Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges

The Tennessee Titans entered the 2025 season with high hopes for their defense, but a string of early injuries and inconsistent performances left the unit struggling to stop opposing offenses. Through the first eight weeks, the Titans ranked 26th in the NFL in total defense, allowing 370 yards per game, and had recorded just 14 sacks—well below their 2024 total of 38. Facing a critical stretch of divisional games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, the Titans front office acted decisively, making targeted roster moves to address gaps in the defensive line, secondary, and linebacker corps. Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges explores these strategic adjustments, the players brought in to reinforce the defense, and how these changes have begun to turn the tide for a unit in need of a spark.

Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges begins with the most pressing issue: a depleted defensive line. The Titans lost starting defensive end Denico Autry to a season-ending bicep injury in Week 6, and backup defensive tackle Teair Tart was sidelined with a knee sprain, leaving the line without two of its top run-stoppers. To fill these gaps, the Titans signed free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, a 10-year veteran with 62 career sacks, and elevated practice squad defensive tackle Naquan Jones—who had spent the previous two seasons with the Titans— to the active roster. Clowney, who had been a free agent since being released by the Baltimore Ravens in October, brought immediate experience and pass-rushing prowess. “Jadeveon knows what it takes to win in this league,” said Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams. “He’s not just a pass rusher—he can set the edge against the run, which is exactly what we needed after losing Denico.” In his first three games with the Titans, Clowney recorded 2 sacks and 5 quarterback hits, while Jones added 8 tackles and a tackle for loss, helping the Titans reduce their rushing yards allowed per game from 140 to 115.

Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges delves into the secondary, where injuries to cornerbacks Kristian Fulton (hamstring) and Caleb Farley (shoulder) left the Titans with limited depth. With opposing quarterbacks targeting the Titans’ backup corners on deep passes—resulting in 8 touchdowns allowed through the air in Weeks 7–8—the front office moved quickly to sign free-agent cornerback Patrick Peterson, a three-time Pro Bowler with 34 career interceptions. Peterson, who had most recently played for the Minnesota Vikings, was brought in to start opposite veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, while the Titans also elevated practice squad cornerback Eric Garror to serve as the third corner. Peterson’s impact was immediate: in his Titans debut against the Jaguars in Week 9, he recorded an interception and broke up 3 passes, limiting Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley to just 45 yards on 3 catches. “Patrick brings calmness and experience to our secondary,” said Titans defensive backs coach Chris Harris Jr. “He communicates well with the other corners and safeties, and he’s not afraid to take on the opponent’s top receiver. That’s a game-changer for us.” Garror also contributed, playing 25 snaps on special teams and making a key tackle on a kickoff return to prevent a Jaguars touchdown.

Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges examines a critical position switch that bolstered the linebacker corps: moving safety Amani Hooker to strongside linebacker. The Titans had struggled at linebacker since starter Monty Rice suffered a ankle injury in Week 5, with backups Jack Gibbens and Chance Campbell struggling to cover tight ends and stop the run. Hooker, a versatile defensive back with experience playing in the box, had previously filled in at linebacker during training camp, and the coaching staff decided to make the move permanent in Week 10. To replace Hooker at safety, the Titans signed free-agent safety Duron Harmon, a 12-year veteran who had won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. The switch paid off immediately: Hooker recorded 10 tackles and a tackle for loss in his first start at linebacker against the Texans, while Harmon added 6 tackles and a pass breakup in the secondary. “Amani’s athleticism and football IQ make him a natural at linebacker,” said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “He can cover tight ends, blitz the quarterback, and stop the run—something we were missing. Duron’s experience at safety gives us stability there, so it’s a win-win for our defense.” For the Tennessee Titans, this position switch was a creative solution to a depth problem, showcasing the coaching staff’s ability to adapt to challenges.

Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges explores the impact of these moves on team morale and defensive cohesion. Before the roster adjustments, the Titans defense had struggled with communication issues, leading to missed assignments and big plays for opponents. With the addition of veterans like Clowney, Peterson, and Harmon—who are known for their leadership—those issues have diminished. Clowney has taken young defensive ends like Rashad Weaver under his wing, hosting post-practice film sessions to review pass-rushing techniques. Peterson has organized weekly “secondary meetings” where he shares tips on coverage and game preparation with Garror and other young defensive backs. Harmon, meanwhile, has become a vocal presence in the locker room, reminding teammates to stay focused during tough stretches. “The new guys have brought energy and confidence to our defense,” said Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. “They’ve been there before—they know how to turn a season around. Having them in the locker room makes everyone step up their game.” For the Tennessee Titans, these roster moves haven’t just improved the defense statistically—they’ve reignited a sense of purpose, turning a struggling unit into one that believes it can compete with the AFC South’s top teams.

Roster Moves Strengthen Defense Amid the Tennessee Titans' Challenges wraps up with the long-term implications of these adjustments, as the Titans look to secure a wildcard spot and build a sustainable defense for future seasons. While some moves—like signing Clowney and Peterson—are short-term fixes to address immediate challenges, others, like elevating Jones and Garror from the practice squad, are investments in young talent that could pay off for years. The Titans have also used these moves to evaluate players for next season: Hooker’s success at linebacker may lead to a permanent position switch, and Jones’ performance has put him in contention for a starting role in 2026. “Roster moves aren’t just about winning now—they’re about building for the future,” said Titans general manager Ran Carthon. “We wanted to address our current challenges while also giving young players a chance to prove themselves. So far, that strategy is working.” Through Week 14, the Titans defense has climbed to 18th in total defense, with 28 sacks and 11 interceptions, and the team has won four of its last six games. For the Tennessee Titans, these roster moves have been more than just Band-Aids—they’ve been a blueprint for overcoming adversity, proving that with strategic adjustments and the right players, even a struggling defense can become a strength. As the Titans head into the final stretch of the season, their defense—strengthened by smart roster moves—stands as their best chance to navigate the challenges ahead and make a playoff push.