Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Tennessee Titans find themselves at the center of swirling trade rumors—all focused on reshaping their draft capital to address key roster needs, especially protecting franchise quarterback Cam Ward. After finishing 8-9 last season and holding the 12th overall pick, the Titans’ front office, led by general manager Ran Carthon, is exploring both upward and downward moves in the draft order. Upward trades could help them land a top-tier offensive tackle or pass-rusher, while downward deals might net additional picks to fill depth gaps on the offensive line and defense. Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks breaks down the most plausible trade scenarios, the assets the Titans are willing to part with, and how these moves could align with their long-term plan to build a contender around Ward. For Titans fans, these rumors aren’t just speculation—they’re a sign the team is aggressive about fixing last season’s flaws.

Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks begins with the most talked-about scenario: the Titans pursuing an upward trade to land a top-10 pick, specifically targeting a elite left tackle prospect. With Ohio State’s Marcus Harrison and Alabama’s Tyler Brooks (the two top tackles in the draft) likely to be off the board by pick 10, the Titans are reportedly in talks with teams holding picks 7-9—including the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears—about moving up. To sweeten the deal, the Titans are willing to offer their 12th overall pick plus a 2027 second-round pick, and possibly a veteran player like backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill or defensive end Denico Autry. “We’re not afraid to be aggressive if it means getting a player who can immediately help Cam,” a source close to the Titans’ front office told reporters. The Falcons, who hold the 8th pick and need help at wide receiver, have shown interest in Tannehill as a bridge quarterback, making a swap feasible. For the Titans, moving up would let them lock in a franchise left tackle to protect Ward, a move they see as critical after he was sacked 42 times last season. However, the risk lies in giving up future draft capital—something Carthon has warned the team will only do for a “transformative player.”

Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks continues with the flip side: the Titans exploring downward trades to accumulate more picks. If Harrison and Brooks are off the board by pick 12, the Titans are open to trading back with a team looking to move up for a quarterback or wide receiver. Potential suitors include the New England Patriots (holding pick 17, need a QB) and the New Orleans Saints (pick 19, looking for a WR). In exchange for dropping 5-7 spots, the Titans would seek a mid-round pick (likely a third or fourth-rounder) to add depth. For example, a trade with the Patriots could send the 12th pick to New England for the 17th pick plus a 2026 third-rounder. This move would let the Titans still target a solid offensive lineman (like Iowa’s Lucas Miller, a versatile guard/center) while adding an extra pick to address other needs, such as backup running back or cornerback depth. “Trading back is about maximizing value,” said former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum. “If the top players at your need position are gone, you don’t force it—you get more picks to fill multiple holes.” The Titans have only six picks in this year’s draft, so adding even one more could help them address the depth issues that plagued them last season, especially on the offensive line and special teams.

Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks shifts to the veteran players the Titans are reportedly willing to trade to acquire more draft capital. Defensive end Denico Autry, who had 7.5 sacks last season but is entering the final year of his contract, is the most likely candidate. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of pass-rushing help, have expressed interest. The Titans could fetch a fourth or fifth-round pick for Autry, who still has enough productivity left to contribute to a playoff team. Backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill is another name in trade talks; with Ward firmly established as the starter, Tannehill’s \(18 million salary cap hit makes him expendable. Teams like the Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders, who need quarterback depth, could offer a late-round pick (sixth or seventh) for Tannehill. For the Tennessee Titans, trading these veterans isn’t just about adding picks—it’s about freeing up cap space. Moving Tannehill would save the team \)15 million in cap room, which could be used to sign a veteran offensive lineman or extend key players like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. “Every trade has to check two boxes: does it help us in the draft, and does it help our cap situation?” Carthon said in a recent interview. “We won’t make a move just to make a move.”

Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks delves into how these trade rumors impact the Titans’ draft strategy, especially their focus on protecting Ward. If the Titans move up to get a top left tackle, they’ll likely shift their middle-round picks to interior line depth and defense. If they trade back, they’ll prioritize versatile linemen who can play multiple positions, ensuring Ward has protection even if starters get injured. The rumors also signal a shift in the Titans’ approach under Carthon, who has been more willing to trade draft capital than his predecessor. “Ran is trying to build a team that can win now while keeping an eye on the future,” said Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt. “Protecting Cam is the No. 1 goal, so every trade rumor ties back to that—whether it’s moving up for a tackle, trading back for more linemen picks, or dealing veterans to free up cap for O-line help.” For the Tennessee Titans, the draft isn’t just a one-time event—it’s part of a larger puzzle that includes trades, free agency, and roster management. The team knows that without a better offensive line, Ward’s development could stall, and their playoff hopes could fade. That’s why every trade rumor surrounding the Titans this draft season is rooted in one core goal: building a team that can keep Ward upright and compete for an AFC South title.

Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks wraps up with the potential outcomes of these rumors and what they mean for the Titans’ future. If the Titans can move up and land a top left tackle, they’ll likely enter the 2026 season as favorites in the AFC South, with a line that can protect Ward and open holes for Derrick Henry. If they trade back and accumulate more picks, they’ll have a deeper roster but may need time for young linemen to develop. Either way, the Titans’ front office is sending a clear message: they’re committed to building around Ward and winning in the short term. “We have a window here with Cam and Derrick,” Callahan said. “We need to take advantage of it.” As the draft nears, Titans fans will be watching closely—hoping the team’s trade moves pay off and set them up for a successful season. In the end, Trade Rumors Swirl as the Tennessee Titans Eye Draft Picks isn’t just about speculation—it’s about a franchise trying to find the right path to contention. Whether they move up, move back, or stay put, the Titans’ goal remains the same: build a team that can protect its quarterback, win games, and bring a Super Bowl title to Nashville.