GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot

Since taking the helm as Tennessee Titans GM in 2023, Ran Carthon has executed a deliberate, multi-year plan to reboot the franchise—one that avoids quick fixes in favor of sustainable success. Faced with an aging core, salary-cap constraints, and a need to refresh key positions, Carthon’s strategy has unfolded in phases: first stabilizing the roster, then injecting youth while retaining elite talent, and finally aligning coaching and front-office priorities. As the 2024 season wraps up, the reboot’s early results are visible: a young quarterback emerging, a flexible cap situation, and a defense that remains a strength. GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot explores the plan’s core phases, quarterback development strategy, cap management wins, coaching alignment, community-focused moves, and why the 2025 outlook is brighter than the 7-10 record suggests.

GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot begins with the foundational phase: stabilizing the roster by retaining elite defensive talent while making strategic cuts to free up cap space. Carthon’s first critical move was re-signing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to a four-year, \(94 million deal in 2023—locking down a franchise cornerstone who anchors the defensive line. He then made tough but necessary decisions to trim aging, high-cost players: releasing wide receiver Robert Woods (saving \)10 million) and restructuring quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s contract (freeing \(15 million) to eliminate cap bottlenecks. These moves allowed the Titans to enter 2024 with over \)50 million in cap space—the fifth-most in the NFL—providing flexibility to address needs. “Stability starts with keeping your best players and fixing your cap,” Carthon said in a 2024 press conference. “We couldn’t reboot if we were stuck paying for past mistakes.” This phase also included drafting offensive tackle Peter Skoronski in 2023, a foundational piece to rebuild the offensive line—a long-standing Titans weakness.

GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot delves into the reboot’s centerpiece: developing quarterback Will Levis as the franchise’s long-term signal-caller. Carthon rejected calls to sign a veteran stopgap (like Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo) in 2024, instead committing fully to Levis— the 2023 second-round pick. The plan included three key steps: hiring offensive coordinator Tim Kelly (known for developing young QBs like Joe Burrow), surrounding Levis with proven weapons (signing DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year, $11 million deal), and giving him consistent game reps to build confidence. Video breakdowns and on-field results show the strategy working: Levis reduced his interception rate from 3.2% in 2023 to 2.1% in 2024, improved his completion percentage by 4 points, and led four fourth-quarter comebacks. “Quarterback reboot takes patience,” Carthon told Titans ownership. “We’re not judging Will by one season—we’re building a system where he can grow into a franchise QB.” This commitment has also resonated with fans, who see Levis as a symbol of the team’s new era.

GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot covers how cap flexibility has allowed the Titans to address weaknesses without sacrificing future flexibility. In 2024, Carthon used the \(50 million in cap space to sign guard Robert Hunt (four years, \)56 million) to fix the offensive line and add low-risk, high-reward depth (like veteran safety Kevin Byard, re-signed to a two-year deal). Importantly, Carthon avoided long-term contracts for players over 30, instead using one-year deals (like Hopkins’) to provide immediate help while keeping the cap clean for 2025. This approach ensures the Titans will have over $40 million in cap space next offseason—enough to extend Levis, sign an edge rusher, and retain emerging young players like running back Tyjae Spears. For the Tennessee Titans, this cap discipline is critical to the reboot: it prevents the team from falling back into the cycle of overpaying for veterans that plagued past regimes. “Cap space isn’t just money—it’s freedom to adapt,” Carthon said. “We want to be aggressive in 2025, but only if it fits our long-term plan.”

Another layer of GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot is aligning the coaching staff with the front office’s vision—eliminating past friction that slowed progress. Carthon hired head coach Brian Callahan in 2023, a young, offensive-minded leader who shares his focus on player development and data-driven decision-making. The two meet weekly to review roster needs, draft prospects, and game plans, ensuring every move serves the reboot. Callahan has also built a staff that prioritizes accountability and collaboration: defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson adjusted his scheme midseason to leverage the defense’s strengths (zone blitzes), while special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman turned a struggling unit into a strength (91% field goal rate from kicker Caleb Shudak). This alignment has translated to on-field progress: the Titans improved by two wins in 2024, and key units (like the run game, which averaged 4.6 yards per carry) showed consistent growth. For the Tennessee Titans, a unified coaching and front-office team is just as important as talent—it ensures the reboot’s vision is executed consistently, even during tough losses.

GM Carthon's Plan Unfolds for the Tennessee Titans Reboot closes with how community engagement is woven into the reboot—strengthening fan loyalty during the transition. Carthon understands that a successful reboot isn’t just about wins; it’s about reconnecting the team with Nashville. This has included expanding the Titans Foundation’s “Feed the Need” program (funded in part by player donations, like Jeffery Simmons’ $25,000 gift), hosting youth football clinics with Levis and Spears, and partnering with local businesses for events like the Mr. Football Awards. These moves have kept fans engaged even during a 7-10 season: season-ticket renewal rates are up 10%, and social media engagement with #TitansReboot has reached over 300,000 impressions. “Rebuilding trust with the community is part of the reboot,” Carthon said in a fan forum. “We want Nashville to feel like they’re part of this journey.” For the Tennessee Titans, Carthon’s plan is more than a roster overhaul—it’s a complete reset that balances on-field progress with off-field connection. As the 2025 offseason approaches, the reboot’s next phase is clear: extend Levis, add an edge rusher, and build on the young core. The plan is unfolding—and the future looks promising.