Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans’ 2025 offensive struggles—marked by Calvin Ridley’s season-ending injury, inconsistent quarterback play, and a run game that’s lost its dominance—have forced the franchise to prioritize a comprehensive overhaul. This isn’t a temporary fix; it’s a strategic reset aimed at building a balanced, resilient offense that can compete in the AFC South for years to come. General Manager Ran Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan have spent weeks analyzing film, consulting with advisors (including Peyton Manning), and mapping out changes to every phase of the offense. Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans explores the key components of this overhaul, from roster upgrades to schematic shifts, and how the Titans aim to turn their offensive woes into a foundation for future success.

Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans begins with the most urgent priority: rebuilding the wide receiver corps. Ridley’s absence exposed a critical lack of depth—Treylon Burks has shown flashes but struggles with drops, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a reliable slot receiver but not a No. 1 threat. The Titans plan to address this through both free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. In free agency, they’re targeting proven playmakers like Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins, who has 31 career touchdown catches and excels at winning contested balls—exactly the type of receiver Will Levis needs to stretch defenses. In the draft, they’ll focus on early-round prospects with speed and route-running precision, such as LSU’s Malik Nabers or Florida’s Ricky Pearsall, to complement Higgins and develop alongside Levis. “We can’t afford to enter next season with the same uncertainty at receiver,” Carthon said in a recent interview. “This position will be our top offseason priority, and we’ll invest the resources needed to get it right.”

Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans delves into refining Will Levis’ development—a cornerstone of the overhaul. After a promising start to his career, Levis has regressed in recent weeks, struggling with decision-making and accuracy without Ridley to draw defensive attention. Callahan, who built his reputation developing quarterbacks (including Joe Burrow in Cincinnati), has designed a personalized plan to help Levis grow. This includes increasing “mental reps” through extra film sessions, simplifying the playbook to reduce pre-snap chaos, and incorporating more “quick-read” passing concepts that play to Levis’ strength of making fast decisions. Manning has also weighed in, advising Levis to focus on “controlling the controllables”—like his footwork and post-snap vision—rather than trying to force plays. “Will has all the physical tools,” Callahan said. “Our job is to help him develop the consistency and confidence to lead this offense. The overhaul isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about putting our quarterback in position to succeed.”

Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans examines the critical need to upgrade the offensive line—a weakness that has undermined both the run and pass games. The Titans’ line has allowed 28 sacks this season (12th most in the NFL) and has struggled to create consistent holes for Derrick Henry, whose yards per carry have dropped from 5.2 to 3.8. The overhaul will focus on two key positions: left tackle and center. Left tackle Andre Dillard, who has allowed 7 sacks, will be replaced—either through free agency (targets include Tampa Bay’s Donovan Smith) or the draft (prospects like Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr.). At center, the Titans plan to re-sign Nate Davis, a pending free agent who has been their most reliable interior lineman, and draft a developmental prospect to back him up. “A strong offensive line is non-negotiable for us,” said offensive line coach Keith Carter. “If we can protect Will and open holes for Derrick, everything else in the offense becomes easier.” For the Tennessee Titans, this line upgrade isn’t just about fixing a current problem—it’s about ensuring the offense’s other pieces (new receivers, Levis’ development) can thrive.

Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans explores rebalancing the run-pass dynamic to reduce overreliance on Derrick Henry. For years, the Titans’ offense has revolved around Henry’s power running, but this predictability has made them easy to defend—especially without a deep passing threat. The overhaul will shift to a more balanced approach, aiming for a 55-45 run-pass split (up from this season’s 60-40 split). This means using Henry in more creative ways: as a receiving threat out of the backfield (he has just 28 catches this season), in two-back formations with Tyjae Spears, and in short-yardage packages where his strength is most valuable. Spears, a second-year back with 6.1 yards per carry, will see increased snaps as a “change-of-pace” option, using his speed to exploit defenses tired of stopping Henry. “Derrick is still a elite running back, but we need to use him smarter,” Callahan said. “By balancing the run and pass, we keep defenses guessing and make the offense harder to game-plan for.” For the Tennessee Titans, this shift will not only revitalize the run game but also open up opportunities for the new wide receivers to make plays downfield.

Offensive Overhaul Planned Amid Challenges for the Tennessee Titans wraps up with aligning the overhaul with long-term roster sustainability. The Titans aren’t just focused on 2026—they want to build an offense that can compete for half a decade. This means avoiding short-term, high-priced free agents who might block young talent, and instead investing in draft picks who can grow with Levis. It also means extending core players who fit the new scheme: tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo (a pending free agent) will be re-signed to a multi-year deal, as his ability to block and catch makes him a perfect fit for the balanced offense. Additionally, the Titans will use the salary cap space freed by restructuring Henry’s contract to sign depth players at receiver and offensive line, ensuring they’re not derailed by injuries like they were in 2025. “This overhaul is about more than winning next season,” Carthon said. “It’s about building a culture of consistency and excellence on offense. We’ve learned from our mistakes this year, and we’re going to come back stronger.” For the Tennessee Titans, the planned offensive overhaul is a chance to turn adversity into opportunity—to emerge from a challenging season with a clearer identity, better talent, and a path back to the playoffs.