The Tennessee Titans approached the offseason with a determined focus on strengthening their offensive line. With the arrival of No. 1 overall pick quarterback Cam Ward on the horizon, newly appointed GM Mike Borgonzi prioritized bolstering his protection.
The team signed left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million deal in free agency. His addition allowed JC Latham, entering his second year, to shift to right tackle, effectively upgrading both ends of the line. Veteran leadership was also brought in with Kevin Zeitler at right guard. For added depth on the interior, the Titans selected Jackson Slater in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tennessee must do a significantly better job protecting Ward in 2025 than they did with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph last season, when their struggling offensive line gave up 52 sacks—tied for fifth-most in the league.
They’ll face an immediate challenge in Week 1, as the revamped line goes up against the Denver Broncos in what promises to be a tough test.
Titans new-look OL faces trial by fire versus Broncos in Week 1
The Broncos led the NFL in sacks last season with an impressive total of 63. Their nearest competition, the Baltimore Ravens, trailed by a wide margin with 54. There’s every reason to expect Denver’s pass rush to remain dominant in 2025.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is back to guide the unit, and his players are well-versed in his system. Continuity is also a strength—remarkably, all eight of the Broncos’ top sack producers from 2024 are returning this season. Every defender who tallied 2.5 sacks or more last year is still on the roster.
That group includes Nik Bonitto (13.5), Jonathon Cooper (10.5), Zach Allen (8.5), John Franklin-Myers (7.0), Dondrea Tillman (5.0), Jonah Elliss (5.0), Justin Strnad (3.0), and Malcolm Roach (2.5). Interestingly, the next-highest sack contributor was linebacker Cody Barton (1.5), who is now with the Titans.
Tennessee’s offensive line has seen significant changes. Two of the five starters will be making their first appearances for the team, and JC Latham will be making his NFL debut at right tackle.
Meanwhile, center Lloyd Cushenberry is working his way back from a season-ending Achilles injury and may not be at full strength.
With so many new pieces, the Titans’ offensive line might take time to develop the necessary cohesion. Building chemistry takes reps, and the timing is less than ideal.
Facing a fierce Broncos pass rush in Week 1, Tennessee will need to gel quickly if they hope to hold up against one of the league’s most formidable defensive fronts.
