The Tennessee Titans face a humbling evaluation ahead of the NFL offseason, with questions surrounding their roster and future direction.

As the Tennessee Titans look ahead to the 2025 NFL offseason, the team faces a period of reflection and critical evaluation. Following a season filled with inconsistency, underachievement, and tough decisions, the Titans are at a crossroads in their franchise’s trajectory. With questions looming over the roster’s overall structure and a future that feels uncertain, the team has been the subject of significant scrutiny and evaluation from analysts, coaches, and fans alike.

The Titans have long been known for their tough, physical football, centered around a strong defense and a powerful running game led by Derrick Henry. While these components have brought success to Tennessee in the past, the team’s playoff aspirations over the last few seasons have fallen short. As the Titans enter a new offseason, they face a humbling realization that things must change for them to re-establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders.

In this article, we will explore the challenges the Titans face heading into the offseason, the key areas of concern on their roster, and the decisions the team must make to retool and improve for the future. We will also look at how the NFL landscape is changing, and how Tennessee can adjust to make themselves a more competitive force in the coming years.

1. Lack of Quarterback Stability

One of the most significant questions surrounding the Titans heading into the offseason is the quarterback position. For several years, Ryan Tannehill has been the starting quarterback, and while he has had solid seasons, his consistency has wavered, especially in crucial moments. Tannehill, 35 years old, has shown signs of decline over the last couple of seasons, with injury problems also playing a role in his inconsistent play.

While Tannehill remains a competent quarterback, he is no longer the long-term solution for the Titans. His inability to elevate the team during high-pressure situations and his regression in recent years have left many questioning whether Tennessee should stick with him or turn the page to a new quarterback. The team’s reliance on Derrick Henry as the centerpiece of the offense has masked some of the issues at quarterback, but this strategy can only take a team so far in the modern NFL.

Tannehill’s contract also complicates the Titans’ situation. He is due a significant sum of money in 2025, which makes him harder to move without absorbing a hefty cap hit. However, the Titans must seriously consider whether this money could be better allocated to a more dynamic quarterback, or whether the team should begin the search for their future leader.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Draft a quarterback: If Tennessee is committed to finding a long-term solution at quarterback, they should explore options in the 2025 NFL Draft. This class is expected to feature several high-caliber quarterbacks, and the Titans could make a trade-up or select a quarterback in the first or second round. The team needs to find someone who can thrive in a balanced offense and eventually carry the team through the air when the running game isn’t enough.
• Free agent quarterback options: If the draft is not an option, the Titans could explore the free agent market. Veteran quarterbacks such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield might provide a short-term solution, or the team could look at players with upside in an effort to take a risk on a potential starter.
• Develop backup quarterbacks: While looking for a new starter, the Titans could focus on developing their backup quarterbacks to ensure they have a reliable option should Tannehill continue to underperform or get injured. This might include giving more reps to current backups or bringing in new talent to compete for the starting job.

2. Aging Offensive Line and Lack of Depth

For much of the last decade, the Titans have prided themselves on having a strong offensive line that opens holes for Derrick Henry and protects their quarterbacks. The team has boasted some of the league’s best offensive linemen, such as Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones. However, the line is showing its age, and some key players are coming off injuries or declining performances.

In 2024, the Titans’ offensive line ranked near the bottom in pass-blocking efficiency and struggles to open up consistent lanes in the running game. The team has seen a decline in both pass protection and the run game’s efficiency, leading to a reliance on a one-dimensional offense that has been easily thwarted by more complete defenses. If Tennessee hopes to return to contention, they must rebuild the offensive line.

The health of the offensive line is another concern. Lewan, one of their star tackles, has struggled with significant knee injuries in recent seasons, and it is unclear whether he will continue his career with the Titans. Meanwhile, Rodger Saffold and Nate Davis have also seen their performances dip, and the depth behind them is questionable.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Invest in offensive line talent: The Titans should target both veteran offensive linemen and young talent through free agency and the draft. Adding a left tackle or guard could help stabilize the line and ensure that the team can protect the quarterback while continuing to open lanes for the running game.
• Focus on player development: Tennessee could also focus on developing some of their younger offensive linemen, providing them with the opportunity to grow into starting roles. The Titans will need to keep an eye on offensive line depth as well, bringing in players who can step up in case of injury or underperformance.

3. Defensive Inconsistencies and Loss of Key Players

The Tennessee Titans’ defense has long been a strength of the team, with players like Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, and Bud Dupree anchoring a strong unit. However, in 2024, the defense showed signs of inconsistency, struggling to stop the run at times and failing to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The loss of key players has also played a role in the Titans’ struggles. Both Simmons and Dupree missed games due to injury, and the secondary has been inconsistent, with Kevin Byard not performing at his All-Pro level and Caleb Farley failing to develop into the star cornerback the team hoped for. The defense remains the Titans’ strongest unit, but it is clear that they must make improvements to get back to the level of dominance they had in previous seasons.

Additionally, Tennessee’s pass rush needs improvement. While Simmons is a force in the middle, the Titans need to surround him with more talent on the edge. Dupree’s performance has been inconsistent, and Harold Landry III, after recovering from an ACL injury, has yet to return to his previous form.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Bolster the pass rush: The Titans should look to add a more dynamic pass rusher to complement Jeffery Simmons. Adding an elite edge rusher via free agency or the draft would help Tennessee’s defense apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and make the defensive line even more formidable.
• Strengthen the secondary: Another area of focus should be adding a shutdown corner or strong safety to help shore up the secondary. Kevin Byard is still a quality player, but the team needs another playmaker in the secondary to improve their pass defense and stop big plays downfield.
• Defensive depth: The Titans must also focus on developing more depth on the defensive side of the ball. Depth is essential when dealing with injuries, and having players who can step in when needed will be crucial for Tennessee to remain competitive defensively.

4. Derrick Henry’s Future with the Team

Derrick Henry remains the heart and soul of the Titans’ offense, but as the team moves forward, questions will arise about his long-term role. At 31 years old, Henry is on the downside of his career, and the Titans need to figure out how to transition from him being the focal point of the offense to a more balanced attack.

Henry’s skill set remains elite — he is a rare combination of size, speed, and power — but his body has taken a lot of wear and tear over the years, and the Titans need to think about how they will use him moving forward. Whether it’s finding a complementary running back to ease Henry’s workload or trading him for assets that could help the franchise rebuild, the Titans need to make the right decision.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Manage Henry’s workload: The Titans should explore ways to limit Derrick Henry’s touches without sacrificing the effectiveness of the run game. This might mean splitting carries between Henry and a younger running back to keep him fresh for key moments in the season.
• Consider trade options: If the Titans are serious about rebuilding, they could consider trading Derrick Henry for draft capital and younger talent. Though this would be difficult, it might provide the Titans with assets they need to bolster other areas of the team.

5. Coaching and Leadership Changes

While Mike Vrabel has been a highly respected coach, the Titans’ struggles in 2024 highlight some weaknesses in team leadership and strategy. It is essential for Vrabel and the front office to examine the staff and ensure they are getting the most out of the players. Whether that means reshuffling assistant coaches or adjusting the team’s overall philosophy, the Titans need to find a way to take the next step.