NASHVILLE—In the first week of the 2024 NFL free agency, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon managed the departure of running back Derrick Henry. He also surprised many observers by signing talented wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
As we move into Week 2, several skilled players are still available, and Carthon and his staff must decide whether to retain or release some of their internal players.
Carthon and first-year Titans coach Brian Callahan have been vocal about their efforts to find playmakers for their team. Their actions in free agency have reinforced this message. The Titans have shown they want to implement a more modernized offense by signing Tony Pollard as their running back and Ridley as a receiver.
Along with Pollard and Ridley, the Titans signed center Lloyd Cushenberry, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, linebacker Kenneth Murray, quarterback Mason Rudolph, and offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles.
As free agency continues and the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Titans have made moves worth exploring. Let's examine their progress so far.
-- Giving a big contract to a 29-year-old receiver will raise eyebrows. However, Ridley believes his two-year absence from football before last season will benefit the Titans. He says he's more like a 25-year-old physically than a 29-year-old. If he's right, signing him could feel like a bargain. If he's not, Carthon could come to rue the decision.
-- We will learn a lot about quarterback Will Levis this season. It's unfair to evaluate him after last season's debacle. The Titans' offensive line was nearly at the bottom in every counting stat and metric last season.
There wasn't much depth at receiver, and Levis often found himself in untenable situations during his nine starts. However, he struggled with accuracy, and while there were flashes of potential, there were moments of inconsistency. It'll be fairer to judge if Levis is the quarterback of the future with more help.
The Titans need to bolster their offensive line and add depth at receiver, but they have improved. Now it's time for Levis to elevate his game.
-- Signing Awuzie was a good choice, but the Titans still need a lot of help at cornerback. Roger McCreary got a lot better in his second season with the Titans. McCreary and Awuzie can use another corner, preferably one who can play the boundary so McCreary can cover the slot.
-- How will the Titans replace the production from defensive end Denico Autry and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair? Signing Murray helps, but the Titans need more, considering Al-Shaair led the team in tackles, and Autry had the most sacks. There are still options in free agency, like Jadeveon Clowney.
-- According to overthecap.com, the Titans still have $43,632,244 in effective cap space, which is third in the NFL. Don't be surprised if there are more signings in the coming week.
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