 4, 2025. Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Recently signed Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Dan Moore wants to make good on the team’s commitment to him.

The Titans signed Moore to a four-year, $82 million dollar contract in free agency. In an interview with the Titans’ official website, Moore said he wants to “exceed expectations” and prove that the team found their answer at left tackle. He also praised the Titans’ current offensive linemen, all of whom he previously competed against or worked out with.

“Obviously I want to exceed expectations,” Moore said. “But it’s not only about proving the team right, it’s about proving myself right. I feel like my expectations will always be higher than anyone else’s are for me. I feel like by meeting my expectations, I'll exceed the team’s expectations.”

“So not only do I want to prove them right, I want to prove them [expletive] right, where [they’re thinking]: ‘We got our guy. He didn’t just do what we needed him to do, he did that and more.’ That is the consensus I want in the organization.”

Moore was drafted out of Texas A&M by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He became the starting left tackle in his rookie season, and missed just two games in four seasons with the Steelers.

Moore’s deal with the Titans is one of the largest contracts for offensive linemen in the league. According to Spotrac, it is tied for 11th-highest in average annual value among all offensive linemen, and tied for 14th in total value. Among left tackles in particular, it is tied for eighth in average salary and fifth in total value.

The contract raised eyebrows around the NFL because Moore’s play last year was not exceptional. According to Pro Football Focus, his overall position grade was 67.2, good for 46th place among 141 graded offensive tackles, but only slightly above PFF’s league average. He had a pass blocking grade of 66.2, good for 65th among all offensive tackles but again only slightly above the mean. His run blocking grade was 61.7, which ranked 67th and slightly below average. However, he ranked 78th in penalties, with five. Also, he allowed 41 total pressures, which ranked 132nd among all tackles; he ranked dead last in sacks allowed, with 12.

Still, the Steelers offensive line had some success. The Steelers ranked 11th in total rushing offense with 2,166 yards. Moore’s 2021 Steelers draftmate, running back Najee Harris, rushed for 1,043 yards; fellow running back Jaylen Warren added 511. Harris has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in all four of his seasons running behind Moore and the Pittsburgh offensive line.

Moore looks to be a critical part of a revamped Titans front five under offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The Titans also signed former Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler this offseason. They join 2023 first-round guard Peter Skoronski, 2024 signee center Lloyd Cushenberry, and 2024 first-round pick JC Latham, who struggled at left tackle as a rookie but slides back to right tackle, where he played in college.

“Me and Bill had a good conversation, and he talked about how he can help me and my game,” Moore said of Callahan. “He is obviously one of the best coaches in the NFL. So many players have developed under Bill Callahan, and I know that. Just talking to him, I know he’s going to make me better and get the most out of me.”

Moore had high praise for his new teammates.

“With JC moving to the right, it’s great for him,” Moore said. “It’s always easier for a tackle when you have a smart guard next to you and he'll have that in Zeitler. It will allow him to just go out and play.”

“I know about big Lloyd Cushenberry too, he’s a great player,” he added, noting that they played against each other in college.

“And Pete, just knowing who he is, and training with him the last couple of years, he’s a workhouse,” he said of Skoronski. “Going into year three, I just want to help Pete get the most out of his career. And hopefully I can help his game and in return, he can help mine too, and we can secure that left side.”