A Season in Ruins: The Titans’ 2024 Campaign
The 2024 season for the Tennessee Titans was nothing short of a nightmare, culminating in a dismal 3-14 record and a last-place finish in the AFC South. The primary culprit in this disaster was the Will Levis era, which never quite seemed like the right move from the start. General Manager Ran Carthon, who made the decision to trade up to draft Levis, was subsequently fired after just two seasons. This leaves the Titans at a critical juncture, with new General Manager Mike Borgonzi stepping into the fray. Despite the setbacks, the Titans are in a fortunate position with ample salary cap space and the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. The onus is now on Borgonzi and his team to strategically leverage these resources to turn the franchise around.
Evaluating Free Agents: Decisions Ahead
As the Titans prepare for the 2024 offseason, several key free agents could impact the team’s direction. Wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a reliable but unspectacular presence over five seasons, tallied 32 catches for 492 yards and nine touchdowns on a one-year, $2 million deal. He might be worth re-signing if the price remains low, but he is not a true No. 2 option behind Calvin Ridley. Quarterback Mason Rudolph, another potential free agent, seems poised to leave the team as his role has been overshadowed by the ongoing questions about the franchise’s future at the position. Safety Quandre Diggs, kicker Nick Folk, right guard Dillon Radunz, offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, and cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. (restricted) are also on the list, while veteran wide receiver Tyler Boyd could be a target to beef up the receiving corps.
Addressing Key Needs: Priorities for 2024
The Titans’ most pressing needs this offseason are quarterback, wide receiver, and right tackle. The quarterback position is a glaring issue, with the team needing a competent starter to bolster their offense. Free agency offers options like Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson, but the Titans also hold the No. 1 draft pick, which they are likely to use on a quarterback. Upgrading the receiver room is equally crucial, as no player other than Calvin Ridley managed over 500 receiving yards last season. Right tackle is another position that demands attention, as the Titans failed to solidify a starter in 2024. While they won’t be selecting a tackle in the first round, free agency presents an opportunity to address this weakness.
Financial Flexibility: Cap Space and Potential Cuts
According to Spotrac, the Titans have approximately $50 million in available cap space, placing them 10th in the NFL. This financial flexibility provides a strong foundation for rebuilding, allowing the team to pursue top-tier free agents and make strategic investments in their roster. However, there are no obvious candidates for significant cuts. Safety Amani Hooker, with five interceptions and two forced fumbles, and edge rusher Harold Landry, who led the team with nine sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 72 tackles, are both in their primes and valuable assets. Cutting these players would not only result in substantial cap savings but would also leave gaps that the Titans would need to fill.
Draft Strategy: Utilizing the No. 1 Pick
The Titans are set with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, a selection that carries immense weight and pressure. The quarterback position is a logical choice, especially in a year where the Titans need a clear and capable signal-caller. The draft class, while perceived as weak, offers promising talents like Cam Ward from Miami and Shedeur Sanders. Ward, generally assessed as the top option, is the favorite to be selected first overall. If the Titans decide to veer off the expected path, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado’s versatile Travis Hunter could also be strong considerations. Both players bring unique skill sets that could significantly impact the team’s future.
A New Era at Quarterback: Serious Decisions Ahead
The Titans find themselves in a challenging position with the first overall pick in a quarterback class that lacks a consensus top talent. However, they cannot afford to enter the 2024 season with the same struggling combination of Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. With a new GM in place and head coach Brian Callahan presumably having more influence over personnel decisions, the Titans are expected to explore multiple options to stabilize the quarterback position. They might add a high-profile free agent, select a new quarterback in the draft, or even consider a combination of both. The goal is clear: find a serious and reliable quarterback to lead the team back to contention.
