Underdog report: 2024 Tennessee Titans
With a 6-11 record in 2023, the Tennessee Titans finished last in the AFC South for the second straight year. Here’s what they need to do to get back on top in 2024.
Biggest need: Offensive Tackle
The Titans allowed 64 sacks last season, tied for fourth-most with the New York Jets. Rookie QB Will Levis took an alarming 28 sacks in just nine games.
Left tackle Andre Dillard is signed through 2025 but carries just $7M in dead cap money. Right tackle Dillon Radunz has one more year with only $490K in dead cap dollars. At those prices, neither tackle should feel good about the upcoming season.
Free agent target: OT Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Holding $73M in projected cap space for 2024, Tennessee can afford to chase the best free agents on the market. With eight Pro Bowls and a pair of All-Pro nominations already on his resume, Smith is the best left tackle available, even at the age of 33.
Draft Target: OT Joe Alt Jr., Notre Dame
Pro Football Focus rates Alt as the best tackle available in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-8, 322-pound team captain was a unanimous First-Team All-American last year and started all 13 games at left tackle in 2022. He’s the consensus top tackle among ESPN draft analysts and would make an immediate impact for Tennessee.
Reason for optimism: The Callahans
New head coach Brian Callahan is the son of longtime offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The elder Callahan has 19 years of NFL experience with the position including the last four seasons with the Browns. Now he gets to work under his son as the Titans’ new offensive line coach.
Reason for concern: Lack of pass-catchers
Even if the Callahans shore up the offensive line, Tennessee’s passing game will struggle without some help for DeAndre Hopkins. The 31-year-old receiver had the seventh 1,000 yard season of his career in 2023 but the team's passing game still finished 29th in the NFL.
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