In 2023, the Tennessee Titans finished last in the AFC South with a 6-11 record, their second consecutive year. Here’s what they need to accomplish to reclaim the top spot in 2024.
Offensive tackle is the most need.
Last season, the Titans allowed 64 sacks, tied for fourth with the New York Jets. Will Levis, a rookie quarterback, endured 28 sacks in just nine games.
Andre Dillard, the left tackle, is committed through 2025 but has only $7 million in dead cap money. Dillon Radunz, the right tackle, has one more year with only $490,000 in dead cap dollars. At such costs, neither tackle should feel optimistic about the forthcoming season.
Free agent target: OT Tyron Smith of Dallas Cowboys
With $73 million in expected cap space in 2024, Tennessee can afford to pursue the finest free agents on the market. Even at 33 years old, Smith is the best left tackle available, having won eight Pro Bowls and received two All-Pro selections.
Joe Alt Jr., OT from Notre Dame, is a draft target.
According to Pro Football Focus, Alt is the best tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-8, 322-pound team captain was a unanimous First-Team All-American last season and will start all 13 games as left tackle in 2022. He is the consensus top tackle among ESPN draft pundits and would have an immediate effect for Tennessee.
Reason for optimism: the Callahans.
Brian Callahan, the new head coach, is the son of Bill Callahan, the long-time offensive line coach. The elder Callahan has 19 seasons of NFL experience at the position, including the last four with the Browns. He will now serve under his son as the Titans’ new offensive line coach.
Concern: Lack of pass-catchers.
Even if the Callahans improve the offensive line, Tennessee’s passing game will suffer without some assistance from DeAndre Hopkins. The 31-year-old receiver had his eighth 1,000-yard season in 2023, but the team’s passing game ranked 29th in the NFL.
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