The Tennessee Titans were an afterthought in the AFC South this past season, but after landing wide receiver Calvin Ridley and numerous other key players in free agency, they suddenly look like legitimate threats heading into 2024.
Let’s face it: the Titans were simply not intriguing this past year. Ryan Tannehill looked cooked. Everyone know Derrick Henry was leaving. The defense was below average.
Yes, DeAndre Hopkins had a resurgence, and sure, Will Levis showed some promise in relief of Tannehill. But, for the most part, Tennessee was an afterthought in its division, and rightfully so.
After all, the Houston Texans had C.J. Stroud. The Indianapolis Colts had Minshew Mania. The Jacksonville Jaguars looked to be the most talented team in the division, but they collapsed in the second half. That created some interesting storylines surrounding Trevor Lawrence.
And then you had the Titans, who may very well have been one of the most uninteresting teams in the NFL in 2023.
But now, things have changed.
Tennessee just added Ridley, who will comprise a very impressive duo along with Hopkins. Plus, the Titans have Treylon Burks, who has been a disappointment, but could flourish in a No. 3 role.
Chigoziem Okonkwo also enjoyed a solid rookie campaign and represents a potential breakout candidate at tight end heading into 2024.
Tennessee also signed running back Tony Pollard, who could have a better season this coming year now that he has fully recovered from the broken fibula he suffered last year while with the Dallas Cowboys.
In addition, the Titans added a fine center in Lloyd Cushenberry, not to mention some decent pieces defensively.
Essentially, Tennessee has restocked its roster. It has gotten younger and, quite simply, more talented across the board.
Levis will certainly not have a shortage of options to throw to come September, and let’s remember that the Titans still have the NFL Draft to continue to load up.
Does this mean Tennessee is going to win the AFC South next season? No. The Texans are the odds-on favorites with Stroud, and while losing Ridley will hurt the Jaguars (and to a division rival, no less), you have to assume that Lawrence will bounce back. Anthony Richardson will also be returning for the Colts.
The division will be very competitive. That isn’t a question. But instead of like 2023 where it was a three-team race with the Titans on the outside looking in, Tennessee should join the fray.
Operative word: should.
The jury is still out on Levis, who was very much up and down this past season. Also, while the Titans did make some moves defensively, they still look middle-of-the-pack on that side of the ball.
All I’m saying is that Tennessee has gone from inducing yawns to becoming a genuinely compelling ballclub going into next season.
Hats off to the Titans’ front office for taking full advantage of its cap space.
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