Tennessee Titans News

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said at Wednesday's practice that the deep-ball relationship with quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver Calvin Ridley has not been great so far. "We've missed a few. Hope deep-ball relationship improves as training camp goes on," Callahan noted. Ridley is still getting acquainted with his new quarterback during his first year in Tennessee, and Levis is going to want to form a rapport with his new wideout sooner rather than later in the absence of veteran DeAndre Hopkins (knee). The big-armed Levis is still something of a question mark entering Year 2, but he did lead the league with 10.4 air yards per attempt over 255 pass attempts in his rookie season in 2023. There's plenty of upside here as well for Ridley, who drew a substantial 28 deep targets with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, but this connection is clearly a work in progress at the moment.

Tennessee Titans right guard Saahdiq Charles is set to retire. The 25-year-old appeared to be in the driver's seat to secure the Titans' starting right guard position. Charles was signed by the Titans in March after spending his first four seasons with the Washington Commanders. Charles has had trouble staying healthy during his career. He only played in 35 games over his first four seasons. However, he did bring 18 games of starting experience to the Titans. With the 30th PFF-ranked offensive line in the NFL, the Titans need all the help they can get up front. Fourth-year player Dillon Radunz is now listed as the Titans' starting right guard. The Titans need a solid performance from their offensive line in 2024 to give second-year quarterback Will Levis a chance to succeed. The Titans have several fantasy-relevant players including Levis, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and Tyjae Spears who could all be negatively impacted if this line is unable to hold up.

The Tennessee Titans listed an offense with a two-tight end set on their depth chart last year. This year, they listed one tight end in the starting lineup on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, and it's split between Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle. Fantasy managers should never read too much into unofficial depth charts, especially this early in the preseason, but it's not a great sign for Okonkwo. Tennessee's offense is expected to be more pass-happy under new head coach Brian Callahan, but the 24-year-old Okonkwo will have plenty of competition for targets after the team added wideouts Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in the offseason. The former fourth-round selection in 2022 out of Maryland caught 54 passes for 528 yards and only one touchdown in 17 games in 2023 in his second year in the league. For now, he's merely a low-end TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues.

The Tennessee Titans have running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears listed as co-starters at the position on their first unofficial depth chart of training camp that was released on Monday. We always caution fantasy managers not to read too much into unofficial depth charts in the preseason, but this doesn't come as a surprise after head coach Brian Callahan said that Pollard and Spears are basically interchangeable in the team's 2024 backfield. Tennessee doesn't have a clear-cut starter at RB heading into their first preseason game, and it could be a pretty near-even timeshare. The 27-year-old Pollard does have a three-down skill set, but he averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per carry as Dallas' RB1 last year in his first opportunity as a true lead back. Pollard should be viewed as the team's lead back for fantasy purposes and is worth drafting as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3, while Spears has RB3 utility in point-per-reception leagues.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph has looked very comfortable and has been remarkably accurate as he battles Malik Willis for the No. 2 QB role behind Will Levis in training camp this summer. Willis has improved and looks more comfortable than he's ever been, but Rudolph hasn't left a crack in the door for Willis to pass him. As of right now, Rudolph looks poised to win the backup role in Tennessee. Unofficially, Rudolph has an 84.2% completion rate during camp practices with just one interception. In his NFL career in 21 games (13 starts) with the Steelers from 2018-2023, Rudolph has completed 291 of 458 passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 29-year-old signal-caller was mostly just a game manager when forced into a starting role in Pittsburgh, although he could have more upside in what is expected to become a pass-happy offense in Tennessee if Levis misses time with injury in 2024.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, free agent safety Quandre Diggs agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Titans. He's also eligible to earn up to $2 million in incentives based on performance and time on the field. The Seahawks cut the 31-year-old in March after suiting up for the team since 2019. He was productive in Seattle, totaling 18 interceptions while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl three times. With that said, Diggs will compete for the right to start. However, he won't see attention from IDP managers even if he earns a spot in the starting lineup.

Tennessee Titans veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) will be sidelined for "several weeks" due to a knee injury, as confirmed by coach Brian Callahan on Saturday morning. Callahan mentioned that there's no precise timetable for Hopkins's return and that the injury did not require surgery. If the recovery progresses on the shorter end, Hopkins could return just before the season opener. Conversely, if the timeline extends, he might return in time for the Week 2 game against the New York Jets on September 15th or later. Last season, Hopkins led Titans receivers with 75 catches, 1,057 yards, and seven touchdowns and was particularly effective with Will Levis as his quarterback. With the additions of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks, the Titans have ample receiving depth to manage while Hopkins is out. Ridley is expected to see a significant increase in targets and should see a boost in his fantasy value. Boyd and Burks will also see more opportunities but will likely remain bench options unless Hopkins's injury proves more serious. The injury also diminishes Will Levis's sleeper potential, making him relevant mainly in two-quarterback or flex leagues.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks is going to see increased reps over the next month or so. The Titans took a significant hit this week with star wideout DeAndre Hopkins (knee) going down for four-to-six weeks. It's next man up in Tennessee, which means Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd move into the No. 1 and No. 2 roles. It also means that Burks gets to play first-team reps for at least a month. Burks is coming off two underwhelming campaigns in Tennessee. Through two seasons, Burks has recorded 49 receptions, 665 receiving yards, and one touchdown in 22 games. The loss of Hopkins does give Burks increased looks, but that doesn't mean much for his fantasy value. The expectation is that Hopkins is back by Week 1 or Week 2 of the regular season. The absence of Hopkins isn't going to raise the draft stock of Burks by too much.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is in danger of missing the beginning of the regular season. The veteran wideout suffered a knee strain during Tuesday's practice. Hopkins was reportedly wearing a wrap on his knee during Thursday's practice session. The organization believes that Hopkins could miss four to six weeks of action because of this injury. Hopkins could potentially be unavailable for the Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. When healthy, Hopkins should be considered a high-end WR2 for fantasy purposes. The knee injury is a concern, but it shouldn't drop him too far on draft boards.

Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key is facing a six-game suspension to begin the 2024 season for violating the rules against performance-enhancing drugs. It will be a big blow for the Titans defense to begin the year, as Key was in line to be the team's second starting edge rusher, working opposite Harold Landry, with Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat in between them. Key will be allowed to continue practicing with the team in training camp. Options behind Landry and Key as pass-rushers for Tennessee include Shane Ray, Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy, Thomas Rush and undrafted rookie Khalid Duke. Key has recorded 20 sacks in his six NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Titans.

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan reported that quarterback Will Levis has been "really impressive" through their first two days of camp. "I think his hard work this offseason and over the summer has really paid off. He's incredibly confident right now. And he's earned that confidence. ... He's dialed in. He has studied." Levis has a big arm and isn't afraid to use it. He's also mobile enough to extend plays, and it's nice to hear a coach speak highly of a player so early on in camp. Whether it is coach-speak or not still stands to be determined. However, the second-year quarterback garners an underrated arsenal of weapons with a returning DeAndre Hopkins and Chigoziem Okonkwo, as well as newly acquired Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. He has the potential to be a pleasant surprise this year if he takes even just a slight step forward. The University of Kentucky product presents sleeper appeal in superflex and best-ball formats as a QB2 with upside.

Amidst some talk about a trade and/or a contract extension, Tennessee Titans veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins sounds like he wants to stay with the Titans in 2024 and beyond. "I take it day by day. I love Tennessee. I love what Miss Amy's doing. This is the happiest I've been with any organization. I'll let that speak for itself," Hopkins said. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro wideout recorded the seventh 1,000-yard season of his career in 2023 in his first year in Tennessee and also recorded seven touchdowns in 17 games. The 32-year-old veteran wasn't as productive deep down the field for the Titans last year, though, and the addition of wideout Calvin Ridley is going to take valuable aerial targets away. This should be a pass-happy offense under new head coach Brian Callahan, but Hopkins' fantasy stock is down entering 2024, and managers should consider him as more of a WR3/4.

Tennessee Titans running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard appear poised to split reps in 2024. While discussing a potential starter at running back, new head coach Brian Callahan indicated that both players could be interchangeable and may even share the field simultaneously. It affirms what many of us suspected heading into training camp, which is that this backfield will likely be roughly a 50/50 split. Both players have similar skill sets and are electric to watch when they get hot. Their speed will be a necessity given that the Titans enter the season with the 30th-ranked offensive line, according to PFF. Both players will leech each other's fantasy value in 2024. If second-year quarterback Will Levis can take a solid step forward, the dump-off opportunities could be there for both players if the running lanes are clogged. Each player is drafted outside the top-24 running backs in fantasy drafts, which is in line with RotoBaller's running back rankings that have Pollard as the RB25 while Spears is RB30.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips kicked off his NFL career in 2022 by leading the team in targets (nine) in his debut. However, he has since been either injured or unproductive. Overall, he's hauled in just 23 of his 35 targets for 259 yards in 13 career games. After the additions of wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and sixth-round rookie Jha'Quan Jackson this offseason, Philips finds himself on the roster bubble, according to John Glennon of the Nashville Post. "Philips will head into training camp battling for a roster spot," Glennon wrote. "The 2022 fifth-round pick has to show the quick-separation ability that initially drew the Titans to him, and he'll have to earn his way into opportunities to return punts once again. Rookie Jha'Quan Jackson, a faster slot receiver with return abilities, will provide stiff competition." Whether Philips makes the roster or not, it would be surprising if he makes a fantasy football impact in 2024.

Veteran free-agent safety Jamal Adams is signing with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The three-time Pro Bowler was released by the Seattle Seahawks this offseason after he played in just 10 games over the last two years. Adams, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets out of LSU, has racked up 494 tackles, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, 36 pass deflections, and 40.5 run stuffs through his first 80 games. When healthy, Adams is an aggressive and violent tackler who often makes plays near the line of scrimmage. He could get run at safety alongside Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden and mix into the linebacker rotation with Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is entering the second year of a two-year, $26 million deal that he made look like a bargain after bouncing back in 2023. In the spring, Hopkins removed pictures and affiliations featuring team logos from his social-media accounts, but he was around and joined quarterback Will Levis and other receivers on a trip to work and have fun this offseason. It remains to be seen if the Titans will try to extend Hopkins before the start of the 2024 season. It's not an easy decision for a 32-year-old wideout. If the Titans don't give him an extension, they could lose Hopkins just as he and Levis and this Brian Callahan offense starts to click. The Titans should throw more this year, but Hopkins' age, Levis' inexperience and the addition of Calvin Ridley are all reasons to doubt whether he can have another productive season in 2024.

Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent cornerback Gabe Jeudy-Lally took full advantage of available repetitions during organized team activities and minicamp this offseason due to veterans Chidobe Awuzie and L'Jarius Sneed having limited participation. Jeudy-Lally said his length and comfort in press coverage gave him confidence to play in defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's aggressive scheme. "If I get up there and give myself the opportunity to win by getting my hands on guys and being in good position, it allows me to use my length to my ability, and everything falls into play from there," Jeudy-Lally said. He held his own in coverage against both receivers Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins, so he could be a defensive back to watch in training camp this summer for the Titans.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is likely headed toward a make-or-break season in 2024. The Kentucky product was not a first-round pick, and head coach Brian Callahan was not a part of the staff when he was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. So far, the soon-to-be 25-year-old has made improvements this offseason. "Levis changed things with his base, tweaking his footwork. He's trying to get the ball out better, and cleaner, with improved technique," Titans beat reporter Jim Wyatt wrote. "He's getting on the same page with his new receivers. In the six practices open to media, Levis was charted at completing 37 of his 57 attempts (64.9%) in 7-on-7 periods. He had some good days this offseason and others that served more as learning experiences." Levis should have an improved offensive line in Year 2 after the team drafted Alabama tackle JC Latham with the No. 7 overall pick and signed former Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry III. He'll also have Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to throw to along with DeAndre Hopkins, so the organization is trying to put the pieces together for him to be successful.

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo is excited about the way his body is feeling and the direction of the team heading into the 2024 regular season this fall. "I feel like I maximized the potential I had in my body, and if I wanted to get better, I had to change the structure of how I move and stuff," Okonkwo said. "(I feel) a big difference, even the way I feel, my body. I feel a lot better when I move. After a long day of moving, I don't feel as sore." The fourth-rounder in 2022 caught 54 passes for 528 yards and a touchdown in 17 games (11 starts) in his second year in 2023. He had three TDs and more average yards per catch in his rookie campaign. The 24-year-old's stock is trending up, but in an offense that now includes receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, in addition to DeAndre Hopkins, it's hard to envision Okonkwo ascending to the ranks of surefire TE1 in fantasy.

The Tennessee Titans signed offensive tackle Geron Christian on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. The 2018 third-round pick has played in 58 NFL games (25 starts) in his time with the Washington Redskins/Football Team, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns. He started nine contests for the Cleveland Browns last year, where current Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan was in 2023. Tennessee's left tackle spot will be occupied by first-round rookie J.C. Latham, but Christian could compete with Dillon Radunz and Nicholas Petit-Frere for starting snaps at right tackle.