NFL analyst predicts the Titans to make the playoffs with Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders following the footsteps of Jayden Daniels

As the NFL offseason heats up, speculation about the future of the Tennessee Titans and their quarterback situation is reaching a boiling point. While the team has struggled in recent years to consistently put together a competitive offense, there may be hope on the horizon. An NFL analyst has predicted that the Titans could make a return to playoff contention with a major quarterback shift, potentially bringing in one of two rising stars: Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Both of these quarterbacks have shown immense promise at the college level, and with the success of quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels from LSU, their potential entry into the NFL could serve as the spark the Titans need.

This prediction reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where young, dynamic quarterbacks who can stretch the field and bring energy to a franchise are seen as the key to revitalizing teams. Cam Ward, a standout at Washington State, and Shedeur Sanders, the talented signal-caller at Jackson State (now at Colorado), have impressed scouts and analysts with their ability to lead high-powered offenses in college football. If the Titans are willing to make a bold move in the upcoming NFL Draft, it could pay off in a big way, following in the footsteps of success stories like Jayden Daniels, who has proven that a quarterback’s ability to adapt and elevate their team in college can translate to the pros.

Let’s break down why this prediction of a Titans playoff berth, with either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders leading the charge, isn’t as far-fetched as it may seem.

The Current State of the Tennessee Titans

The Titans have had a relatively successful run in the past decade, making the playoffs multiple times and even coming close to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. However, in recent years, the team’s offense has struggled to remain consistent, largely due to a lack of stability at the quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill, the team’s long-time starter, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. As the Titans head into the 2025 NFL season, there’s a growing sense that they need a change at quarterback to remain competitive in the AFC.

The Titans have a strong defense, led by linebacker Jeffrey Simmons and cornerback Kristian Fulton, but their offensive struggles are holding them back from taking the next step. Derrick Henry, one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL, can only carry the team so far, and with Tannehill’s contract expiring soon, the Titans find themselves at a crossroads. If they’re serious about returning to playoff contention, they need a quarterback who can elevate their offense to match the quality of their defense.

This is where Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders come into the conversation.

Cam Ward: The Unheralded Talent Who Could Lead the Titans

Cam Ward, a transfer from Incarnate Word to Washington State, has impressed many with his ability to lead the Cougars’ offense in the Pac-12. Ward’s athleticism and ability to throw the ball accurately under pressure have made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His college tape has drawn comparisons to several successful NFL quarterbacks, with analysts pointing out his ability to make quick decisions, read defenses, and make plays with both his arm and his legs.

Ward is a mobile quarterback, which makes him a great fit for the modern NFL, where the best quarterbacks are often those who can make plays outside of the pocket. He has the ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and make accurate throws on the run—traits that the Titans desperately need. Ward’s ability to quickly process information and make accurate decisions would also be a valuable asset for the Titans, who have had their struggles with offensive consistency.

In addition to his mobility, Ward has a strong arm and the ability to stretch the field vertically. This is a crucial asset for a Titans team that has been lacking in explosive playmaking. Pairing Ward with a dynamic receiving corps—led by Treylon Burks and Robert Woods—could breathe new life into the Titans’ passing attack, opening up more space for Derrick Henry to operate in the run game. With a better offense, the Titans could become a far more dangerous team in the AFC South and potentially make a deep playoff run.

Shedeur Sanders: A New Generation of Quarterback

Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is another player who has the potential to elevate the Titans’ offense. Sanders has garnered significant attention for his performance at Jackson State, where he led one of the most dominant offenses in the FCS. His decision to transfer to Colorado, under the guidance of his father, Deion, only increased his profile. Sanders is widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft, and his performance in the Pac-12 will be closely watched by NFL teams, including the Titans.

Much like Ward, Sanders has the traits necessary to succeed at the next level. He is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. Sanders also has a great arm, capable of making all the throws required in the NFL, and his ability to perform under pressure is well-documented. At Colorado, Sanders will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Power Five conference, competing against some of the best defenses in college football. His performance in the 2024 season could be a deciding factor in the Titans’ decision to pursue him.

What makes Sanders especially intriguing is his leadership and poise. He has been groomed to be a star quarterback by one of the most famous figures in football history, and he carries himself with confidence and maturity beyond his years. These leadership qualities could be invaluable in a franchise quarterback, especially for a team like the Titans, which is looking for someone who can take control of the offense and help push the team into playoff contention.

The Jayden Daniels Effect: Why Ward or Sanders Could Thrive

To understand why an analyst would predict the Titans making the playoffs with either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, we can look at the success of other young quarterbacks who have made an immediate impact in the NFL, particularly Jayden Daniels.

Daniels, a former LSU quarterback, was widely praised for his ability to take over games in college, and his strong performances in the SEC proved that he could thrive against top-tier competition. His ability to process information quickly, make quick decisions, and perform under pressure made him one of the top quarterbacks of his class. When Daniels was drafted, many analysts predicted that he would make a significant impact in the NFL—and so far, he has lived up to those expectations.

Both Ward and Sanders have similar qualities to Daniels. They are both highly skilled, mature quarterbacks with the ability to lead their teams. Like Daniels, Ward and Sanders are dual-threat quarterbacks who can create plays with both their arms and their legs. In today’s NFL, mobile quarterbacks are highly coveted, and their ability to keep defenses guessing is one of the reasons why so many teams are looking to invest in this type of player.

For the Titans, a quarterback like Ward or Sanders could be the missing piece that allows them to build a more potent offense, leading them back into playoff contention. Both players are capable of elevating the play of those around them, and the Titans have the pieces in place—namely, Derrick Henry, a strong defense, and a young receiving corps—to make a playoff run with the right quarterback under center.

The Titans’ Playoff Push: What Needs to Happen

For the Titans to make the playoffs with either Ward or Sanders, several things will need to fall into place. First and foremost, they will need solid offensive line play. Both Ward and Sanders have mobility, but their success will depend on the protection they receive upfront. The Titans must improve their offensive line to give their new quarterback time to make reads and deliver the ball accurately.

Secondly, the Titans need to continue to develop their receiving corps. Players like Burks, Woods, and Chig Okonkwo need to step up as consistent playmakers to give their quarterback reliable targets. If the team can improve its pass-catching options, it will make it easier for Ward or Sanders to find success in the passing game.

Finally, the defense will need to remain dominant. The Titans’ defense is already one of the strongest units in the league, and it will be crucial for them to maintain that level of play in order to support their young quarterback. If the defense can continue to stifle opposing offenses, the Titans won’t need to score a ton of points to win games, which is always a recipe for success in the NFL.