NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans have unfinished business after losing in the divisional round of the playoffs despite a 12-5 record and the top seed in the AFC.
The Titans finished with nine sacks in the 19-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. That total tied the 1966 Buffalo Bills, the 1984 San Francisco 49ers, the 1986 Cleveland Browns and the 1993 Kansas City Chiefs for the most in a single postseason game.
There were vast improvements on defense coming into the season. The additions of Denico Autry and Bud Dupree provided a tremendous boost to the pass rush -- which had 43 sacks, tied for ninth in the NFL with the Bengals.
Outside linebacker Harold Landry had a career-high 12 sacks, becoming the first Titans player to register double-digit sacks since 2015. Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons became a dominant force up front, while safety Kevin Byard was named first-team All-Pro.
Injuries to running back Derrick Henry and wide receivers A.J. Brown and Julio Jones resulted in the offense taking a step back. The result was the Titans failing to produce a 1,000-yard rusher for the first time since 2017, and they didn't have a receiver finish with at least 1,000 receiving yards for the first time since 2018.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill's 14 interceptions were more than his combined total of 13 over the past two seasons, but Titans general manager Jon Robinson has made it clear that Tannehill is their quarterback. Coach Mike Vrabel echoed that sentiment, saying the team has to be great around Tannehill, which is where Tennessee's offseason will be focused.
Projected salary-cap space: $5.03 million over the projected cap
Top free agents: Landry, C Ben Jones, ILB Rashaan Evans, ILB Jayon Brown
Potential cut candidates: RG Rodger Saffold, CB Janoris Jenkins.
Saffold had a solid year, but he played through a series of injuries. Releasing Saffold saves roughly $10 million in cap space. Second-round pick Dillon Radunz is a possible replacement.
Jenkins was a veteran presence in the defensive backs room, but the Titans are counting on 2021 first-round pick Caleb Farley to make a return from a torn ACL in his left knee and have a budding star in Kristian Fulton. Releasing Jenkins would save $6.9 million in cap space.
The big question: How can the Titans get better on offense? "Being great around Tannehill" will require more weapons for him to return to the level of play he achieved in 2019 and 2020. Tannehill was able to distribute the football to a range of pass-catchers even though most of his targets went to Brown.
Tennessee will need more firepower to compete with the likes of the Bills, Chiefs and Bengals. That means the addition of a versatile tight end to make the offense less predictable and create matchup problems for opposing defenses. The draft and free agency could help fill that void.
Adding a vertical threat who can stretch the field would also help an offense that was 31st in passing plays of 20 yards or more (35) and tied for the third-fewest passing plays of 40 yards or more (seven). The Titans should look at options to add an explosive receiver.
Best-case scenario for the team’s offseason: The offseason will be a success if the Titans can re-sign Landry. They'll need to revamp the offense similar to how the defense was restocked last season. Retaining Jones to anchor the offensive line is a good start, adding playmakers would seal the deal.
Worst-case scenario for the team’s offseason: The window to win is now, and the defense has proved that it is capable of playing championship-level football. After committing to building around Tannehill for at least another season, things will be bleak if the Titans don't add players who can have an immediate impact on offense.
Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: The team could search for an edge-rusher, regardless of whether Landry returns. Quarterback could also be another option, as questions surrounding the ceiling of Tannehill. With Jones entering next season at age 33 and Brown battling through some durability issues, receiver could be an early-round option for the franchise.
Top needs: EDGE, WR, OL
Top pick: No. 26