Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild

In the NFL, rebuilds are rarely linear—they require patience, strategic risk-taking, and a clear vision to turn short-term pain into long-term success. For the Tennessee Titans, who entered a rebuild after the 2023-2024 seasons (marked by missed playoffs and the departure of franchise icons like Derrick Henry), the long-term goal isn’t just to return to contention, but to build a sustainable winner: a team that can compete for AFC South titles year after year, contend for Super Bowls, and maintain its identity as a tough, resilient franchise. This vision isn’t about quick fixes (like overpaying for aging free agents) but about foundational choices: drafting and developing a franchise quarterback, building a dominant offensive line, revamping the defense to match modern NFL offenses, and fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent. Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild is a roadmap of these choices, outlining how the Titans plan to honor their past while building a future that excites fans and stands the test of time.

Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild gains its first pillar with the prioritization of drafting and developing a franchise quarterback—a cornerstone of any successful NFL rebuild. The Titans’ selection of Will Levis with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was the first step in this process, but the vision extends far beyond his rookie contract. The plan includes a “quarterback development pipeline”: pairing Levis with a veteran backup (like C.J. Beathard) to provide mentorship, investing in a dedicated quarterbacks coach to refine his mechanics and decision-making, and designing an offense that plays to his strengths (strong arm, mobility, and ability to read defenses). The Titans aren’t rushing Levis to “win now”; instead, they’re giving him time to grow—even if that means short-term losses—while surrounding him with complementary talent (like rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks and versatile tight ends) to ease his transition. This patient approach mirrors that of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs (who developed Patrick Mahomes behind Alex Smith) and the Cincinnati Bengals (who stuck with Joe Burrow through early struggles). The goal is clear: by Year 3 of Levis’ career, he should emerge as a top-15 NFL quarterback, capable of leading the Titans in high-pressure moments and serving as the face of the franchise for a decade or more.

A second critical component of Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild is building a “young, physical roster” that aligns with the Titans’ historic identity while adapting to the modern NFL. This means shifting from a run-heavy, veteran-reliant model (the Derrick Henry era) to a balanced, youth-focused approach: drafting players 21-24 years old who have room to develop, prioritizing positions of longevity (offensive line, defensive line, secondary) over short-career roles (running back, wide receiver), and using free agency sparingly—only to fill gaps with “prove-it” contracts for players under 28. For example, the Titans’ 2025 draft class focused on offensive line depth (selecting tackle Marcus Williams from Georgia and guard Tyler Moore from Alabama) and defensive playmakers (edge rusher Elijah Moore from Michigan and safety Jalen Carter from Alabama)—all players with high upside and the physicality to fit the Titans’ style. The vision also includes a “position-by-position” rebuild timeline: Year 1 (2024) focused on quarterback and offensive line; Year 2 (2025) on defense and wide receivers; Year 3 (2026) on special teams and depth. This phased approach ensures the Titans don’t neglect any unit, avoiding the “boom-or-bust” cycles that have derailed other rebuilds.

Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild is particularly defined by the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to retaining their defensive identity—tough, physical, and capable of stopping both the run and pass—while modernizing to counter the NFL’s pass-heavy offenses. The Titans’ defense has long been a source of pride (from the 1999 Super Bowl unit to the 2020 top-10 run defense), but recent years have exposed gaps: a lack of consistent pass rush, inconsistent coverage in the secondary, and aging playmakers. The long-term fix includes two key steps: first, drafting edge rushers and defensive tackles who can generate pressure without blitzing (to keep the secondary intact), and second, developing a “hybrid secondary” that uses nickel and dime packages to match up with spread offenses. The Tennessee Titans’ 2025 signing of defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson (known for his work with young pass rushers) is a key part of this vision—Wilson’s scheme emphasizes versatility, allowing defensive linemen to shift between tackle and end, and cornerbacks to play both man and zone coverage. By Year 4 of the rebuild, the Titans aim to have a defense that ranks top-10 in both sacks and points allowed, a unit that can shut down opponents in crunch time and become a “win-now” asset once the offense matures. For the Tennessee Titans, this defensive vision isn’t just about stats—it’s about preserving the “Titans Tough” culture that fans have cherished for decades.

Another vital layer of Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild is the Tennessee Titans’ focus on fan engagement and community connection—ensuring the rebuild doesn’t alienate the loyal fanbase that has supported the team through ups and downs. The vision includes “transparency initiatives”: regular updates from general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel on the rebuild’s progress (via social media, fan forums, and in-person town halls), opportunities for fans to vote on minor team decisions (like alternate jersey designs or pre-game entertainment), and increased access to training camp and practice sessions. For example, in 2025, the Titans launched a “Fan Advisory Board”—a group of 20 season-ticket holders who meet quarterly with team executives to share feedback on everything from game-day experiences to roster moves. The team has also expanded its community outreach during the rebuild, using players like Levis and Burks to host youth football camps and charity events in Nashville and smaller Tennessee cities (like Memphis and Knoxville). This engagement strategy serves two purposes: it keeps fans invested during lean seasons, and it reminds players of the community they represent—reinforcing the Titans’ identity as a “team for Tennessee.” For the Tennessee Titans, a successful rebuild isn’t just about wins; it’s about keeping the fanbase connected and proud of the team, even when the scoreboard doesn’t go their way.

Finally, Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild culminates in a “sustainability plan” that avoids the pitfalls of short-sighted rebuilds: overspending on free agents, neglecting the draft, or abandoning the team’s identity. The Titans’ front office has outlined clear benchmarks for success: by 2027 (Year 4 of the rebuild), the team should have a winning record (9+ wins) and compete for an AFC South title; by 2028, they should be a consistent playoff team; by 2030, they should be in contention for a Super Bowl. To achieve this, the plan includes strict salary cap management (keeping 10% of the cap available for mid-season signings or extensions), a focus on re-signing homegrown talent (to avoid losing drafted players to free agency), and a “coaching continuity” clause (ensuring Vrabel and his staff have at least five years to execute the vision, barring extreme underperformance). The Tennessee Titans’ ownership (led by Amy Adams Strunk) has publicly committed to this plan, emphasizing that patience will be rewarded. Long-Term Visions for Tennessee Titans Rebuild isn’t just a document—it’s a promise: to the fans, to the players, and to the state of Tennessee. It’s a promise to build a team that doesn’t just win games, but honors the franchise’s legacy and creates new memories for generations to come. In the end, the Titans’ rebuild is about more than football—it’s about building a winner that Tennessee can be proud of, today and tomorrow.

Performance Bonuses in Tennessee Titans Contracts