March 20, 2026, 7:03 a.m. ET

The Tennessee Titans have made some progress on retooling their roster during the first wave of free agency by addressing some of the holes that plagued them in 2025, and they attacked both sides of the ball. 

While they have addressed some of their needs, there is still work that must be done, and the upcoming draft will be critical in helping them take the next step. But what direction they go is still up for debate, and Matt Okada of NFL.com believes they must find a top wideout in the draft or with a trade. 

Tennessee Titans

Biggest roster hole: WR1

Solution: Swing a big trade OR trade down from No. 4 overall

There’s a battle-tested formula when it comes to fostering growth at the game’s most important position: Team drafts a highly touted quarterback, who struggles through the first year or two. The team then acquires a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver, and the young QB breaks out. It happened with Josh Allen after the Bills traded for Stefon Diggs and with Jalen Hurts when the Eagles acquired A.J. Brown. The Titans should try that approach with second-year passer Cam Ward. They picked up Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency and restructured Calvin Ridley’s contract, but neither player is a true WR1. And there isn’t one available to sign — Jauan Jennings is the top remaining name — so the Titans need to get creative.

There are a few oft-speculated trade options: A.J. Brown (whom they drafted back in 2019) or Brian Thomas Jr. — despite Jaguars GM James Gladstone’s insistence that Thomas isn’t being shopped. Tennessee could also pull off a surprise deal for a player like DK Metcalf, Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson. Another way to address this need is in the draft, trading down from fourth overall to snag Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, while scoring extra capital. If Tennessee can’t work out a trade, it could focus on scoring an “X” receiver with its second-round selection (No. 35). Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Washington’s Denzel Boston come to mind.

Even though the Titans addressed their receivers with Wan’Dale Robinson and restructuring Calvin Ridley, adding another weapon on the outside for Cam Ward should be a priority. Tennessee has given themselves the flexibility to go many different ways in the NFL draft, and honestly, there is no wrong answer with what they decide to eventually do. 

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