Tennessee Titans guard Saahdiq Charles has decided to retire from the NFL aged 25, after just four years in the league .
Titans head coach Brian Callahan informed reporters that Charles' decision was due to personal reasons, and the offensive lineman has missed practice sessions recently. For the sessions that Charles has been a part of, he's been taking most of the starting reps, meaning that coaches will need to reshuffle the depth chart ahead of the 2024 season.
Charles was listed as the starting right guard when the Titans released their depth chart on Monday, with Dillon Radunz named back-up and LaChavious Simmons as third-string. Charles only joined the Titans this offseason after departing the Washington Commanders .
The news was a shock to NFL fans, with many refusing to believe it was true when Tennessee listed Charles on the Reserve/Retired list. "Is this fake?" One user commented as soon as the news went viral on social media.
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"Damn, what the heck? Why is he retiring so young?" Another added. "Does anyone know why? This doesn't make any sense," one confused fan asked in disbelief.
Out of respect for Charles, the reason may never be released publicly, but for now, he has ended his career as an NFL player. The Titans signed Charles from free agency to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million on March 14, with added financial incentives.
His signing bonus was $250,000, and he was entitled to a $75,000 per game roster bonus. As a listed starter, Charles would likely have received the majority of his $1.5M contract during the 2024 season, with a potential extension based on his performances.
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Charles was a fourth-round draft pick back in 2020 when he was selected by the Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Football Team. The guard played in 35 games throughout his four seasons in Washington, making 18 starts.
Injuries were a constant battle for Charles, who missed the first five games of his rookie season before making his debut against the New York Giants in Week 6. During the first quarter, he dislocated his kneecap and was placed on the injured reserve list.
Charles remained fit throughout the 2021 season but suffered injury problems in his final two years before being released at the end of his rookie contract. The guard impressed in college for LSU, declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft following the conclusion of his junior season.
The left tackle won the 2019 national championship with the Tigers, regarded as one of the best college teams in recent history. Charles was teammates with Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at LSU.
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