The offseason has barely started and already there are big changes for the Tennessee Titans. The Titans parted ways with head coach, Mike Vrable, and promoted general manager Ron Carthon, to Executive Vice President (EVP). Carthon’s first move as EVP was to bring in Brian Callahan (previously the offensive coordinator of the Cincinatti Bengals) as the new head coach. It’s now up to Carthon and Callahan to lead the Titans into a new era and rebuild the offence in 2024.
What moves can and should they make this offseason to rebuild the offense?
Move on from Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry
Tannehill and Henry were stalwarts of the Mike Vrable led Titans. As faces of the franchise, they led the Titans to two AFC South division titles and three playoff berths. But they’re impending free agents and with the new staff in place, this seems like a logical time to turn the page.
Ryan Tannehill had his worst season as a Titan in 2023. Through weeks 1-5, he passed for 1,052 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions. His QB passer rating of 78.5 was the lowest of his Titans career. He suffered an ankle injury in week six, and never regained the starting job from Will Levis. With Will Levis emerging as a potential NFL starter, this is the perfect opportunity for the Titans to move on.
Despite being 29 years old, Derrick Henry showed no signs of slowing down in 2023. He rushed for 1,167 yards, second only to Christian McCaffrey (1,459 yards). But he is entering his ninth season as a 30 year old running back. Henry will want a high-end contract this off-season. The Titans drafted Tyjae Spears in the last draft who showed flashes of potential in 2023. It just doesn’t make sense to pay Henry when you have a promising young running back on the roster and a number of other holes to fill.
Strengthen the offensive line and the wide receiver room
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The biggest weaknesses on the Titans offense are the offensive line (OL) and the wide receiver (WR) room. The Titans have the seventh pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Thankfully, this is a strong draft for offensive tackle and wide receiver. They are in the perfect position to select one of the top OL or WR prospects to bolster one of these rooms. The Titans also have over $85,000,000 cap space to utilise on free agents to further bolster these positions.
Offensive Line
The Titans OL was the worst in the league in 2023. They finished last in PFF pass blocking efficiency and gave up the most sacks (49). If Carthon and Callahan want Will Levis to be successful, they need to upgrade the OL. They drafted left guard Peter Skoronski in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. Having played tackle in college, Skoronski’s move to guard wasn’t the easiest. He was best in pass protection and showed flashes of promise during his rookie season. The Titans need to continue to build this line and support him.
Possible additions via the first round of the draft: Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu are the offensive tackle talent touted to be selected at the top of the draft.
Possible additions via free agency: Players at multiple positions along the OL will be available, including Tyron Smith, Trent Brown, Mike Oweneu, Jonah Williams, Kevin Dotson, Robert Hunt, Kevin Zeitler, John Simpson, Lloyd Cushenberry.
Wide Receiver Room
Since trading AJ Brown to the Eagles during the 2022 NFL draft, the Titans have been unable to sure up the WR room. Treylon Burks was drafted in that very same draft. He was touted as the AJ Brown replacement but so far that hasn’t worked out. The Titans signed DeAndre Hopkins during the 2023 off-season. Throughout his career Hopkins has been a top tier WR but he is aging and would benefit from other quality wide receivers around him. The rest of the WR room consists of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips and Chris Moore. All fine depth pieces but the Titans need more juice and high-end contributors to help Will Levis navigate his second NFL season.
Possible additions via the first round of the draft: With Marvin Harrison Jr likely not available at pick seven, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze round out the top prospects in this class.
Possible additions via free agency: Tee Higgins has already been franchise tagged (although a tag and trade scenario is a possibility) and Michael Pittman Jr is likely to join him. Suitable WRs likely to hit the free agent market are Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans, Marquise Brown, Darnell Mooney, Tyler Boyd.
The Titans have a lot of work to do it they want to compete in an up and coming AFC South. There are lots of opportunities for the Tennessee Titans to optimise the offence in 2024. Lets hope they utilise them over the coming months!
