Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures

In the NFL, securing key players with contract extensions is more than just a financial transaction—it’s a strategic move to protect a team’s core, maintain continuity, and signal long-term competitiveness. For the Tennessee Titans, the 2025 offseason and midseason have been defined by such moves, as the front office has locked up several franchise cornerstones to multi-year deals. These extensions aren’t random; they target players who have proven their value on the field, embodied the team’s culture, and shown the potential to lead the Titans for years to come. Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures isn’t just a recap of new deals; it’s a look at how the Titans are building a sustainable winning model, balancing short-term success with long-term stability. From defensive leaders to offensive playmakers, each extension tells a story of trust, performance, and shared goals.

Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures first highlights the landmark deal for safety Kevin Byard, a two-time Pro Bowler who has been the heart of the Titans’ secondary since 2017. In March 2025, the Titans signed Byard to a four-year, \(72 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. The deal includes \)45 million in guaranteed money, a testament to Byard’s consistent excellence—he’s recorded at least 100 tackles in five of the last six seasons and has 28 career interceptions. What makes Byard’s extension so critical is his leadership: he’s the defensive unit’s vocal captain, mentoring young players like rookie safety Tyreque Spears and helping coordinate the secondary’s game plans. “Kevin is irreplaceable,” Titans general manager Ran Carthon said. “He’s not just a great player—he’s a great teammate and a leader who sets the standard for our defense. Locking him up long-term ensures our secondary remains one of the best in the league.” Byard’s extension also sends a message to the rest of the team: the Titans reward loyalty and performance, and they’re committed to keeping their most impactful players in Nashville.

Another pivotal extension in Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures is the four-year, \(64 million deal for defensive end Denico Autry, signed in October 2025 after a dominant start to the season. Autry, who joined the Titans in 2023, has emerged as one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, recording 22 sacks in two-and-a-half seasons with the team. The extension, which includes \)38 million in guarantees, comes after Autry tallied 11 sacks and four forced fumbles in the first 10 games of 2025—numbers that put him on pace for a career year. For the Titans, Autry’s extension is a bet on sustained production: at 33, he’s still playing at an elite level, and his ability to generate pressure from both the edge and interior makes him a versatile weapon in defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s scheme. “Denico has been a game-changer for our defense,” Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said. “He plays with a motor that never stops, and he’s a guy who makes everyone around him better. Extending him now keeps our pass rush intact and gives us a key piece to build around.” Autry’s deal also reflects the Titans’ focus on retaining veteran talent who can mentor younger players, like defensive end Harold Landry III, and provide stability in the locker room.

Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures also includes the three-year, \(42 million extension for left tackle Andre Dillard, a move that secures the Titans’ offensive line and protects quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Dillard, who joined the Titans as a free agent in 2024, quickly established himself as one of the league’s top pass-blocking tackles, allowing just two sacks in 17 starts last season. The extension, signed in April 2025, includes \)25 million in guaranteed money and ensures Dillard will remain the Titans’ blindside protector through 2028. For the Tennessee Titans, this extension is critical to the success of their offense: a strong left tackle keeps Tannehill upright, giving him time to connect with receivers like DeAndre Hopkins, and creates running lanes for Derrick Henry. “Andre has been a revelation since he got here,” Carthon said. “He’s one of the best pass blockers in the league, and he’s only getting better. Securing him long-term means we don’t have to worry about one of the most important positions on the field for years to come.” The extension also aligns with the Titans’ strategy of investing in the offensive line, a unit that has been a priority since Vrabel took over as head coach in 2018. For the Tennessee Titans, a strong offensive line isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity to compete in the tough AFC South.

Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures further underscores the midseason extension for linebacker Harold Landry III, a four-year, \(56 million deal signed in November 2025 after Landry returned from a knee injury and reestablished himself as a top pass rusher. Landry, who missed the first four games of the season, recorded eight sacks in his first eight games back, including three in a critical Week 14 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The deal, which includes \)32 million in guaranteed money, locks up Landry through 2029 and pairs him with Autry to form one of the AFC’s most fearsome edge-rushing duos. For the Tennessee Titans, Landry’s extension is a vote of confidence in his health and talent: after suffering a torn ACL in 2024, he’s returned better than ever, showing the speed and strength that made him a Pro Bowler in 2022. “Harold is a guy we’ve always believed in,” Vrabel said. “He worked tirelessly to come back from injury, and he’s playing at an elite level again. Extending him now keeps our pass rush intact and gives us a key leader on defense.” The extension also helps the Titans maintain their defensive identity, as Landry and Autry combined for 19 sacks in 2025—more than half of the team’s total. For the Tennessee Titans, keeping these two together is essential to remaining a top defensive team in the NFL.

The final takeaway from Contract Extensions for Tennessee Titans Key Figures is that the Titans’ extension strategy is a blueprint for success in the modern NFL: identify core players who fit the team’s culture, reward them for performance, and build continuity around them. By extending Byard, Autry, Dillard, and Landry, the Titans have secured key pieces on both offense and defense, ensuring they remain competitive in the AFC South for years to come. These extensions also send a message to fans and players alike: the Titans are committed to winning, and they’re willing to invest in the talent that makes that possible. What’s most impressive about these deals is their balance: the Titans haven’t overpaid for past performance; they’ve invested in players who are still in their prime and have shown the ability to adapt and improve. As the Titans look ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, these extensions will serve as the foundation of their roster. For the Tennessee Titans, contract extensions aren’t just about keeping players—they’re about building a legacy of winning, and these key figures are at the center of that vision.