The Tennessee Titans have a grand total of 27 pending free agents to make decisions on this offseason, with 11 of them coming on the offensive side of the ball.
With a new head coach in Brian Callahan, whose philosophy centers around being a more pass-heavy offense, the Titans are expected to transition from a run-heavy unit, especially after the emergence of quarterback Will Levis.
As a result, their priorities on that side of the ball have changed from what they were with Mike Vrabel at the helm, which could have a significant impact on their decision-making with their free agents.
With the start of free agency less than one month away, we’re taking a look at each of Tennessee’s pending free agents on offense to make a determination about who should stay and who should go.
Here’s what we came up with:
QB Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill’s days were officially numbered once the Titans took Levis in last year’s draft, and his fate was sealed once it was clear there was something there with the rookie signal-caller, who promptly took Tannehill’s job while he was injured.
As great as it would be to have Tannehill as a backup, there is no chance of that happening after he made it clear he doesn’t plan on returning.
Tannehill will instead look for a change of scenery and a similar situation to the one he had in Tennessee in 2019 that ultimately gave him a shot to start.
Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Tannehill would be reunited with Arthur Smith and have a great chance to grab a starting role thanks to the lackluster situation they have under center.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
RB Derrick Henry
While there were some signs that Henry has maybe lost a step, he showed he still has gas left in the tank after finishing with the second-most rushing yards in the NFL. Making his numbers more impressive was the fact that he was running behind a terrible offensive line.
But with the Titans moving in a new direction on offense to a more pass-centric unit, and with Henry’s stated desire to win a Super Bowl, this relationship feels like it’s headed for a split.
I think both parties are better off going their separate ways and the Titans should move forward with Tyjae Spears and a cheaper complementary running back in 2024.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
C Aaron Brewer
Brewer was solid in run-blocking, with the center finishing with a PFF grade of 78.7 in that area. However, his pass-blocking left a lot to be desired, with his grade coming in at a lackluster 52.5 to go along with six sacks and 34 pressures allowed.
Brewer is an OK starter but his struggles in pass protection are not a good fit for the direction the Titans are going offensively.
If Tennessee can retain him as a backup, great, but I don’t think Brewer has any plans of going back to the bench in his fifth season. It’s time for the Titans to move on and find a better pass-blocker at center.
Verdict: Don’t re-sign
WR Chris Moore
Moore was one of the few sources of big plays for the Titans’ offense in 2023 and should’ve gotten more run, especially with the issues the wide receivers room had.
He still managed to finish with the third-most receiving yards on the team, and his 19.3 yards per reception would’ve ranked first in the NFL by more than a yard better than the next closest receiver had he qualified.
Sign me up for another year of Moore, who would be an excellent bottom-half-of-the-depth-chart option for Will Levis to throw to.
Verdict: Re-sign as a No. 4/5 WR
RT Chris Hubbard
Hubbard was thrown into a starting role after Jamarco Jones imploded in camp. He was better than anyone expected, posting PFF grades of 67.8 in pass protection and 64.1 in run-blocking while surrendering four sacks and 18 pressures in 473 snaps.
Hubbard did need a lot of help to accomplish those numbers, though, and he suffered an injury that ended his season early.
Hubbard would be a great depth option as a swing tackle who can also play guard, but I wouldn’t bring him back as anything more than that.
Verdict: Re-sign as a backup
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
NWI was once again shoved into a bigger role than he’s suited for, partly because of injuries but also because Vrabel had an irrational love for him.
Once you realize that, his season doesn’t look bad. In fact, he would’ve flirted with career-best numbers in yards and touchdowns if not for a late-season injury.
With Vrabel gone, I’m confident Callahan would keep NWI in the role he’s best suited for, which is a No. 5 or No. 6 receiver who does most of his work on special teams. If he’s looking to be anything more than that, adios.
Verdict: Re-sign as a No. 5/6 WR, special teamer
TE Trevon Wesco
Wesco was signed to serve as a blocking tight end and was OK in his role but certainly not as good as he was billed, with PFF grades of 61.2 and 56.3 in pass protection and run-blocking, respectively.
He added just one catch for 21 yards, also.
The hope is that the Titans will get more out of Josh Whyle in 2024, but they still need another body behind he and Chig. I wouldn’t have an issue with that guy being Wesco but I would not be surprised if he isn’t retained, either.
Verdict: Re-sign as No. 3/4 TE
OL Corey Levin
Despite all the shuffling the Titans did along the offensive line in 2023, Levin played just 10 snaps all season long.
Chalk it up to whatever you like, but Levin is a solid depth piece who can play both guard and center. It makes sense to keep him around for another season.
Verdict: Re-sign as a backup
RB Jonathan Ward
Ward had a shot to make the roster out of training camp before suffering an injury that forced him to miss time. He was later brought back but did most of his work on special teams.
The Titans do need help at the position if Henry moves on, but Ward isn’t the back for that role. Keeping him in Nashville as a camp body with an outside shot to make the roster as a special teams contributor would be fine, though.
Verdict: Re-sign as a camp body
OL Calvin Throckmorton
After being claimed off waivers, Throckmorton was a serviceable backup and can play both guard spots if needed. He’d be a solid depth option if brought back.
Verdict: Re-sign as a backup
RB Julius Chestnut (ERFA)
The Titans have control with their former undrafted free-agent signing due to the fact that he’s an exclusive rights free agent.
Chestnut made the 53-man roster out of training camp after an impressive preseason. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3.
I’m willing to give Chestnut a longer look in 2024 as a potential No. 3 back, but he wouldn’t be a lock to make the roster by any means. He would be a top candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t make the cut.
Verdict: Re-sign as a No. 3 RB candidate
