Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon watches players warm up before the game against the New England Patriots at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports/File photo
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the Tennessee Titans return to familiar ground. They were on the verge of postseason contention, but eventually fell short with a 6-11 record. As the Titans enter the 2024 offseason, they must consider strategic moves to bolster their roster and clinch a postseason spot. In this article, we look at two prospective trade targets that might propel the Titans to new heights of success.
Following a disappointing 2023 season, the Titans face significant roster deficiencies. Mike Vrabel’s recent departure highlights the team’s determination to turn around its woes. Brian Callahan, the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, is currently the team’s head coach. Tennessee had its worst performance since 2015, winning only six games in 2023. This triggered a detailed review of personnel and methods. Sure, the 2024 NFL Draft presents opportunity to replenish talent. However, keeping significant contributors is critical to the AFC South’s long-term competitiveness. Yes, some free agents may depart owing to poor performance. Nonetheless, certain players have demonstrated their importance to the franchise’s long-term goals.
Offseason Considerations:
The Titans confront a key offseason filled with activity. The Titans have the second-largest cap space, trailing only the Washington Commanders, giving them significant financial flexibility. They bring approximately $80 million in cap space to help upgrade their roster through free agency and trades. This financial power is bolstered with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and an early second-round pick. These give Tennessee GM Ran Carthon plenty of resources to work with as he navigates the offseason landscape.
The Titans’ key needs coincide with premium positions critical to team success. This points to a probable full-scale rebuild. Prioritizing trade-down opportunities in the draft is particularly critical, considering the Titans’ limited presence in the top 100 picks. Right now, they only have the 7th and 38th picks for 2024.
Here, we’ll look at the two top players the Tennessee Titans should trade for in the 2024 NFL offseason.
Garrett Bolles, OL.
The Tennessee Titans must address serious offensive line difficulties in order to offer quarterback Will Levis with the best possible support for his expected progress in 2024. In some mock drafts, the Titans are projected to select JC Latham with the seventh pick. However, the Titans could try to coordinate a trade for a seasoned veteran to fill this void.
That’s where Garrett Bolles of the Denver Broncos comes in. He is entering the final year of his deal, which makes him an appealing option for Tennessee. The Broncos are also dealing with a potentially complicated cap situation pending the condition of quarterback Russell Wilson. They may save $16 million by swapping Bolles. The Titans, who are financially well-equipped, might swallow Bolles’ salary.
Tennessee may consider trading draft picks for Bolles and possibly getting extra selections from the Broncos. Such a transaction would provide major benefits to the Titans. It might result in an additional top-100 pick while addressing their offensive line needs. This strategic move provides the Titans options in the draft. It may allow them to pursue a strategy similar to Latham’s or investigate options that require further research.
For the Broncos, this gives an opportunity to potentially trade for a quarterback at a lower cost than other teams. Given the Titans’ diverse needs, focusing primarily on one candidate is not feasible. While they have a great prospect at No. 12, adding another pick could boost their draft possibilities.
Trade for the 2024 No. 1 NFL Draft pick.
The Chicago Bears currently hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. However, a dynamic environment may entice the Titans to collaborate. If negotiations between Chicago and Tennessee are successful, the Bears may acquire the Titans’ seventh overall pick, future draft picks, and either DT Jeffery Simmons or WR DeAndre Hopkins.
The Bears might find such an offer too good to pass up. It would add another standout player to their roster while also accumulating future draft assets to go with their current first-round picks. The Titans must decide whether to split ways with Simmons or Hopkins.
General Manager Ran Carthon’s quick move to secure Simmons’ extension emphasizes his importance. Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins’ fit with the team remains uncertain. The roster makeup raises questions about Hopkins’ suitability for the team’s future. While the 31-year-old has demonstrated his abilities as a top receiving option this season, his long-term compatibility with the Titans’ future is unknown.
Furthermore, while Will Levis shows promise as Tannehill’s prospective successor, the Titans’ willingness to engage in rookie quarterback discussions remains unknown. A draft pick bonanza may be the Titans’ best-case scenario, unless wide receiver Treylon Burks’ standing in the Titans’ plans changes.
Looking ahead.
The Tennessee Titans are at a crossroads, with important decisions to make about their roster composition. The Titans’ probable signing of Garrett Bolles, as well as the study of trade alternatives with the Chicago Bears, demonstrate the team’s dedication to strengthening its lineup for future difficulties. With plenty of cap space, draft assets, and a clear vision under Ran Carthon’s leadership, the Titans have the tools to make substantial changes. They could establish themselves as strong contenders in the AFC. The offseason activities mentioned above provide an insight into the Titans’ strategic goals as they embark on their search for sustainable success in the NFL landscape.
