The Tennessee Titans will kick off their first of three consecutive divisional contests to conclude their 2024 season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 16. The hapless 3-11 Titans have precious little to play for. Head coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon are searching for long-term solutions. That should offer various ascending talents extended opportunities to play meaningful snaps.
We've identified three Titans who need to thrive versus the Colts, whether to salvage their jobs heading into next season, or to convince Callahan and Carthon that they're capable of playing a bigger role in 2025.
James Williams, LB
The Titans are dealing with various injuries at the linebacker position. They were without the services of Kenneth Murray, Jerome Baker, and Otis Reese IV in Sunday's lopsided defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. Midway through that game, veteran off-ball linebacker Luke Gifford also exited with an injury after intercepting Joe Burrow in the first quarter.
That setback left the Titans shorthanded on defense, promoting defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to insert seventh-round rookie James Williams in the lineup. The former Miami Hurricanes standout ended up playing a healthy 43 snaps, accounting for 62% of Tennessee's defensive plays, according to The Football Guys. Williams held his own, recording eight tackles, though he did forfeit four receptions and a touchdown in coverage.
With the Titans facing so much uncertainty at linebacker heading into the offseason, Williams has an opportunity to earn a bigger role in 2025.
Harold Landry III, EDGE
Harold Landry III just hasn't been consistent enough in recent weeks. Despite recording a sack for a second consecutive game, he's largely been a part of a lackluster Titans pass rush that hasn't applied enough pressure on quarterbacks. Burrow threw a TD in which he held onto the football for nine-plus seconds, a literal eternity in an NFL pocket.
Landry has accumulated just seven QB pressures in Tennessee's most recent five contests, according to Pro Football Focus. The Titans could make Landry a cap casualty this offseason and create significant financial savings towards the 2025 cap. The longest-tenured Titan needs to start proving why he deserves to stick around Nashville for another season.
Tyjae Spears, RB
Running back Tyjae Spears had a season-best showing versus the Bengals in Week 15. The former Tulane standout scored two touchdowns. He especially contributed in the passing game, recording six receptions on seven targets for 87 yards.
Starter Tony Pollard has been playing through a nagging injury. Pollard deserves rest and relaxation with Spears taking up a larger role down the stretch of the 2024 campaign. Spears will remain on an affordable rookie contract next season, making him a building-block for Callahan's offense.