Is Tennessee set to shock the NFL offseason with a free agency QB move instead of drafting a young star?
The Tennessee Titans have officially closed the book on a forgettable 2024 season, finishing with a disappointing 23-14 loss to the Houston Texans. While their record earned them the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation is already swirling that the Titans may not take the obvious route to address their quarterback dilemma.
Most expect Tennessee to use their top pick to select a franchise quarterback—either Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. But according to Bleacher Report’s NFL insiders, the Titans may have a completely different plan in mind: pursuing Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency.
Is Sam Darnold Tennessee’s Plan A?
Darnold, who just earned his first Pro Bowl selection after a breakout season in Minnesota, is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. At 27 years old, the quarterback has finally silenced doubters by proving he can lead a team when surrounded by the right talent.
But here’s the catch: Darnold’s success came in Minnesota, where he benefited from a stacked offense featuring elite playmakers like Justin Jefferson. Tennessee doesn’t boast anything close to that kind of firepower, and the prospect of Darnold regressing in a Titans uniform is a legitimate concern.
Bleacher Report suggests that despite these risks, Darnold could be Tennessee’s preferred choice to lead their offense. They argue that his experience and recent success might make him a more appealing option than rolling the dice on a rookie quarterback in the draft.
Draft Prospects vs. Proven Talent
The Titans hold the ultimate power as the team with the No. 1 pick, giving them their choice of top-tier quarterback prospects. Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are the favorites, but both come with questions. Sanders is hailed for his poise and mechanics, while Ward’s athleticism and playmaking ability have scouts intrigued. However, as with any draft pick, there’s no guarantee either will transition seamlessly to the NFL.
Darnold, on the other hand, offers a safer—albeit more expensive—option. His performance in Minnesota demonstrates that he can succeed at the NFL level, but without elite weapons, the Titans risk overpaying for a quarterback who may not replicate that success in Tennessee’s current offense.
The Titans’ Big Decision
This offseason will be pivotal for Tennessee. The franchise has endured years of mediocrity and now faces a critical choice: invest in a young quarterback and commit to a full rebuild, or make an aggressive play for a proven commodity like Darnold in hopes of a quicker turnaround.
Both options carry significant risks. Drafting a quarterback could mean years of development with no guarantee of success. On the flip side, pursuing Darnold might provide instant credibility but could backfire if he struggles without a strong supporting cast.
What’s Next for Tennessee?
As free agency looms and the draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on the Titans’ front office. Fans are eager to see if the team takes the conventional path or opts for a bold, unexpected move that could shape their future for years to come.