Looking at the majority of the grading for the moves newly appointed Titans GM Mike Borgonzi has made in the offseason, including a C- from PFF, it appears that Tennesee has at best, been mediocre with their signings in free agency. However, without anyone realizing it, Tennesee created the structure of an offense that could potentially be explosive.
While it may be true that the Titans are lacking in offensive weapons, particularly in the Quarterback position, with some intelligent signings and draft picks, Brian Callahan may have something to work with next season.
How the Titans Are Quietly Rebuilding Their Offense in Free Agency
How The Titans Have Subtly Created A Top Offense
During his time as an assistant general manager to the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty, Borgonzi was referred to as the Chiefs, and Andy Reid’s secret weapon as they became one of the most successful franchises in the history of the sport.
One of the main reasons behind this success was the offensive line that the Titans GM played a pivotal role in building, including the likes of 3x Pro Bowler and 2x Super Bowl champion Creed Humphrey, and 2024 Pro Bowler Trey Smith, who recently signed a deal for 4 years worth $23 million per year.
With the Titans having to be selective in who they sign in this year’s Free Agency, the General Manager has already been working on improving this Tennesee side in the trenches in the lead-up to the Draft.
How Have The Titans Revamped Their Offensive Line?
Center: Lloyd Cushenberry III
Alongside the newest recruitments the Tennesee Titans made in free agency, they’ll also be bolstered next season with the return of Lloyd Cushenberry III, the young Center they spent significant money on in the 2024 offseason.
Cushenberry, who the Titans picked up from the Denver Broncos, on a four-year deal, suffered a season-ending injury in week 9 after registering a tear in his Achilles Tendon, before his injury, however. The Titans Center played every single offensive snap and registered a single fumble recovery.
The Titans offensive lineman was also widely regarded as one of the best centers in the league during his stint with the Broncos according to PFF, with a 99.1 pass-blocking efficiency rating, the second highest in the NFL at the time.
Right Guard: Kevin Zeitler
With one of the finest bargain pickups of free agency, Tenesse managed to land Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal worth 9$ Million.
As a veteran who made 16 appearances in the regular season for the Number One seeded Detriot Lions, the new Titans recruit had a career-best year with an 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking third overall out of all the guards in the division.
The Detroit Lions Guard also allowed a 5.1% pressure rate last season, the 5th lowest in the division.
Right Tackle: JC Latham
While the signing of Kevin Zeitler will most certainly improve the Titans on the right side of the line. One member of the Titans offensive line that struggled in the 2024 season was the rookie and first-round draft pick from Alabama, JC Latham.
Despite playing primarily as an RT in his college days, Latham played every snap of the 2024 season at LT. While allowing 7 sacks and 47 QB pressures across the 17-game season. With a 57.0 Run-Blocking Grade, a far cry from his college days, where he ranked 3rd in his position, with an 87.0.
JC Latham/Laiatu Latu 1-on-1s (both matchups). Ball was out pretty quick in W16 pic.twitter.com/4FaXm4lFOF
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) December 23, 2024
Following the pickup of Dan Moore Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Who can and is expected to take snaps as a Left Tackle for the Titans next season? JC Latham will most likely be shuffled back out to RT, where he can potentially showcase some of the talent he was regarded for during his college career.
Left Tackle: Dan Moore Jr.
In what was one of the more egregious moves of Free Agency. The Titans paid a premium price for former Steelers Left Tackle Dan Moore Jr, agreeing on a deal worth $82 Million, with $50 Million Guaranteed.
Moore was drafted in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2021. Starting 66 games in his entire career, 17 of which in 2024, all as a Left Tackle.
With the Titans, new addition allowing the most sacks as a tackle last season, dropping $50 Million in Guaranteed money is a huge gamble.
However, one of Dan Moore Jr’s best traits is his availability, which will be a huge boost to the Titans. And combined with Brian Callahan, who is an expert at developing Offensive Linemen, this huge gamble doesn’t look as devastating.
Left Guard: Peter Skoronski
With a drastic shift occurring on the Titans offensive line in the 2025 offseason. Peter Skoronski will be one of the only members left to retain their 2024 position.
Skoronski, who was in his Sophomore season, was the Titan’s starting Left Guard in the 2024 season. The Sophmore like most of that Titans side, had an average season. With a 60.3 PFF Grade, Skoronski was particularly effective with his Pass Blocking, with a 76.3 Grade.
Where Does Tennessee Need to Improve?
With this, almost completely revamped the Offensive Line. The Tennessee Titans are almost certainly in a much better place than they were last season. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed before this offense can contend for anything.
While the Titans undoubtedly have some top weapons in both Wide Reciever Calvin Ridley and Tight End Chig Okonkwo, one area that leaves a lot to be desired is the rest of the Reciever room.
Last season, Ridley carried the offense when it came to receptions, with 1,017 yards. The Titan’s receiver corps has a lot of space following the departures of both DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the season and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Tennessee has already made some strides toward solving this problem. Following the signing of Steelers Wide Reciever Van Jefferson on a 1-year deal with $2.5 Million. The former Steelers Reciever had 24 catches for 276 yards and 2 TDs last season.
A Quarterback to replace Will Levis is a priority for the Titans, who hold the first pick of the draft.
Whether it be Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or another veteran third option, Tennessee must bolster its supporting cast.
While Van Jefferson is undeniably an intelligent, low-risk move. Neither he nor Tyler Boyd have proven themselves as clear-cut Wide Reciever 2, which should be the second priority for Free Agency and the Draft.
The Titans have undeniably played their cards right so far. If they can nail down these final two offensive requirements, we may see a rebuilt and superior Tennessee offense in 2025.
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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