The quarterback will demonstrate the Tennessee Titans’ newfound patience | Estes

The Tennessee Titans find themselves at a crucial juncture in their franchise’s evolution. After several years of playoff contention, the team has faced an undeniable reality: they need to pivot. The quarterback position, once a relative strength under veteran Ryan Tannehill, has now become a point of uncertainty and transition. As the Titans look toward their future, the next decision they make at quarterback will be one that speaks volumes about the direction of the franchise. And in the process, it will require a level of patience—something the Titans have not often demonstrated in the past.

In recent seasons, Tennessee has been a team built around its formidable defense, a bruising running back in Derrick Henry, and a steady, if not spectacular, quarterback in Tannehill. Under Tannehill, the Titans have reached the playoffs multiple times and came within a game of the Super Bowl in 2019. However, as Tannehill approaches the twilight of his career, it’s become increasingly clear that the Titans’ offense needs a shot in the arm to remain competitive in an increasingly pass-happy league.

This brings us to the question: What does the future of the quarterback position look like in Nashville? Is the team ready to fully embrace a new era at quarterback, or will they try to extend the window with Tannehill, hoping to squeeze one last playoff run out of the veteran? And if the answer is a new face behind center, will the Titans have the patience to see the process through to its fruition?

Ryan Tannehill: The End of an Era

There’s no denying that Ryan Tannehill has been a steadying force for the Titans since he took over as the starting quarterback in 2019. After years of uncertainty at the position, Tannehill’s arrival brought much-needed stability to the Titans’ offense. His play-action prowess and solid leadership helped guide the Titans to back-to-back playoff berths and made them a dangerous team in the AFC. But as the years have gone on, Tannehill’s performance has shown signs of regression, and the team’s future aspirations have started to outgrow him.

In 2024, Tannehill’s numbers began to dip, and his decision-making, once his strongest attribute, became more erratic. With the Titans failing to make a significant postseason run in recent years, the front office has started to recognize the need for a change at quarterback—whether that comes in the form of a rookie or a trade for a more established signal-caller.

Tannehill’s tenure with the Titans has undoubtedly been a success, but it’s becoming clear that the team needs to begin preparing for the future. The question now is how long the Titans will wait before pulling the trigger on a new quarterback and committing to a potential rebuilding process.

The Case for Patience: A Quarterback of the Future

The key to understanding the Titans’ quarterback decision lies in their newfound patience. Patience is a virtue the Titans have not always been known for in the past. The franchise has often been quick to make decisions, whether that meant starting a new quarterback midway through a season or taking risks on high-profile players in an attempt to make a quick playoff push. But as the league shifts toward a more long-term approach in terms of roster construction, the Titans must learn to embrace patience—especially when it comes to developing their next quarterback.

There are several reasons why the Titans should take a patient, measured approach when it comes to their quarterback of the future.

1. The Importance of Developing a Quarterback

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league. It’s no longer enough to have a solid defense and a great running game; teams need elite quarterbacks to compete for championships. However, elite quarterbacks are not born overnight. Even the most talented rookies require time to adjust to the NFL, hone their skills, and learn how to succeed at the highest level.

For the Titans, this means that even if they select a young quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, they should not expect instant results. It’s important for the team to acknowledge that the development of a new quarterback is a process, one that takes time and patience. Whether the Titans select a quarterback early in the draft or make a move to acquire a young signal-caller through trade, they need to be prepared to give that player the time and support necessary to grow into the leader they need.

This is where the Titans’ commitment to patience is critical. If they were to bring in a rookie quarterback, the team must resist the temptation to rush the development process in hopes of immediate returns. Allowing a rookie quarterback to sit and learn behind Tannehill or another veteran could be the best move for the franchise’s long-term success.

2. The Right Environment for Growth

Another aspect of patience in the quarterback decision is the importance of creating the right environment for growth. Many young quarterbacks fail to reach their potential because they are thrust into starting roles too quickly, with little to no support system in place. The Titans have an opportunity to avoid this pitfall by making sure the young quarterback is surrounded by the right resources to develop.

Fortunately, Tennessee has some foundational pieces in place that can help support a young quarterback. Derrick Henry, while not getting any younger, remains one of the best running backs in the league and provides a solid base for any offense. His presence in the backfield will take pressure off a young quarterback, allowing him to operate in a more balanced offensive system that doesn’t require him to carry the team on his back.

Additionally, the Titans have a solid defense led by Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry, which should help keep games competitive and limit the pressure on the quarterback to always be perfect. A solid defense gives young quarterbacks the luxury of having time to develop, knowing that they aren’t expected to lead the team to victory every week.

The key for the Titans is to not make a rash decision about the quarterback position. Instead, they should create an environment that fosters growth, giving the new quarterback time to mature into a legitimate starter.

3. The Development of Playmakers

A quarterback is only as good as the weapons around him, and this is especially true for a young signal-caller. For the Titans, this means that the front office must also be patient in the way they build their receiving corps and offensive line. The Titans need to provide any new quarterback with a legitimate receiving threat and time in the pocket to develop their skills.

The wide receiver position has been a weakness for Tennessee in recent years, particularly after the trade of A.J. Brown in 2022. While players like Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine have shown potential, the team still lacks a true No. 1 receiver. The 2025 offseason will be critical for the Titans in addressing this gap, either through the draft or free agency. Adding weapons will be essential to ensuring that any young quarterback can succeed in their first few seasons.

The offensive line is another area that requires attention. While players like Taylor Lewan and Nate Davis have been solid, the Titans need to invest in improving their offensive line depth and creating a more consistent unit. A strong offensive line not only helps the running game but also provides a quarterback with the time needed to survey the field and make accurate throws.

Patience in developing the roster around a quarterback is just as important as patience in developing the quarterback himself.

4. The Long-Term Vision

A quarterback change is a significant decision for any franchise, and it should be viewed through the lens of long-term success. The Titans should not focus solely on the next season or two; instead, they need to look several years down the road and ensure that their decisions are made with a long-term vision in mind. The team’s ability to navigate the transition from Tannehill to a new quarterback will determine the future success of the franchise.

Patience is crucial in maintaining a steady course, even when the inevitable bumps in the road occur. There may be growing pains, missed opportunities, and setbacks in the early years of developing a young quarterback. However, with a clear vision for the future, the Titans can build a sustainable, successful program that is capable of competing for championships year after year.

A New Era for the Titans

The Tennessee Titans stand at the threshold of a new era. Whether it’s a rookie quarterback or a young veteran, the decision to move on from Ryan Tannehill represents a commitment to the future. The key for the Titans will be embracing patience—both in the development of their new quarterback and in building the team around him.

With Derrick Henry still in his prime, a strong defense, and the potential to build around a new quarterback, the Titans have the pieces in place to succeed. But the front office must be patient, allowing their young quarterback to grow and develop in a supportive environment.

The future of the Tennessee Titans is bright, but it will take time. Patience will be the key to unlocking the franchise’s potential and ensuring that the team is ready to compete for championships in the years to come. The quarterback chosen to lead the team will be the first step in that process, and the Titans’ ability to show patience in that decision will set the tone for their future.