CBS Sports explains why Titans could be "surprise contender" in 2024

There's been a lot of talk about the AFC South this offseason. The Texans are the division's darlings heading into 2024, which is probably fair game considering the whole "division title" and "Rookie of the Year quarterback" from last season.

There's also the Colts, who brought back like, every free agent they possibly could and gave 2nd year QB Anthony Richardson – who's way ahead of schedule on his shoulder rehab, apparently – a few interesting wide receivers in the draft. And the Jaguars are the Jaguars.

And while the Titans have been as active as anyone in football this offseason, they haven't been talked about much as a legitimate contender to win the division, or even make the playoffs. [Drum roll] Until now, that is! CBS Sports recently published a 2024 NFL Offseason Notebook, which is just content-speak for "random assortment of thoughts that don't really tie together." In it, they wonder why the Titans aren't considered more seriously as a threat to make a playoff run. We also wonder that! Here's what they said.

CBS Sports explains why Titans could be "surprise contender" in 2024

"Every team gets a little too much hype in the offseason. But if you're looking for a surprise contender to emerge from the shadows, take a peek at what's going on over in Tennessee. Initially, general manager Ran Carthon's offseason choices had me scratching my head: More than $20 million per year for a 29-year-old Calvin Ridley? Top-10 running back money for Tony Pollard? The headlines felt more appropriate for the year 2020. But then came L'Jarius Sneed at corner. Lloyd Cushenberry on the interior. A first-round splash at tackle, with JC Latham ... "

"The Jacksonville Jaguars have the pieces to be tough again. The Houston Texans are a rightful darling to many, doing their own splashy tweaking around C.J. Stroud. But who's to say the Titans can't vault themselves right back into the wild-card picture, finally unburdened from the old-school Ryan Tannehill era?"

Yes. Yes! YES! Finally, someone giving the Titans credit for the amount of checks they've written this offseason. Whoever says money can't buy you happiness has never tried to win a division title with the league's worst secondary. We fully endorse everything CBS Sports has to say about the Titans, unless it's bad or we disagree.