Despite a highly productive offseason, the national media — and perhaps the NFL at large — still holds muted expectations for the Tennessee Titans heading into the 2025 season. This is despite clear progress under new general manager Mike Borgonzi, who is in his first year leading the franchise after spending over a decade and a half as a key executive in the Kansas City Chiefs’ front office.
Borgonzi’s offseason strategy was calculated and focused on strengthening key areas of need. The marquee move was selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — a clear sign that the Titans are entering a new era with a long-term vision. Ward gives the team a dynamic offensive centerpiece, and Borgonzi surrounded him with capable veterans to ease the transition into the league.
Among those additions were wide receivers Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. Lockett brings reliability, route-running prowess, and a veteran presence from his time with the Seattle Seahawks, while Jefferson offers versatility and upside as a secondary option. Together, they give Ward an immediate improvement in pass-catching targets, something the Titans sorely lacked in previous seasons.
The offensive line also received a critical boost with the acquisition of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. Moore, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed a significant deal to anchor the line and protect the rookie quarterback’s blind side. This addressed one of Tennessee’s biggest weaknesses in recent years and is part of a broader commitment to building from the trenches.
Still, while the offense shows signs of growth, the defense remains a concern. Depth and playmaking ability are still lacking on that side of the ball, particularly beyond the starting front. However, the team made a move to address that by re-signing veteran defensive lineman James Lynch to a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Lynch, originally a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, was a solid contributor for the Titans last season in a rotational role. Despite playing under 250 defensive snaps, he managed to tally 20 tackles, including two for loss, one sack, and a pair of pass breakups. His impact was felt more than the numbers suggest, especially in providing rest for starters and maintaining line stability.
Now entering his fifth NFL season, Lynch will once again be asked to contribute meaningful snaps alongside stars like Jeffery Simmons and rising talents such as rookie T’Vondre Sweat and pass rusher Arden Key. His return adds a reliable piece to a defense still searching for identity and consistency.
In all, while the Titans still face some roster questions — especially on defense — Borgonzi’s offseason overhaul has injected hope and direction into a franchise that appeared to be drifting. From drafting a potential franchise quarterback to bringing in battle-tested veterans and solidifying the offensive line, the Titans look poised to take a competitive step forward.
Even if national expectations remain low, Tennessee may surprise in 2025 — especially if Cam Ward adjusts quickly to the NFL and the defensive unit overperforms relative to its talent on paper.
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