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Titans offseason position battles: Starting spots up for grabs on the roster this season
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Titans offseason position battles: Starting spots up for grabs on the roster this season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Jack Gentry  |  Last updated 5/26/24

It's been an offseason full of changes for the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Brian Callahan brings a breath of fresh air to the franchise while the influx of talent across the roster gives fans plenty of reason for optimism.

With so many new faces donning the two-toned blue in 2024 there will be no shortage in competition for starting jobs on both sides of the football. 

General manager Ran Carthon was aggressive in upgrading the team's roster by adding starters in free agency and via trade. With that being said, there are still six starting jobs up for grabs with training camp on the horizon. 

1. Right Tackle

The battle at right tackle will be one of the most intriguing training camp storylines. The addition of offensive line coach Bill Callahan should pay dividends across the board, but one of Nicholas Petit-Frere, Dillon Radunz, Jaelyn Duncan and Leroy Watson will walk away with starting role.

Petit-Frere has the highest ceiling of the bunch, but Radunz could make a push on the outside if he falls short in another highly competitive position battle at right guard.

2. Right Guard

There are three possible options for the starting right guard spot. The aforementioned Radunz will duke it out against Daniel Brunskill and newcomer Saahdiq Charles.

All three options are competent, but the hope here is that one player pulls away early so first-team reps aren't spread out for the entirety of training camp.

3. Inside Linebacker

The Titans selected UNC's Cedric Gray in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Gray figures to be the favorite to land the starting gig which includes green dot responsibilities, but he's going to have to earn it.

Jack Gibbens and Otis Reese provide some stiff competition for the job. Gibbens logged 13 starts at the position in 2023 while Reese likely serves as a depth option and key contributor on special teams.

4. Free Safety

Though Elijah Molden is currently the leader in the clubhouse, it would come as a shock if the Titans didn't reel in a veteran free agent to claim the starting spot. 

Justin Simmons and Marcus Maye have both been linked to Tennessee this offseason. The Titans still possess over $25 million in salary cap space which is more than enough cash to throw at either free agency option.

5. Punt Returner

Death, taxes and an open competition for the Titans' punt returner job are the three guarantees in life. Sixth-round pick Jha'Quan Jackson had success in the return game at Tulane and likely enters training camp as the favorite to win this job.

Jackson will have to battle it out with Kyle Philips, Eric Garror and Kearis Jackson who have experience fielding punts for the Titans in the regular season. 

6. Kick Returner

Tyjae Spears feels like the answer here, but the rookie Jackson and Julius Chestnut should offer some competition. The new kickoff rules make things interesting and could level the playing field in this particular battle.

If Spears' role in the offense becomes too prominent then it would behoove the Titans to identify a player they are comfortable with in the case that Spears' talents are restricted to the offense.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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