NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans open the 2024 NFL regular season on the road against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8 at Soldier Field, and there's a lot of change for the Titans this season.
The organization decided to take a more modern approach and go in a new direction from previous years. The departure of Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry, quarterback Ryan Tannehill and coach Mike Vrabel sparked the end of an era.
New coach Brian Callahan takes over in an offseason full of roster turnover. Titans general manager Ran Carthon added the No.1 free agents at center and wide receiver in Lloyd Cushenberry and Calvin Ridley. Other big additions include starting cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and L'Jarius Sneed, whom the Titans acquired via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Here is the 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Will Levis, Mason Rudolph, Malik Willis
This one is pretty cut and dry. Levis is the clear starter. Rudolph was signed to be the backup and veteran presence for Levis when the offense isn't on the field. Willis is intriguing because he brings versatile playmaking ability that could be utilized in a package of plays like the previous staff did.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Tyjae Spears, Tony Pollard, Hassan Haskins, Julius Chestnut
Tennessee's backfield won't have a feature back for the first time in seven seasons. Spears and Pollard will be the 1-2 punch. Haskins was a solid third-down option and alternate to Henry his rookie year in 2022. He and Chestnut are both options for short-yardage situations and in the kick return game.
WIDE RECEIVERS (7): DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Jha'Quan Jackson
Receiver is now a strength for the Titans. Ridley and Boyd will challenge for the team lead in yards and catches, respectively. Hopkins is a front runner to lead in touchdown receptions. Things get interesting on the backend with Burks and Westbrook-Ikhine fighting for game reps when the starters need a breather. Philips makes the roster as a shifty option in the slot. Jackson gets a spot because of his dynamic punt return ability.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Chigoziem Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, Nick Vannett
Okonkwo and Whyle will see the bulk of the action, but entering Year 2, Whyle has started to seem more comfortable and ready for a bigger role. Vannett was a late addition during the offseason but gives a veteran presence to what is otherwise a relatively young group. Thomas Odukoya, along with undrafted free agents Steve Stilianos and David Martin-Robinson, are practice squad candidates that could get game day call-ups.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): JC Latham, Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Saahdiq Charles, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Daniel Brunskill, Jaelyn Duncan, Dillon Radunz, John Ojukwu
The left side is set with Latham and Skoronski. But the right side is a big question. The competition at right guard and tackle will determine how improved the line can be this season. Brunskill can play every position on the line, which makes him an easy candidate for a spot even if he doesn't win the starting right guard job. Radunz is another swing lineman that can fill in at guard or tackle.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, TK McLendon Jr., Keondre Coburn
Sweat wasn't available during OTAs and minicamp because of injury, but the staff remains confident he'll be available for camp. His development could unlock the front four's effectiveness rushing the passer. If Sweat isn't ready to go, his Longhorn teammate Coburn is next in line. Joseph-Day is a veteran addition that immediately becomes a starter opposite Simmons.
LINEBACKERS (8): Harold Landry III, Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Gibbens, Arden Key, Rashad Weaver, Cedric Gray, Caleb Murphy, James Williams
Landry remains the team's best pass rusher. Losing versatile defender Denico Autry to the Texans hurts the Titans group of edge defenders, but the new rotation will mostly consist of Key, Weaver and Landry. The inside linebackers saw some change with Azeez Al-Shaair moving on to Houston, as well. Murray will be one of the starters, and the competition for the other spot will be fierce. Luke Gifford, the special teams ace, is the odd man out.
CORNERBACKS (7): L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, Roger McCreary, Caleb Farley, Tre Avery, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
Both starters from last season are gone. Sneed and Awuzie take over on the outside while McCreary remains the top nickel. Jeudy-Lally impressed during OTAs and minicamp. Farley returns after missing almost all of last season because of a back injury. This number could change with veterans Tay Gowan being an option at outside corner along with Anthony Kendall and Eric Garror on special teams.
SAFETIES (4): Amani Hooker, Elijah Molden, Jamal Adams, Matthew Jackson
Molden and Hooker are the starters, but neither been able to stay healthy for a full season. Adams adds depth as a late veteran addition to the roster on a prove-it deal. He's played only 10 games over the past two seasons and figures to be more of a situational player in this scheme. Jackson will be a special teams contributor as he continues to transition from his college position of linebacker to safety. Keep an eye on veterans Mike Brown and Shyheim Carter as options to sneak onto the roster.
SPECIALISTS (3): Ryan Stonehouse (P), Nick Folk (K), Morgan Cox (LS)
Stonehouse makes his return after a season-ending knee injury in Week 13 . Folk, a 17-year veteran, returns on a one-year deal after converting a career-high 96.7% of his goal attempts last season. Cox is back for Year 3 with the Titans, his 14th overall.