Introduction: From Rock Bottom, a New Foundation

The 2024 Tennessee Titans season was not merely a failure to be forgotten. It was a necessary, gut-wrenching collapse. This collapse served as the catalyst for the most profound franchise overhaul in over a decade. The abysmal 3–14 record culminated in a six-game losing streak to end the year. It was the final, deafening signal. The previous era was irrevocably broken. A new vision for the Titans has emerged. It arises from the ashes of that campaign. This vision is built upon three transformative pillars. First is a new General Manager in Mike Borgonzi. Second is a new potential franchise quarterback in No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Third is a new, uncompromising organizational philosophy driven by an owner whose patience has clearly expired.

This is not a simple retooling. This is a teardown and a reconstruction, a “Great Reset” that has touched every level of the organization. The front office has been remade with a championship pedigree. The coaching staff has been reinforced with veteran experience. The roster has been aggressively churned. The central question hanging over Nashville as the 2025 season dawns is a monumental one. Is this a true turning point that will set the course for a decade of contention? Or is it just another turn of a frustrating cycle? This preview will dissect every facet of the new-look Titans to find the answer.

Section 1: Anatomy of a Teardown: Why 2024 Forced a Total Overhaul

First, one must appreciate the comprehensive nature of the Titans’ 2024 failure. Then, one can understand the radical nature of their 2025 offseason. One must first appreciate the comprehensive nature of their 2024 failure. The season had systemic breakdowns on both offense and defense. It ended with a front-office purge. This change signaled a seismic shift in organizational expectations.

The Statistical Abyss

The 2024 season was a statistical disaster. The Titans finished ranked 31st overall by Pro Football Focus, a fitting assessment for a team that was fundamentally non-competitive. The offense struggled during the first year of Head Coach Brian Callahan’s system. It sputtered to a 27th place finish in points scored, averaging a meager 18.3 points per game. The defense was even worse, surrendering 27.1 points per game, the 30th-ranked unit in the league.

The true culprit, however, was a catastrophic inability to protect the football. The Titans committed a staggering 34 turnovers, tying them with the Cleveland Browns for the most in the NFL. This constant barrage of self-inflicted wounds crippled any chance of sustaining drives or keeping the defense off the field. The quarterbacks, Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, were responsible for 28 of those 34 turnovers. Levis started 12 games, and Rudolph started five. This was a clear indictment of the team’s most important position. The team’s turnover margin was a league-worst -16, as the defense managed to generate only 18 takeaways. This wasn’t just a bad season; it was a complete systemic collapse that made drastic change an absolute necessity.

The “Amy Adams Strunk Doctrine”

The response from controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk was swift, decisive, and ruthless. Just two years after his hiring, General Manager Ran Carthon was dismissed. This move was particularly telling. Carthon had been incredibly aggressive in the 2024 offseason. He signed high-priced free agents like wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Tony Pollard. He also traded for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in an attempt to win immediately. When that expensive gamble failed and resulted in the No. 1 overall pick, ownership did not grant him a grace period to see his vision through.

This action follows the surprising firing of Head Coach Mike Vrabel after the 2023 season. Despite his winning record, this establishes a clear and demanding new standard in Nashville. This “Amy Adams Strunk Doctrine” is one intolerant of “process” without “results.” It creates an environment of extreme pressure where performance is the only metric that guarantees job security. The implication for the new regime is clear: there is no luxury of a multi-year grace period. Tangible, significant improvement is expected immediately.

A New Front Office Vision

Mike Borgonzi replaced Carthon in the Titans’ organization. He spent the previous 15 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Most recently, he was their Assistant General Manager. Borgonzi brings a championship pedigree, having been part of a front office that built a three-time Super Bowl winner. The Titans created a new brain trust to support him. They hired former Raiders GM Dave Ziegler as an assistant GM. They also brought in veteran executive Reggie McKenzie as a football advisor. This move signals a shift towards a more collaborative and experienced front office, surrounding a first-time GM with seasoned voices.

Callahan’s Second Chance

Brian Callahan survived the front office purge, an indication that ownership views him as part of the solution. Entering his second season, he has been empowered to reshape his coaching staff to address the glaring weaknesses of 2024. He hired Mike McCoy. McCoy is a former NFL head coach and long-time offensive coordinator. He will serve as a senior offensive assistant to provide a veteran sounding board.

More critically, he completely overhauled the special teams and secondary coaching. John Fassel is one of the league’s most respected special teams coordinators. He was brought in to fix a unit that was a liability all season. Tony Oden recently coached All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner with the Jets. He was hired as the new passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. These moves demonstrate a clear-eyed assessment of the 2024 failures. There is a targeted effort to install proven, high-level coaching in areas of need.

Section 2: Building the Fortress: An Aggressive Free Agency Overhaul

With a new general manager in place and the No. 1 pick secured, the Titans entered the 2025 free agency period with a clear, bifurcated strategy. On offense, they spent lavishly on proven, high-floor veterans to create a stable environment for their incoming rookie quarterback. On defense, they shed veteran contracts to create flexibility, signaling a willingness to rely on younger, developing talent.

Protecting the Investment

The single highest priority of the offseason was rebuilding an offensive line that had been a persistent weakness. The front office made a resounding statement by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a massive four-year, $82 million contract with $50 million in guarantees. Moore, who started every game for the Steelers in 2024, provides an immediate, durable presence on the blindside. They paired this move with the signing of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year, $9 million deal. Zeitler started for the Detroit Lions in 2024. He is a 13-year pro. Zeitler brings stability and high-level play to the interior. These were not bargain-bin signings. They were premium investments. These investments were made to ensure their new quarterback would have a legitimate chance to succeed.

Veteran Weapons and Defensive Anchors

Beyond the offensive line, the Titans added several other key veterans. They signed 10-year veteran Tyler Lockett. This move was to bolster a thin wide receiver corps. He joined the team after his long tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. Lockett offers a reliable slot presence. He acts as a professional mentor for the team’s young receivers. Additionally, he serves as a security blanket for a rookie quarterback.

On the defensive side, the strategy was more about targeted reinforcements than blockbuster deals. The Titans signed defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, formerly of the Seahawks, to a one-year, $8.5 million contract to add versatility and pass-rush ability to the defensive front. They also addressed the secondary by signing safety Xavier Woods from the Carolina Panthers to a two-year deal. Both Jones and Woods are proven, starting-caliber players expected to step into significant roles immediately.

Strategic Departures

The aggressive additions were balanced by calculated subtractions. The release of outside linebacker Harold Landry was the most significant move. He was a seven-year veteran who led the team with nine sacks in 2024. This was primarily a cap-saving measure, but it leaves a massive void in the team’s pass rush. The front office also traded linebacker Kenneth Murray to the Dallas Cowboys. They swapped late-round draft picks. This was another move designed to reshape the defense under coordinator Dennard Wilson’s vision. It also aimed to create financial flexibility. This contrast in resource allocation shows a clear organizational belief. They are spending big on offensive protection and creating cap space on defense. The offense’s improvement is the most critical variable for success in 2025. They are willing to accept potential growing pains on defense to ensure that happens.

Player	Position	Status	Former/New Team	Contract Terms	Projected Impact
Dan Moore Jr.	LT	Acquired	Pittsburgh Steelers	4 years, $82M	Day 1 starting left tackle, cornerstone of the OL rebuild.
Kevin Zeitler	G	Acquired	Detroit Lions	1 year, $9M	Veteran starting right guard, stabilizing the interior line.
Dre’Mont Jones	DL/EDGE	Acquired	Seattle Seahawks	1 year, $8.5M	Versatile defensive lineman expected to boost the pass rush.
Tyler Lockett	WR	Acquired	Seattle Seahawks	1 year, $4M	Experienced slot receiver and veteran leader for the offense.
Xavier Woods	S	Acquired	Carolina Panthers	2 years, $8M	Starting safety to solidify the back end of the defense.
Cody Barton	LB	Acquired	Denver Broncos	3 years, $21M	Starting inside linebacker and run-stopping presence.
Harold Landry	OLB	Departed	New England Patriots	N/A (Released)	Significant loss of the team’s 2024 sack leader.
Kenneth Murray	LB	Departed	Dallas Cowboys	N/A (Traded)	Departure of a starting linebacker, reshaping the defensive core.

Section 3: The New Cornerstone: A Deep Dive on QB Cam Ward

The selection of a quarterback with the first overall pick is always a franchise-altering decision. For the Titans, choosing Cam Ward was more than just filling a need. It represented a fundamental philosophical shift. The decision prioritized elite creative upside over the safer, more traditional quarterback archetypes the franchise has historically favored.

The Journey to No. 1

Ward’s path to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and talent. He was a zero-star recruit out of high school. He began his career at Incarnate Word. There, he won the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS. After dominating at that level, he transferred to Washington State, proving he could excel against Power Five competition. His final collegiate stop was at the University of Miami. There, he put together a spectacular season. He earned First-team AP All-American honors. He won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback. He finished as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. This journey shows a rare work ethic and an ability to adapt. It is marked by success at every progressively harder level. It also highlights his capacity to elevate his game.

Scouting Report – The “Off-Script Magician”

Analysts consistently praise Ward for his rare combination of arm talent, creativity, and innate leadership qualities. He is described as an “off-script magician.” He is capable of generating explosive plays. He achieves this through unconventional arm angles and off-platform throws when the original play breaks down. His playing style has drawn comparisons to a young Steve McNair. McNair was another former Titans quarterback known for his toughness and moxie. It is no coincidence that GM Mike Borgonzi comes from Kansas City. The offense there is built around Patrick Mahomes’ improvisational genius. The selection of Ward shows that teams in the modern NFL believe championships are won by quarterbacks. These quarterbacks can create something out of nothing. The Titans hope Ward possesses that transcendent trait.

Scouting Report – The High-Wire Act

The same creativity that makes Ward special is also the source of his primary weakness. His improvisational style can border on reckless, leading to high-risk throws and potentially costly turnovers. One analysis noted his frequent pass attempts outside the pocket. His ratio of positive to negative plays in those situations is concerning. He ranked just 32nd among 69 qualifying FBS quarterbacks in 2024 in those situations. This highlights the double-edged nature of his game. The critical task for Brian Callahan and his staff is to harness Ward’s incredible playmaking ability. They must refine his decision-making. It is also important to teach him when to live to fight another down.

The Fit with Callahan

Brian Callahan, who was instrumental in developing Joe Burrow from a No. 1 pick into an elite quarterback in Cincinnati, is now entrusted with molding Ward. The 2025 Titans offense will likely be a hybrid system. It will blend the West Coast principles Callahan is known for. Concepts will be designed to leverage Ward’s unique mobility and arm strength. The goal will be to create a dynamic, modern attack. This attack can threaten defenses from both within and outside the pocket. An offensive style like this has been absent in Tennessee for many years.

Section 4: The Supporting Cast: Analyzing the High-Stakes 2025 Draft Class

The selection of Cam Ward was the philosophical centerpiece of the new regime. The rest of the nine-player 2025 draft class was a clear reflection of its overarching strategy. The strategy was to swing for the fences. First-year GM Mike Borgonzi assembled a class heavy on athletic players with high upside. Many of these players come with either developmental issues or medical question marks. It is a quintessential “boom-or-bust” draft, the success of which will likely define the early years of his tenure.

Day 2 Gambles

The Titans’ approach was crystallized by their moves on Day 2. Holding a premium pick at No. 35, they chose to trade back with the Seattle Seahawks, acquiring picks No. 52 and No. 82. This decision to forego a “safer” prospect in favor of more draft capital and multiple high-upside players was telling.

• EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo (R2, P52): Oladejo is a raw athlete. He is physically gifted. He only recently converted from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher. While he impressed at the Senior Bowl with his explosiveness, he is still learning the nuances of the position. He generated a modest 10.3% pressure rate in college. He is the direct, albeit unproven, replacement for Harold Landry’s pass-rush production. His development is one of the most critical defensive storylines of the season.
• S Kevin Winston Jr. (R3, P82): Some scouts viewed Winston as a potential first-round talent. This was before his 2024 season was mostly wiped out by a torn ACL. In 2023, he was the only safety in the nation with Pro Football Focus grades above 85.0 in both run defense and coverage. His selection at pick 82 represents a significant value-based gamble on a full recovery. If he returns to form, he could become a long-term, every-down starter.

Day 3 Reinforcements

The Titans used Day 3 to surround their new quarterback with a diverse group of young weapons. They also addressed key depth issues.

• Pass-Catching Trio: Tennessee used three fourth-round picks on pass-catchers. Chimere Dike (WR, Florida) brings much-needed speed, having run a 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford) is a big-bodied, powerful wideout. The team traded up to acquire him. Some analysts believe he could develop into Callahan’s version of Tee Higgins. Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas) is a versatile “Y” tight end. He can contribute as a blocker. He’s also a reliable possession receiver.
• Depth and Special Teams: The later rounds were used to find potential starters and core special teamers. Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State) is a versatile interior lineman. He could be the heir apparent to Kevin Zeitler at right guard in 2026. Kalel Mullings (RB, Michigan) is a big, physical back. He was converted from linebacker. He fits the profile of a third-down/short-yardage specialist. He is also a key contributor on a special teams unit that was abysmal in 2024.

Round/Pick	Player	Position	College	Key Trait	Analyst Insight/Projected Role
1/1	Cam Ward	QB	Miami (FL)	Off-Script Playmaker	Franchise QB, Day 1 starter tasked with elevating the offense.
2/52	Oluwafemi Oladejo	EDGE	UCLA	Raw Athlete	High-upside pass rusher; rotational piece in Year 1 with starter potential.
3/82	Kevin Winston Jr.	S	Penn State	High-Value Gamble	Potential first-round talent pre-injury; could push for starting reps by mid-season.
4/103	Chimere Dike	WR	Florida	Deep Speed	Field-stretching receiver to add a vertical element to the passing game.
4/120	Gunnar Helm	TE	Texas	Versatile Blocker	“Y” tight end to compete for the primary in-line role.
4/136	Elic Ayomanor	WR	Stanford	Contested Catch Specialist	Big-bodied “X” receiver with a direct path to a starting role.
5/167	Jackson Slater	G	Sacramento State	Small-School Star	Developmental interior lineman, projects as a future starter at guard.
6/183	Marcus Harris	CB	California	Athletic Nickel	Aggressive corner to provide depth at nickel and contribute on special teams.
6/188	Kalel Mullings	RB	Michigan	Power Back	Short-yardage specialist and core special teams player.

Section 5: The 2025 Roster: A Position-by-Position Breakdown

As the Titans head into training camp, the roster reflects the offseason’s dramatic overhaul. Some positions appear to be clear strengths, while others are fraught with uncertainty and will be defined by fierce competition.

Offense

• Quarterback: This is unequivocally Cam Ward’s team. His development is the singular focus of the 2025 season. Veteran Brandon Allen was signed to mentor the younger players. He will also be a steadying presence in the QB room. Unfortunately, Will Levis had a season-ending shoulder surgery. This officially closed the book on the previous era.
• Running Back: This is a clear strength and the engine of the offense. The dynamic one-two punch of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears provides a perfect blend of styles. Pollard is a slasher with home-run ability. Spears is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. This gives Callahan a versatile and dangerous backfield tandem.
• Wide Receiver: This is arguably the biggest question mark on the roster. Beyond the established talent of Calvin Ridley, the depth chart is a mix of unproven youth and aging veterans. Tyler Lockett is projected to handle slot duties, while Van Jefferson provides veteran depth. The real intrigue is with the rookies. Both Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike have a clear path to significant playing time. Ayomanor, in particular, is a strong candidate. He could win the starting “X” receiver job. He could also become a favorite target for Ward.
• Tight End: Chigoziem Okonkwo returns as the primary pass-catching “move” tight end, a role that suits his athletic skill set. The competition for the traditional in-line blocking role will be fierce. Fourth-round rookie Gunnar Helm is expected to push veteran Josh Whyle for snaps.
• Offensive Line: After years of instability, this unit has been transformed on paper into a potential strength. The starting five is projected to be LT Dan Moore Jr., LG Peter Skoronski, C Lloyd Cushenberry, RG Kevin Zeitler, and RT JC Latham. The interior, with the Pro Bowl-caliber Zeitler and the developing Skoronski, looks formidable. The ultimate success of the unit, however, will depend on the two new bookend tackles. Moore and Latham must solidify the edges. They need to give Ward consistent protection.

Defense

• Defensive Line: This is the anchor of the defense. All-Pro Jeffery Simmons is one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL. T’Vondre Sweat complements him. He is a massive 2024 second-round pick who projects to be an elite run-stopper in his second season. Veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day provides quality depth, giving the Titans a formidable interior trio.
• Edge Rusher: This position group has been described as a potential “nightmare” due to its lack of proven depth. Harold Landry has departed. Now, the onus falls on veteran Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key. They are expected to lead the pass rush. However, the unit’s long-term ceiling is almost entirely dependent on the rapid development of rookie Femi Oladejo. If he struggles to transition to the NFL, the Titans could have one of the league’s weakest pass rushes.
• Linebacker: The Titans signed Cody Barton from Denver to be a stabilizing force and a sure tackler against the run. The spot next to him is a wide-open competition. 2024 draft picks Cedric Gray and James Williams will compete for it. Both players will be looking to make a second-year leap.
• Secondary: The cornerback room is led by L’Jarius Sneed and reliable nickel corner Roger McCreary. However, Sneed is coming off a difficult 2024 season, and the depth behind the starters is a significant concern. At safety, the situation is more stable. Veteran leader Amani Hooker is joined by new signing Xavier Woods, forming a solid starting pair. Third-round rookie Kevin Winston Jr. is expected to push for playing time immediately. He could earn a starting role if he proves to be fully recovered from his ACL injury.

Special Teams

After a disastrous 2024 campaign, this unit has been completely rebuilt. New coordinator John Fassel is one of the best in the business. He has been given a trio of proven, elite veterans to work with. These veterans are punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Joey Slye, and long snapper Morgan Cox. The expectation is a dramatic improvement, transforming special teams from a significant weakness into a reliable strength.

Section 6: Charting the Course: Navigating the 2025 Schedule

The schedule for a rebuilding team with a rookie quarterback can be challenging. It can be either a brutal gauntlet or a crucial runway for development. Fortunately for the 2025 Titans, it appears to be the latter.

A Soft Landing

The Titans face one of the easiest schedules in the entire NFL. This is based on the combined 2024 records of their opponents. Their opponents’ winning percentage of .450 ranks as the 29th most difficult (or 8th easiest) schedule in the league. This favorable slate provides a critical opportunity for a young team to find its footing. It helps them build confidence. The team can learn to win without being consistently overmatched.

Winnable Stretches

The schedule is dotted with matchups against teams that are also in rebuilding phases or facing significant uncertainty. Home games against the New England Patriots (Week 7) offer a prime opportunity for victory. Another opportunity comes with the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 9). The New Orleans Saints (Week 17) also represent a chance for a win. Playing in the AFC South is widely considered one of the weaker divisions in football. This provides a path to competitiveness that might not exist in other divisions.

Benchmark Matchups

The primary measuring sticks for the team’s progress will be their six games against 2024 playoff teams. These games include: at Denver (Week 1), vs. Los Angeles Rams (Week 2), at Houston (Week 4), vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Week 9), vs. Houston (Week 11), and vs. Kansas City (Week 16). These contests will show how far the team has come. They will also indicate how much ground they still need to cover to compete with the league’s elite. The Week 16 home game will be a particularly telling test. It is against the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. This game will challenge Cam Ward and the new-look franchise.

The schedule’s structure creates a natural two-act narrative for the season. The first nine games leading into the Week 10 bye feature several of those winnable contests and key road tests. This period will be about establishing an identity and building momentum. The second half of the season, however, presents a formidable challenge. In December, the Titans face a brutal three-game stretch. They travel to face the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. Then, they return home to host the Chiefs. This gauntlet will be the ultimate test of the team’s development. It will reveal the true gap between the rebuilding Titans and the AFC’s top contenders.

Section 7: The Final Verdict: Defining Success for the 2025 Titans

The Tennessee Titans have embarked on a bold and necessary journey of transformation. The franchise hit rock bottom in 2024. Since then, it has been aggressively reshaped with a new front office. They have a retooled coaching staff and a rebuilt offensive line. There is also a potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward. This offseason, they have made moves that signal a clear and coherent strategy. The goal is to protect and develop the young quarterback at all costs. Additionally, they aim to build a roster with high-upside talent.

Redefining “Success”

Success for the 2025 Titans cannot be measured solely by the final win-loss record. Given the depths from which they are climbing, success encompasses more than just numbers. The primary objective, above all else, is the tangible, week-over-week development of Cam Ward. Does he demonstrate command of the offense? Can he protect the football better than his predecessors? Does he show the flashes of “off-script magic” that made him the No. 1 pick? If the answer to these questions is yes by season’s end, the year will be deemed successful. This stands true regardless of the final record.

Secondary goals are equally important. Brian Callahan must establish a competitive and disciplined culture, a stark contrast to the turnover-plagued team of 2024. The front office must see positive returns on its “boom-or-bust” draft class. They need to identify which of the young, high-upside players are legitimate long-term cornerstones.

Power Rankings and Projections

External expectations are, understandably, low. Most preseason power rankings place the Titans near the bottom of the league, often in the 26-31 range. Analyst projections for their win total generally fall between three and seven games. The Vegas win total is set at 5.5. This consensus reflects the reality of a team starting a rookie quarterback and navigating a massive rebuild.

Final Prediction

While a playoff berth seems unrealistic, a repeat of last year’s three-win disaster feels equally unlikely. The team has massively invested in the offensive line. They also boast a dynamic running back duo in Pollard and Spears. Additionally, they have one of the league’s easiest schedules. These factors should provide a much higher floor for this team. Cam Ward’s talent will undoubtedly lead to moments of brilliance. However, the natural growing pains of a rookie quarterback will be challenging. There are significant questions on the defensive side of the ball. This is particularly true in the pass rush and secondary. These issues will cap the team’s ceiling for 2025.

This season is about laying the foundation. It’s about growth, development, and finding hope. A significant jump in competitiveness would mark a successful first step in this new era. It would clearly demonstrate that Ward is the long-term answer at quarterback.

Prediction: 6-11