Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans’ decision to move forward without Calvin Ridley—who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and faces uncertainty about his 2026 return—marks the beginning of a critical offensive rebuild. For years, the Titans relied on Ridley as their primary deep threat and Will Levis’ most trusted target, but his absence has exposed longstanding gaps: a thin wide receiver corps, an overreliance on Derrick Henry’s running game, and a schematic rigidity that limits adaptability. Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans explores the foundational steps the Titans must take to rebuild an offense that’s competitive beyond the current season—from restocking the receiver room to redefining the team’s offensive identity.

Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans begins with addressing the most pressing need: restocking the wide receiver position. The Titans’ current group—led by Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine—lacks the depth and playmaking ability to replace Ridley’s production long-term. Burks, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of potential but struggles with consistency (he’s dropped 7 passes this season), while Westbrook-Ikhine is a reliable slot receiver but not a No. 1 threat. To fix this, the Titans must prioritize wide receivers in both free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. In free agency, targets like Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) or Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) would provide an immediate No. 1 option, while the draft offers young talent like LSU’s Malik Nabers or USC’s Zachariah Branch—prospects with the speed and route-running precision to stretch defenses. “We can’t afford to patch this position with stopgaps,” said a Titans front-office source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We need to invest in a long-term solution who can grow with Levis.”

Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans delves into redefining the offense’s schematic identity—moving beyond a “Henry-first” approach to a more balanced system that maximizes Levis’ strengths. For years, the Titans’ offense has revolved around Henry’s power running, but this overreliance has made them predictable, especially without a deep passing threat to keep defenses honest. The rebuild should focus on a “dual-threat” scheme that blends Henry’s rushing with a more dynamic passing game tailored to Levis’ skills: his ability to make quick reads, throw on the move, and connect on intermediate routes. This means incorporating more play-action passes (to leverage Henry’s threat) and designing “spread formations” that force defenses to cover multiple receivers, creating mismatches for tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo and slot receivers. “Levis isn’t a quarterback who needs to throw 40 times a game, but he needs more opportunities to make plays,” said former NFL offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, who has analyzed the Titans’ offense for ESPN. “The rebuild should let him operate in a system that plays to his strengths, not just Henry’s.”

Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans examines the need to strengthen the offensive line—a critical component often overlooked in rebuilds. The Titans’ line has struggled to protect Levis this season (he’s been sacked 28 times) and has inconsistent run-blocking, which limits Henry’s effectiveness. To fix this, the Titans should target upgrades at left tackle and center in the draft. Left tackle is a priority: current starter Andre Dillard has allowed 7 sacks this season, the most among AFC tackles. A prospect like Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. would provide a long-term solution at the position, while a center like Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran would stabilize the interior line. Additionally, the Titans should re-sign right guard Nate Davis, a pending free agent who has been their most consistent lineman. “A strong offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense,” said Titans offensive line coach Keith Carter. “If we can protect Levis and open holes for Henry, everything else falls into place.” For the Tennessee Titans, investing in the offensive line isn’t just about fixing a current weakness—it’s about ensuring the rebuild’s other pieces (new receivers, a balanced scheme) can thrive.

Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans explores developing young playmakers to complement established stars. Beyond the wide receiver and offensive line positions, the Titans have young talent that could play key roles in the rebuild—if given consistent opportunities. Backup running back Tyjae Spears, a second-year player, has averaged 6.2 yards per carry this season and excels at catching passes out of the backfield, making him a perfect complement to Henry. The Titans should increase his snap count, using him in “change-of-pace” packages and as a receiving threat to keep defenses off balance. Rookie tight end Josh Whyle, a fifth-round pick, also shows promise—he’s a strong blocker and has reliable hands, making him a potential backup to Okonkwo. By developing these young players, the Titans can build depth and avoid overspending in free agency. “Youth is a valuable asset in a rebuild,” said Titans GM Ran Carthon. “We have guys on our roster who can contribute—we just need to give them the chance to grow.” For the Tennessee Titans, nurturing internal talent is a cost-effective way to build a sustainable offense, ensuring they’re not reliant on one or two stars.

Offensive Rebuild Starts Without Ridley for the Tennessee Titans wraps up with aligning the rebuild with the team’s long-term timeline—balancing immediate competitiveness with future success. The Titans don’t need to tear down their offense entirely; they have core pieces to build around: Henry (still one of the league’s top running backs), Okonkwo (a rising tight end), and Levis (a young quarterback with upside). The rebuild should focus on filling gaps around these players, not replacing them. This means avoiding short-term fixes that hurt future cap flexibility and instead making strategic investments (draft picks, multi-year contracts for key free agents) that pay off in 2026 and beyond. It also means setting realistic expectations: the rebuild won’t happen overnight, but steady progress—like improving the passing game’s efficiency or reducing sacks—will signal success. “We’re not starting from scratch,” Carthon said in a recent press conference. “We have a foundation. Now we need to build on it with players and schemes that let us compete for division titles year after year.” For the Tennessee Titans, the offensive rebuild without Ridley is an opportunity to create a more balanced, resilient offense—one that doesn’t rely on a single player, but instead leverages the strengths of its entire roster. By focusing on talent acquisition, schematic adaptation, and youth development, the Titans can turn a setback into a chance to build something sustainable.