Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster

The NFL trade deadline is a defining moment for teams—either a push for the playoffs or a pivot toward rebuilding—and for the Tennessee Titans, this year’s deadline brought a mix of calculated moves that have reshaped their roster from top to bottom. After a 4-5 start that left their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Titans’ front office, led by general manager Ran Carthon, chose a middle ground: adding key pieces to shore up defensive weaknesses while parting ways with aging veterans to free up cap space and give young players more opportunities. These decisions weren’t just about the current season; they were about balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term roster health—a tightrope walk that will define the Titans’ trajectory for years to come. Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster breaks down how each trade and roster move has altered the team’s identity, from the secondary to the offensive line.

The most impactful addition for the Titans came in the secondary, where they acquired cornerback Chidobe Awuzie from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. Awuzie, a seven-year veteran with experience in both man-to-man and zone coverage, was brought in to fix the Titans’ ongoing struggles with deep passes—a flaw that had cost them four games this season. The move addressed a critical need: before the trade, the Titans ranked 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (258.6) and had given up 18 touchdown passes through nine games. Awuzie, who missed most of last season with a knee injury but had returned to form in 2024 (recording 3 interceptions and 12 pass breakups for the Bengals), immediately stepped into the starting lineup opposite Kristian Fulton. In his first game with the Titans—a 24-17 win over the Houston Texans—Awuzie recorded 6 tackles and a pass breakup, limiting Texans wide receiver Nico Collins to just 4 catches for 38 yards. “Awuzie is exactly what we needed,” said Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen after the game. “He’s a smart, physical corner who can communicate with the rest of the secondary and shut down top receivers. That’s a game-changer for us.” Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster emphasizes that this move wasn’t just a Band-Aid—it was a strategic addition that addresses a long-standing weakness.

On the offensive side, the Titans made a more modest but equally important move: trading a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for backup offensive tackle Dawand Jones. The Titans’ offensive line had been decimated by injuries, with starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere sidelined for six weeks with a knee injury and backup Andre Dillard struggling to fill his role (allowing 7 sacks in four starts). Jones, a 6-foot-8, 374-pound second-year player, provides much-needed depth and physicality; he started 15 games for the Browns as a rookie in 2023 and allowed just 3 sacks all season. While Jones hasn’t yet cracked the starting lineup, he’s been a key contributor on special teams and has spelled Dillard in critical situations—including a fourth-quarter drive against the Texans where he helped block for Derrick Henry’s game-winning 10-yard touchdown run. “Jones gives us flexibility,” said Titans offensive line coach Jason Houghtaling. “He can play both tackle spots, he’s tough in the run game, and he’s only 24—so he fits with our long-term plans too.” The Titans also chose to hold onto starting left tackle Taylor Lewan, who had been the subject of trade rumors, deciding that his experience was too valuable to part with midseason. Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster highlights that this move prioritized stability on the offensive line, a unit that’s essential to both Henry’s success and quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s protection.

The Tennessee Titans also made tough decisions to part with veterans, a move aimed at freeing up cap space and creating opportunities for young players. The most notable departure was defensive end Denico Autry, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Autry, a 10-year veteran who had spent three seasons with the Titans, had recorded 4 sacks and 8 quarterback hits this season but was set to become a free agent in 2025. The Titans chose to trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing, using the draft pick to replenish their future roster. The move also opened the door for young defensive ends Rashad Weaver and Keondre Coburn to take on larger roles; Weaver, a third-year player, recorded his first career sack in the Titans’ win over the Texans, while Coburn has become a regular in pass-rushing packages. “Losing Autry hurts in the short term, but it’s the right move for the future,” said a source close to the Titans’ front office. “We have young guys who need playing time to develop, and this trade lets us invest in them while getting value for a player we might lose anyway.” For the Tennessee Titans, this move reflects a commitment to building through the draft—a shift from their previous strategy of signing high-priced veterans. Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster shows that the Tennessee Titans are willing to sacrifice short-term production for long-term roster flexibility.

Another key decision for the Tennessee Titans was choosing not to trade running back Derrick Henry, who had been the subject of intense speculation leading up to the deadline. Henry, who is in the final year of his contract, has seen his production decline slightly (rushing for 723 yards and 5 touchdowns through nine games, down from 1,538 yards in 2022) but remains the face of the franchise and a critical part of the offense. The Titans received interest from several playoff-contending teams (including the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers) but ultimately decided to keep Henry, believing he can still be a difference-maker in the playoff race. “Derrick is more than just a running back—he’s a leader in the locker room and a fan favorite,” said Carthon in a post-deadline press conference. “We didn’t want to send a message that we’re giving up on this season, and keeping Derrick was part of that.” The decision to hold onto Henry also sends a signal to the rest of the team that the Titans are still competing; in the two games since the deadline, Henry has rushed for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winner against the Texans. For the Tennessee Titans, this move was as much about team morale as it was about on-field production. Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster underscores that the Tennessee Titans’ choice to keep Henry reflects their belief in their ability to make a playoff push—even if the odds are stacked against them.

Finally, the trade deadline decisions have had a ripple effect on the Tennessee Titans’ young players, many of whom have seen their roles expand in the weeks since. Beyond Weaver and Coburn, rookie wide receiver Colton Dowell has gotten more snaps after the Titans chose not to add another pass-catcher, recording his first career catch (a 15-yard gain) against the Texans. Second-year safety Amani Hooker has taken on more leadership responsibilities in the secondary alongside Awuzie, while undrafted free agent linebacker Otis Reese IV has become a regular on special teams. “The trade deadline gave our young guys a chance to step up, and they’ve delivered,” said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “That’s the silver lining of these moves—you find out who can handle more responsibility, and that makes your roster stronger in the long run.” For the Tennessee Titans, this infusion of young talent is critical; with several key veterans set to hit free agency in 2025, the team needs to identify which young players can become core pieces of the future. Trade Deadline Decisions Shape the Tennessee Titans Roster concludes that the Tennessee Titans’ trade deadline moves have balanced short-term competitiveness with long-term growth, reshaping the roster into a mix of veteran leaders and rising stars. If these young players continue to develop and the veterans stay healthy, the Titans could still make a playoff run this season—while laying the groundwork for success in the years to come.