The Tennessee Titans had to pick and choose what to rebuild this offseason, and Dennard Wilson got the short end of the stick.
Wilson will unfortunately be tasked with scheming his defense around what appears to be one of the worst edge-rushing groups in the league on paper this season.
Arden Key and Dre'Mont Jones are entering fate-deciding contract years in 2025. Key and Jones are best suited to be a team's top rotational EDGE, but the Titans are relying on them to start. Behind them is Femi Oladejo, a talented but raw athlete who needs to improve his play recognition and pass-rush arsenal.
Wilson should be asking the Titans to take a swing on Za'Darius Smith, who would provide the pass rush with an instant upgrade. The longer general manager Mike Borgonzi waits, the less likely it becomes reality.
Another potential name could emerge. The fallout from the Carolina Panthers' draft haul has created an intriguing opportunity for a reunion in Tennessee. ESPN's David Newton recently pointed out that the Panthers have been noncommittal on Jadeveon Clowney's future after the team picked two EDGEs on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While Clowney hasn't been a star since leaving the Titans, he's been a successful starter, including a 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens where he racked up the eighth-most pressures in the NFL (more than Trey Hendrickson, T.J. Watt, Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, and 180 other EDGEs). It just so happens that Wilson was on that coaching staff in Baltimore and saw him do that firsthand.
The Panthers have tried to find a trade partner for Clowney, to no avail. Now they have to decide what to do with the veteran pass rusher. If they decide to cut him to create a path for their young EDGEs, then a return to Nashville might be something that interests all parties involved.
Admittedly, it would be strange for Clowney to come back to Tennessee after his first stint ended so poorly, but essentially everyone in the building who was there is now gone. The GM, head coach, position coaches, and team captains are all somewhere else, so it is basically a brand-new organization.
Beggars can't be choosers. The Titans need pass rushers and Clowney needs to be wanted somewhere. Wilson's presence as the defensive coordinator could make a reunion between the Titans and Clowney likelier than first believed.