The Tennessee Titans have a massive roster need that nobody is talking about going into 2025 offseason with plenty of cap space

As the Tennessee Titans prepare for the 2025 offseason, there are a lot of pressing questions regarding their roster. The team has been in flux in recent years, with inconsistent performances across the board, and the need for strategic improvements is undeniable. While much of the attention has been on some of the more obvious areas of concern, such as the quarterback position or offensive line, there is a significant roster need that nobody is talking about—wide receiver.

The Titans have a glaring lack of talent and depth at wide receiver, an issue that has plagued the team for years. Despite possessing one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL, Derrick Henry, and a solid defensive unit, the Titans have been hindered by a lack of playmakers in the passing game. Going into the 2025 offseason with plenty of cap space, this should be the year that the Titans prioritize bolstering their receiving corps.

Why Wide Receiver Is the Titans’ Biggest Unaddressed Need

While much of the NFL has transitioned to high-powered, pass-first offenses, the Titans have largely operated on a run-heavy approach, relying on Derrick Henry’s dominant presence in the backfield. However, this strategy has not been enough to make the team competitive in a division that is rapidly improving, nor has it been sufficient to make deep playoff runs. Over the past few seasons, the Titans have seen their offense stagnate, and a major part of that stagnation has been a lack of playmaking wide receivers.

Currently, the Titans’ wide receiver group lacks the top-end talent necessary to compete with elite offenses in the league. A.J. Brown, once a cornerstone of the team’s passing game, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 2022 season. Since then, the Titans have been in search of a true No. 1 receiver. While players like Treylon Burks and Robert Woods have flashed potential, neither has been able to establish consistent dominance on the field. The team has relied heavily on Henry’s running ability, but that has not been enough to overcome the shortcomings in the passing game.

The Titans’ inability to stretch the field and generate explosive plays in the passing game has placed immense pressure on their offensive line and Henry. Opposing defenses have recognized this lack of threat in the air, stacking the box against the run and making it difficult for the Titans’ offense to move the ball efficiently. This dynamic has stifled quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s performance and made it difficult for the offense to sustain drives.

For the Titans to remain competitive in the AFC, they must address this weakness. Adding a true No. 1 receiver who can stretch the field and provide a consistent target for Tannehill would open up the offense, allowing Henry to operate more effectively and give the Titans a much-needed boost in the passing game.

The Cap Space Advantage: A Rare Opportunity

Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Titans find themselves in an enviable position with significant cap space. This financial flexibility provides them with a rare opportunity to aggressively pursue upgrades in areas of weakness, particularly at wide receiver. The team can explore both the draft and free agency to address the position, but the question remains—how will they allocate their resources?

In free agency, there will be a number of potential playmakers available who could drastically improve the Titans’ receiving corps. With so much cap space at their disposal, the Titans could afford to offer a substantial contract to a high-end free agent who could step in and contribute immediately. Players such as DeAndre Hopkins, Adam Thielen, and even younger options like DJ Moore could be potential targets in free agency, allowing the Titans to land a proven receiver to add depth and talent to their roster.

The draft is another avenue where the Titans could look to address their wide receiver need. The 2025 class is expected to feature several high-caliber wide receivers who could step in and contribute right away. Given that the Titans have early-round picks, they could be in a position to land one of the top receivers in the draft, perhaps someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Emeka Egbuka, both of whom have the potential to become immediate playmakers in the NFL. A high draft pick would give the Titans a long-term solution at wide receiver and could help elevate their offense for years to come.

Whether through free agency or the draft, the Titans must use their cap space and draft picks wisely to address this critical roster need.

The Impact of a Top Receiver on the Titans’ Offense

The addition of a legitimate No. 1 receiver would have a profound impact on the entire Titans’ offense. First and foremost, it would take some of the pressure off of Henry. Defenses would no longer be able to stack the box with impunity, as they would need to account for a deep threat in the passing game. A receiver who can consistently stretch the field and make plays down the sideline would create more space for Henry to operate, allowing him to find running lanes more easily and potentially even break more long runs.

Additionally, having a proven wide receiver would allow Tannehill to be more effective in the pocket. Currently, Tannehill has to rely on a patchwork group of receivers who have not proven themselves as consistent threats. A top-tier receiver would give Tannehill the security of knowing he has a go-to option, someone he can trust to make plays when it matters most. The Titans’ passing game would no longer be a one-dimensional offense, and Tannehill would benefit from having a reliable, explosive target to throw to.

Another key factor is the development of Burks, who has shown promise but has yet to live up to the expectations placed upon him. Adding a legitimate No. 1 receiver to the mix would not only take pressure off Burks but also give him the opportunity to develop further in a complementary role. Burks could focus on his strengths as a secondary weapon and build chemistry with Tannehill without the weight of being the team’s primary receiver on his shoulders.

The impact of adding a top wide receiver to the Titans’ offense extends beyond just the passing game. The defense would be forced to respect both the running game and the passing game, which would make the Titans’ offense significantly more difficult to defend. With the right personnel, the Titans could create a well-balanced attack that can both run the ball effectively and pass with efficiency.

The Titans’ Need for Consistency and Playmaking

For the Titans to return to playoff contention and make a serious push for a Super Bowl, they must become a more well-rounded offense. Their current formula of leaning on Derrick Henry and a conservative passing game has worked in spurts but has proven unsustainable over the long haul. A more dynamic, balanced offense is necessary to compete in the AFC, especially with the rise of high-scoring teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.

By adding a top-tier wide receiver to their roster, the Titans would not only gain consistency in the passing game but also add an element of explosiveness. A true No. 1 receiver is a game-changer who can take over a game, whether it’s making critical catches in the clutch or breaking away for long touchdowns. With the Titans’ solid defense and a revitalized offense, they would once again become a formidable contender in the AFC South and beyond.