The Tennessee Titans are in the process of hiring a new general manager after firing Ran Carthon last week. The team has identified six finalists, and could name a new GM by the weekend. Even though the appointed executive will be answering to president of football operations Chad Brinker, together, they'll be tasked with acquiring elite talent at premium positions this offseason.
The Titans endured an incredibly disappointing 3-14 season in 2024, largely because they lacked the NFL talent required to compete weekly. They entrusted various players who failed to meet expectations. We've identified three of those in particular, highlighting why a better offseason is so important to this team's 2025 chances.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT
The Titans largely neglected last offseason's pressing need at right tackle, because they wanted to give a few in-house options a chance to develop. That proved to be a disaster that hamstrung the offense all season long. Third-year right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere failed to seize his opportunity.
Petit-Frere was routinely benched for underperforming. The former Ohio State blocker was blamed for allowing 10 sacks and 41 pressures, bottom 10 results in both categories despite a lack of consistent play time. Petit-Frere won't be a returning starter in 2025, and he could enter training camp on the roster bubble.
Will Levis, QB
No player was more disappointing than sophomore quarterback Will Levis. The Titans based the entire offseason, including the hiring of head coach Brian Callahan, around Levis' development. It blew up in their faces, leading to them earning the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Levis was eventually benched for Mason Rudolph before sharing the offense with him in Week 18's final embarrassment. Tennessee's next decision makers, paired with Callahan, aren't going to be tying their 2025 fate to Levis. The Titans will have a new starting quarterback next season.
Treylon Burks, WR
The Titans were hesitant to trust Treylon Burks to stay healthy and productive. They made him the No. 4 receiver on their depth chart by acquiring Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in the offseason. Finding himself in a top-three role to begin the season due to a DeAndre Hopkins injury, Burks failed to shed the first-round bust status he's been tagged with.
Burks hauled in just four-of-eight receiving targets before suffering a midseason knee injury. He eventually underwent a season-ending injury for ACL damage. Burks is another draftee bust who isn't guaranteed to make the 2025 roster.