Despite Recent Signings, NFL Power Rankings Still Plant Titans in League's Bottom Third

The Tennessee Titans have invested in position upgrades — wide receiver Calvin Ridley, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie — but the team also has a first-year head coach, first-time coordinators for their offense, defense, and special teams, and a quarterback in development.

NASHVILLE —The Tennessee Titans' flurry of activity in the first two weeks of free agency hasn't inspired confidence among NFL analysts.

The latest power rankings from USA Today, Sporting News, the Athletic, and NFL.com firmly plant the Titans in the bottom third of the league.

Yes, general manager Ran Carthon has invested in position upgrades: wide receiver Calvin Ridley, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.

But the Titans also have a first-year head coach, Brian Callahan, first-time coordinators for their offense, defense, and special teams, and a quarterback (Will Levis) whose career is in development. 

"Tennessee made some interesting moves in free agency, but it still ultimately feels more like a collection of parts than a team," wrote USA Today's Christian D’Andrea, who ranked the Titans 31st. "It’s a mishmash of veterans and young players who don’t quite fit together and may not mesh by the end of 2024. But hey, at least we’ll see what Will Levis can do."

Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News, who promoted the Titans from 32nd to 26th after the free-agent signings, said: "The Titans invested plenty to boost Will Levis big-time in Year 2 for their more pass-oriented offense under Brian Callahan and Nick Holz. Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Calvin Ridley led the way with those moves."

The Athletic, which ranked the Titans No. 24, also is curious about an offense that will be operating for the first time in eight years without Derrick Henry.

"Making quarterback Will Levis comfortable was the point of free agency, which is why Tennessee gave Ridley a four-year deal that could be worth $92 million and signed Pollard and Cushenberry," Josh Kendall wrote. "New head coach Brian Callahan should know by the end of the year whether Levis, the 33rd pick of the 2023 draft, is the future there or not. It will be odd not seeing Henry after eight seasons in Tennessee in which he carried the ball a Herculean 2,186 times."

NFL.com's Eric Edholm believes the Titans will miss Henry and dropped Tennessee three spots to 29 in his recent ratings.

"Maybe the defensive looks the Titans get won't be as enticing as the ones they faced with Derrick Henry on the team, but Brian Callahan can take the Cincinnati template and apply it here pretty easily, I think, assuming Tennessee adds a premier left tackle talent through the draft, presumably at No. 7 overall," Edholm wrote. "Defensively, this team might have its issues. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will the Titans be."

Based on information from Overthecap.com, the Tennessee Titans' current effective cap space is $40,244,744 after the eight free agent signings and the five player retentions. 

The Titans may be looking to acquire more free-agent talent in the coming months. General manager Ran Carthon mentioned in February that he plans to set aside some funds for later in the summer, when more free agents become available — similar to how the Titans acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Related Titans stories

• ALABAMA PRO DAY: The Alabama athletes running drills for Ran Carthon, Brian Callahan, and seven other NFL general managers and coaches could fit every position of need for the Tennessee Titans. CLICK HERE
• RAVES ABOUT RIDLEY: Hall of Famer Michael Irvin said of the Tennessee Titans' decision to sign Calvin Ridley: "I know a lot of people are blown away with that (Ridley's contract), but I'm going to tell you something: This dude's got a lot of talent, a lot of talent." CLICK HERE
• FREE-AGENCY TAKEAWAYS: Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon has been busy since free agency started. Here's a look at the team's moves and what's next. CLICK HERE