Craig Stevens Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Tennessee Titans tight end Craig Stevens retired on Tuesday, a source told Alex Marvez of Sporting News. Terry McCormick of Titan Insider confirmed the news. 

The 31-year-old spent eight seasons in the NFL, compiling 60 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns. 

Stevens signed a one-year, $1.9 million deal in February with the team, per Spotrac, and has been with it at training camp. 

A reason for why he decided to retire has not been revealed yet, but the Titans have plenty of depth at the tight end position with Delanie Walker and Anthony Fasano.

Stevens has never been a factor in the Tennessee passing game. He only had one season in which he recorded more than 12 receptions and 166 yards, though he carved his niche in the league as a blocking tight end. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Stevens headed into the 2015 season ranked as the No. 2 run-blocking tight end with an efficiency rating of 90. 

Even his teammate Walker told Jim Wyatt of the team's official website that Stevens was "one of the best blockers in the NFL."

Walker was no slouch either when it came to blocking, though. By the end of the 2015 season he, Stevens and Fasano were ranked in the top five, per PFF. 

So Stevens' departure might not necessarily be a huge blow to the Tennessee offensive line as long as Fasano and Walker can continue to find success blocking. 

With a revamped backfield that is expected to feature DeMarco Murray and rookie Derrick Henry, it'll be imperative that they do their part to ensure the Titans develop a well-rounded offense around second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota. If not, then Stevens will be missed more than anticipated. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.