NASHVILLE — The 2025 Tennessee Titans are embracing a transformative year as they shift their focus toward youth development and long-term growth. Under the newly appointed general manager Mike Borgonzi, the Titans are taking decisive steps to reshape their roster, distancing themselves from the previous management’s decisions made by Ran Carthon, especially regarding free agency. This new strategy includes significant roster changes that will undoubtedly shape the team for years to come.
A major move saw the Titans trade linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys, which, while not unexpected, signals a commitment to building a younger, more adaptable squad. Additionally, the team made headlines by releasing cornerback Chido Awuzie, a player who had been signed to a lucrative three-year, $36 million contract just last offseason. Borgonzi's decision to part ways with Awuzie and other veterans is part of a broader strategy to clear cap space and pave the way for younger, unproven athletes eager to make their mark.
With Awuzie's departure, the Titans are set to elevate second-year cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to a full-time starting role. Drafted in the fifth round last year, Brownlee unexpectedly led all Titans defenders in snaps during the previous season, playing 913 total snaps over 14 games as a starter. Sports analytics outlet Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing 55 receptions on 81 targets, achieving a conversion-to-completion rate of 67.9 percent. While those numbers indicate room for improvement, it reflects both the challenges and opportunities faced by young players stepping into pivotal roles.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who recorded 75 tackles and one interception last season, will now have to navigate the pressures of being a high-end starter in a competitive league. His previous experience and adaptation in a challenging environment bode well for his potential growth as he gets ready for the 2025 season.
The Titans, keen on the development of their younger talent, are particularly excited about linebacker James Williams, who is viewed as a candidate for a significant breakout season. Originally drafted as a safety from the University of Miami in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams transitioned to linebacker upon joining the team. His size and speed are set to be instrumental in fitting into defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s schemes. In his rookie season, Williams played in 13 games, stepping up during the latter part of the season due to injuries that plagued the linebacker corps.
During those games, Williams made a total of 20 tackles, showcasing his underlying potential to contribute significantly to the Titans’ defense moving forward. The plan for 2025 is to lean heavily on Williams and his fellow linebackers, including Cedric Gray and Otis Reese IV, to solidify the team's defensive identity.
The Titans’ strategy extends across various positions, prioritizing the infusion of youth while still signing players like linebacker Cody Barton in free agency to provide stability and leadership. Barton’s experience is crucial, as the Titans seek a balance between developing young players and maintaining competitive performance on the field.
As the Titans enter this phase of transition, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these young players adapt and make their mark against the backdrop of growing expectations. Under Borgonzi’s leadership, the front office hopes that reliance on youth could lead to meaningful improvement, capitalizing on developing talent that the franchise can build around for the foreseeable future.
With training camps approaching, all eyes will be on James Williams and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to see if they can deliver on the promise that has been anticipated from this new generation of Titans. This season presents both a challenge and an opportunity, and whether the Titans can successfully navigate it will be a testament to their ability to harness young talent and develop a strong competitive foundation.
