How good can the Tennessee Titans be in Brian Callahan’s first season as head coach?
The Titans had a busy offseason that began with a new coaching staff. They were busy in free agency, signing receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd and center Lloyd Cushenberry. In addition to signing Cushenberry, the Titans spent a top-10 pick on an offensive lineman (JC Latham) for the second consecutive year.
Tennessee’s moves appear to indicate that it is going all-in on second-year quarterback Will Levis.
While the Titans’ success or failure depends heavily on Levis, another player could significantly impact the season.
CBS Sports recently named 50 under-the-radar NFL players who could shape the 2024 season, and Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere cracked the list.
23. Nicholas Petit-Frere (RT), Titans: Last year, the Titans signed Andre Dillard to a three-year deal, but he allowed 13 sacks — most in the NFL — and Tennessee ate nearly $8 million in dead cap to move on from him. In comes Petit-Frere, who struggled as a rookie and hardly played last year. The Titans have improved nearly all parts of Will Levis’ supporting cast: Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd at receiver, Tony Pollard at running back, first-round pick JC Latham at left tackle and Lloyd Cushenberry III at center. Petit-Frere needs to hold down the right side to help Levis’ development under new coach Brian Callahan.
Bill Callahan, Brian’s father, is arguably the NFL’s best offensive line coach. Petit-Frere, a 2022 third-round pick from Ohio State, has a chance to lock down the right tackle position for the foreseeable future. In his first two seasons, Petit-Frere has played in 19 games with 18 starts.
Unfortunately, he began this training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. The good news is he shouldn’t be out too long.