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Calvin Ridley Calvin Ridley May be used like Ja'Marr Chase
Tue, Mar 26, 2024, 1:29 PM
Titans coach Brian Callahan told ESPN's Kevin Clark that he envisions Ridley's role as being "very similar" to what Ja'Marr Chase did for the Bengals.
Analysis: Chase is bigger, stronger and probably also faster, not to mention he has Joe Burrow throwing him the ball rather than Will Levis. Still, it's promising that Callahan -- the former offensive coordinator in Cincinnati -- hopes to have Ridley mimic Chase's usage, as the 2021 fifth overall pick got a lot of easy receptions the past two years, including 35 targets behind the line of scrimmage in 2023 (tied for second most among WRs). Ridley saw eight passes behind the line last season in Jacksonville and got only 22 percent of his targets between the numbers, whereas Chase drew 44 percent of his looks in the middle part of the field. The Titans do have other solid options for screens and quick passes, however, with Ridley joined by DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks at wide receiver, tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard. |
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Treylon Burks Treylon Burks Drops to third on depth chart
Fri, Mar 15, 2024, 12:20 PM
Burks profiles as the Titans' No. 3 receiver following the signing of Calvin Ridley, according to Mike Moraitis of Titans Wire.
Analysis: Assuming the Titans keep DeAndre Hopkins, there's really no room for Burks to sit any higher than third on the depth chart, even though he was a first-round pick just two years ago. The 225-pound WR missed six games in each of his first two NFL seasons while battling a variety of injuries, and he dropped from 444 yards as a rookie to 221 in his second season. From a real-life standpoint, Burks might actually be better off in a low-pressure role as the No. 3 receiver behind two established starters, but the tough competition for snaps and targets equates to a lower fantasy ceiling / lesser breakout odds all the same. The worst-case scenario would entail Burks losing the No. 3 role and sliding even further down Tennessee's depth chart. |
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Will Levis Will Levis Gets new No. 1 WR as Henry departs
Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 11:51 AM
Levis (foot) will enter the 2024 NFL season with new skill-position talent, headlined by Calvin Ridley being slated to join the Titans on a four-year, $92 million contract, and by Derrick Henry set to be replaced by Tony Pollard in the backfield, Turron Davenport of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Tennessee adding a hopeful true No. 1 wideout in Ridley is arguably just as impactful as Henry's tenure as the franchise face finally coming to an end. Ridley joins veteran DeAndre Hopkins, giving Levis two proven pass-catchers who both surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2023, allowing Treylon Burks to slide down to the No. 3 role and benefit from lesser defensive coverage. On paper, Levis now looks set to benefit from one of the best three-receiver groups in the league, while the recently re-signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a capable fourth man. Pollard, meanwhile, isn't nearly the between-the-tackles bruiser that Henry was, but he brings true three-down versatility and a skillset that's more interchangeable with second-year pro Tyjae Spears, allowing the Titans to swap both backs out freely without hinting at any specific playcall. Levis said in February at Super Bowl LVIII that he was already "close" to healthy, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official site. |
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Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Staying with Titans
Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 8:23 AM
Westbrook-Ikhine is signing a one-year contract to stay with Tennessee, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: He reaches the agreement a week before his 27th birthday, following a third straight campaign in the range of 350-500 receiving yards with either three or four touchdowns. Westbrook-Ikhine started 29 of his 47 games the past three years but is more likely to come off the bench now that the Titans have added Calvin Ridley to a WR room that returns DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks. At this point, Westbrook-Ikhine should be recovered from the hand injury that sent him to injured reserve for the final three games of the 2023 regular season. |
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Calvin Ridley Calvin Ridley Landing in Tennessee
Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 4:18 PM
The Titans and Ridley agreed to terms Wednesday on a four-year, $92 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Ridley was initially reported to be choosing between New England and Jacksonville as potential landing spots in free agency, but he now becomes the new No. 1 wideout for second-year quarterback Will Levis (foot) in Tennessee. His deal reportedly includes $50 million guaranteed, a notable sign of long-term confidence. Last season, in his first NFL action since 2021, Ridley put together a 76-1,016-8 receiving line while playing in all 17 regular-season games for the Jaguars. His speed and route-running prowess will nicely complement fellow wideouts DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks, providing the Titans with a solid three-receiver corps alongside new top running back Tony Pollard and third-year tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. |
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Mason Rudolph Mason Rudolph Linking up with Tennessee
Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 4:07 PM
The Titans are signing Rudolph to a one-year, $3.6 million contract Wednesday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Rudolph could be the favorite to beat out Malik Willis for the top backup spot behind Will Levis (foot), considering his solid showing in Pittsburgh last year. He led the Steelers to three consecutive wins to close out the regular season, before the team suffered a wild-card playoff loss at the hands of Buffalo. The veteran's presence will provide Tennessee with an experienced signal-caller in an otherwise young QB room. |
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Julius Chestnut Julius Chestnut Returns to Tennessee
Wed, Mar 13, 2024, 1:18 PM
Chestnut (hamstring) is re-signing with the Titans on a one-year contract, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Chestnut appeared in six games with Tennessee as a rookie in 2022 but was limited to three appearances in 2023 before going on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Once healthy, he'll compete for a depth role in a backfield now headlined by free-agent signing Tony Pollard rather than Derrick Henry. |
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Tyjae Spears Tyjae Spears Faces new competition in Pollard
Tue, Mar 12, 2024, 10:57 AM
Spears faces a new backfield situation that's set to add Tony Pollard via a three-year, $24 million contract, while Derek Henry remains slated for free agency, Eric Edholm of NFL.com reports.
Analysis: Spears, a 2023 third-round pick, is coming off a strong rookie season in which he compiled 838 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, showcasing versatility and explosiveness despite only getting one chance to handle double-digit carries in a game. The Titans' decision to sign Pollard appears to simultaneously signal the end of Henry's era with the team. Spears could have an easier path to genuinely competing for touches with Pollard, whereas Henry was firmly entrenched as a true lead back, and both players profile similarly. Spears and Pollard are each versatile and elusive runners, which will allow Tennessee's offense to swap both players off the field relatively freely. Spears and Pollard look the part of a solid 1-2 punch, though for fantasy purposes it's possible they could both limit each other from attaining a true workhorse workload. |
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Tony Pollard Tony Pollard Set to sign with Tennessee
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 11:55 AM
Pollard is slated to sign a three-year, $24 million deal with the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: With the looming move, it appears as though Derrick Henry will be playing elsewhere in 2024, while Dallas will be in the running back market in free agency and/or the draft. Pollard is now slated to join a backfield that also includes 2023 third-rounder Tyjae Spears, a context that figures to result in some form of an RB timeshare in Tennessee this coming season. |
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Derrick Henry Derrick Henry Likely to leave Titans
Tue, Feb 27, 2024, 4:00 PM
Henry doesn't seem likely to stay with the Titans, though GM Ran Carthon suggested Tuesday that the team will at least have conversations about re-signing the running back, ESPN's Turron Davenport reports.
Analysis: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that none of the big-name RBs eligible for free agency in March are expected to receive franchise tags, including Henry. New Titans coach Brian Callahan has expressed interest in re-signing the back, but Henry's stated emphasis on winning a Super Bowl could cause him to look elsewhere than Tennessee. |
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Derrick Henry Derrick Henry Could fit with new coach?
Fri, Jan 26, 2024, 1:35 PM
New Titans coach Brian Callahan suggested Friday that he'd like to work with Henry, who is scheduled for unrestricted free agency this offseason, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports. "A player like [Henry' fits into any offense," Callahan said. "If he's open to a return, that fits for us. I'm never going to reject good players. "
Analysis: The hiring of a head coach that previously served as offensive coordinator for the pass-first Bengals has been taken by some as a(nother) sign Henry is likely to leave Tennessee. Callahan does have a point, however, in part because Henry is probably a better receiver and blocker than he gets credit for. The two other big factors here are: A) money, and B) the possibility Henry wants to play for a team with better Super Bowl odds in 2024. He turned 30 at the beginning of January, three days before running for 153 yards and a touchdown in a 28-20 win over Jacksonville. It was Henry's fourth 100-yard game of the season, boosting his per-carry average to 4.2 yards and allowing him to finish second in the league in rushing yardage (1,167). |
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Will Levis Will Levis Gets offensive-minded head coach
Tue, Jan 23, 2024, 4:08 PM
Levis (foot) will work with new Titans head coach Brian Callahan in 2024, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Levis seemingly did enough as a rookie to enter Year 2 as a starter, though it's still up in the air if he's a franchise QB or more of a low-end starter/high-end backup. The Titans likely want to build their offense around the 2023 second-round pick, following a half-decade of run-first attacks centered on impending free agent Derrick Henry. That's not to say Henry is automatically done in Tennessee, though the fit would be questionable under a coach whose five seasons as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati (2019-23) saw the Bengals rank no higher than 17th in rush attempts and 23rd in rushing yards. Levis is no Joe Burrow, of course, but the addition of a passing-game-focused head coach at least suggests the Titans want to figure out what they have in the young QB rather than trying to hide him and rely on other parts of the roster. It remains to be seen if the team's ensuing offseason moves continue in that direction, with rumors already swirling that Callahan could try to bring WR Tee Higgins over from Cincinnati (Higgins might have other ideas). The foot/ankle injuries Levis dealt with late in 2023 should clear up by this spring. |
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Kyle Philips Kyle Philips Slight improvement in second season
Sun, Jan 14, 2024, 9:44 PM
Philips recorded 15 receptions on 22 targets for 181 yards across nine games with the Titans in 2023. He also had 13 yards as a kick returner and 23 as a punt returner.
Analysis: Philips had the chance to win the starting slot role during training camp, but he was sidelined by a knee injury and wasn't able to take the field until Week 5. He never really hit his stride from there, failing to play half of the offensive snaps in any game this season. However, he still managed to double the production from his rookie season and could see another modest uptick in his numbers in 2024 if he can remain healthy. |
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Mason Kinsey Mason Kinsey Role remains minimal
Sun, Jan 14, 2024, 9:33 PM
Kinsey recorded one reception on one target for six yards across six games for the Titans in 2023.
Analysis: Kinsey completed his third season in the NFL, all of which have come with Tennessee. He failed to make the roster out of training camp but subsequently bounced between the active roster and practice squad. Overall, he played 25 offensive snaps and 21 on special teams, and he's likely to be in a battle for a roster spot once again in 2024 -- whether in Tennessee or elsewhere. |
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Chris Moore Chris Moore Deep threat for Titans
Sun, Jan 14, 2024, 8:26 PM
Moore recorded 22 receptions on 35 targets for 424 yards during the 2023 season with the Titans. He added two rushes for 39 yards.
Analysis: Moore joined Tennessee in free agency after spending the past two seasons with Houston. He saw his target total cut in half, but he made the most of his chances by delivering nine receptions of at least 20 yards. Moore will head to the open market once again this offseason, and he should be able to find another short-term deal to work in a depth role around the league. |
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Malik Willis Malik Willis Quiet sophomore season
Sun, Jan 14, 2024, 8:03 PM
Willis completed four of five passes for 74 yards during the 2023 season with the Titans. He added five rushes for 21 yards.
Analysis: Willis appeared in only three games during the season, the latest of which came in Week 8. His only pass attempts came in Week 6 in relief of Ryan Tannehill, and he otherwise spent much of his season as the third-string quarterback. With Tannehill's tenure in Tennessee almost certainly over, Willis may enter the 2024 campaign as the backup to Will Levis (foot). |
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Treylon Burks Treylon Burks Not targeted in season finale
Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 9:46 PM
Burks was not targeted in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: Burks was a popular breakout selection throughout the offseason, though he underwhelmed significantly by recording only 16 catches for 221 yards and no touchdowns across 11 games. In part, the depressed numbers were due to a concussion and a knee injury that combined to sideline him for five games. However, Burks made little impact even when he was on the field, as he topped 50 receiving yards in only two games. He'll be entering a pivotal third season and will need to find a way to stay healthy and consistently command targets in Tennessee's offense to break out, though he hasn't shown the ability to do either early in his career. |
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Chigoziem Okonkwo Chigoziem Okonkwo Modest showing in Week 18
Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 9:33 PM
Okonkwo recorded two receptions (on three targets) for 36 yards in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: The Titans had a positive game script for much of the contest, which limited passing volume. As a result, Okonkwo had a quiet close to the season. Despite a very inconsistent passing attack in Tennessee, he did manage to take a moderate step forward in his sophomore campaign by tallying 54 receptions for 528 yards and a touchdown. Okonkwo should have a significant role in the offense again in 2024, though his potential volume will ultimately be determined by whether DeAndre Hopkins is back with the team and any subsequent additions the Titans make to their pass-catching corps. |
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Tyjae Spears Tyjae Spears Two scores to end rookie season
Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 9:08 PM
Spears rushed the ball three times for 25 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars. He added three receptions (on three targets) for 31 yards and another score.
Analysis: Derrick Henry dominated touches out of the backfield, though Spears showed big-play ability as the change-of-pace option by scoring twice on only six total touches. Spears' first trip to the end zone came on a 28-yard reception, during which he weaved his way through several Jacksonville defenders while balancing himself against the sideline. He followed that up with a more straightforward three-yard run for his second touchdown, though he did show strong balance while shaking off defenders. Spears ends his rookie season with 838 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns. There's a strong chance he blows past those numbers in his sophomore campaign, as it is expected that Henry moves on in free agency, leaving Spears as the potential lead back. |
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Ryan Tannehill Ryan Tannehill Manages Titans to upset win
Sun, Jan 7, 2024, 5:52 PM
Tannehill completed 17 of 26 passes for 168 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: Tannehill served as Tennessee's primary quarterback for the third consecutive game and helped the team to an upset win. He got the offense off to a hot start, leading a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the opening possession, which concluded with a 28-yard touchdown toss to Tyjae Spears. Tannehill began the third quarter with his second score, hitting DeAndre Hopkins from six yards away. It was a solid performance in what will almost certainly be his final game with the Titans, though Tannehill should be able to find a new deal as a backup for another franchise this offseason. |
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