Tensions are reportedly high within the Tennessee Titans organization following comments made by offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere regarding his recent benching and perceived favoritism by Head Coach Brian Callahan towards newer players.
In a series of candid remarks made after practice on Wednesday, Petit-Frere expressed his frustration with being taken out of the starting lineup during the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers in September 2024, a game where the Titans’ offensive line struggled mightily, allowing eight sacks on quarterback Will Levis.
Petit-Frere, a former third-round pick, was replaced by rookie Jaelyn Duncan in the third quarter of that contest after a costly strip-sack he conceded. While Petit-Frere publicly took accountability for his poor technique at the time, stating, “I had bad technique…I took full accountability for that,” his recent statements suggest a deeper dissatisfaction with Callahan’s decision-making process.
“I believe I have earned my place on this team through hard work and dedication,” Petit-Frere reportedly said. “To be pulled off the field like that, especially when we were all struggling, felt like a slap in the face.
It’s hard not to feel like the coach has already made up his mind about certain guys, and it seems like the newcomers get a longer leash than those of us who have been here grinding.”
These comments come after a season where the Titans’ offensive line was a significant point of concern. Despite the presence of veteran offensive line coach Frank Callahan (Brian Callahan’s father), the unit consistently failed to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game.
Nicholas Petit-Frere himself was benched on multiple occasions due to performance issues, and Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing nine sacks and 32 pressures throughout the 2024 season.
While Coach Brian Callahan acknowledged the struggles of the right side of the offensive line and the need for improvement, his post-game comments regarding Petit-Frere’s benching were somewhat ambiguous. “We’ll see what [Jaelyn Duncan] can do,” Callahan said in September.
“We’ll come back and see where we can get better. That job is not solidified by any stretch.” This lack of a definitive stance appears to have fueled Petit-Frere’s current frustrations.
The implication that Callahan favors newcomers could stem from the fact that the Titans have brought in several new offensive linemen through the draft and free agency over the past year. While competition is expected in the NFL, Petit-Frere’s remarks suggest a feeling that the playing field is not level and that established players are being unfairly judged compared to recent acquisitions.
This public airing of grievances by Petit-Frere could create a rift within the team and put further pressure on Coach Callahan as he heads into his second season with the Titans. The team finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 3-14 record, and questions have already been raised about the coaching staff’s ability to turn things around.
The performance of the offensive line will be a critical factor in the team’s success moving forward, and any perceived divisions within the unit could be detrimental.
It remains to be seen how Coach Callahan will address Petit-Frere’s comments and whether this will lead to any changes in the team’s approach to player evaluation and playing time.
However, this situation undoubtedly adds another layer of intrigue to the Titans’ offseason activities as they look to rebuild and improve for the 2025 season. The development of the offensive line, and the relationship between the players and the coaching staff, will be key storylines to watch in the coming months.
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