The Tennessee Titans open their 2025 season on Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos in a hostile road environment. It'll offer fans their first opportunity to watch and assess rookie quarterback Cam Ward in an official game. Other areas worth monitoring is Tennessee's pass rush, which is expected to be among the worst units in the league.
Dennard Wilson's defense recorded the third-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2024. Despite that, general manager Mike Borgonzi didn't make any overly notable moves in the offseason to address the EDGE position. Harold Landry was released, and the Titans added Dre'Mont Jones and Jihad Ward through free agency, and drafted Femi Oladejo.
It's difficult to envision the Titans truly competing for the AFC South this season with the pass rush as currently constructed. Even if Ward has an incredible rookie campaign, the lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks could get the Titans into shootouts they're not properly equipped to win. That's why making one final move like signing a veteran pass rusher (Jadeveon Clowney or Preston Smith?) could help them actually shake-up the AFC standings.
Titans could shake up AFC South by signing veteran pass rusher
Clowney had an unsuccessful stint with the Titans in 2020, recording zero sacks in eight appearances. He's since played significantly better ball in Cleveland, Baltimore, and Carolina. None of the Titans coaches or executives remain from the 2020 staff, potentially convincing Clowney to give it another shot in Nashville.
ESPN linked the Titans to a potential move for Smith. The veteran pass rusher split 2024 with the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith has been among the more consistent EDGEs in the NFL over the previous five seasons.
The Titans got bigger and stouter at EDGE this season. The coaching staff has discussed coordinated rush plans and collapsing the pocket as a unit to offset their lack of one-on-one matchup winners. Sunday afternoon's matchup versus the Broncos will provide proof of concept, but the Titans can still consider bringing in a veteran rusher.