Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets

As the Tennessee Titans wrap up a disappointing 6-9 season that ended with playoff elimination, trade speculation around their key assets has reached a fever pitch—fueled by the team’s apparent shift toward rebuilding and the expiring contracts of several star players. For a franchise at a crossroads, every decision about retaining or trading assets will shape its trajectory for the next 3-5 years: hold onto veterans for one more playoff push, or part with them to accumulate draft picks and young talent? NFL insiders, analysts, and fans have all weighed in, with rumors swirling around names like Derrick Henry, Jeffery Simmons, and Kevin Byard. Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets breaks down the most talked-about potential trades, the teams interested, and what each move could mean for the Titans’ future.

The biggest name in trade rumors is running back Derrick Henry, the face of the Titans franchise for nearly a decade and one of the most dominant rushers in NFL history. Henry, who turns 30 next season, is in the final year of his four-year, $50 million contract—and while he still rushed for 1,014 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, his yards per carry (4.1) is at its lowest since 2018. For the Titans, trading Henry would signal a clear rebuild: he’s not just a player, but a fan favorite and locker-room leader, and his departure would mark the end of an era. Several playoff-contending teams have emerged as potential suitors, including the Baltimore Ravens (who need a complement to Lamar Jackson) and the San Francisco 49ers (looking to replace Christian McCaffrey if he departs in free agency). “Henry could still be a difference-maker for a team with a strong offensive line and a playoff-ready roster,” said one NFL general manager. “For the Titans, trading him would net a second or third-round draft pick—valuable capital for a team that needs to restock its talent.” However, there’s pushback from fans who argue Henry still has gas left in the tank, and that trading him would alienate a fan base already frustrated by losing. Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets emphasizes that Henry’s future is the most critical asset decision the Titans will make this offseason.

Another top asset drawing trade interest is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, one of the NFL’s best interior pass rushers and a two-time Pro Bowler. Unlike Henry, Simmons is under contract through 2024 (with a fifth-year option for 2025), but his $19.7 million salary cap hit next season has led to speculation about a potential trade. Simmons, 26, is in his prime—he recorded 7 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles this season—and would be a coveted addition for any team looking to boost its pass rush. The Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have all been linked to Simmons, with reports suggesting the Titans could demand a first-round draft pick plus additional assets in return. “Simmons is the kind of player you build a defense around,” said a former NFL defensive coordinator. “If the Titans are truly rebuilding, trading him would be a mistake—he’s young enough to be part of their next competitive team. But if they’re worried about extending him (he’ll be due a massive contract in 2025), moving him now could make sense.” For the Titans, Simmons’ case is more complex than Henry’s: he’s a long-term building block, but his contract demands could clash with the team’s desire to cut costs. Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets highlights that Simmons’ future will reveal whether the Titans are committed to a full rebuild or a “retool” with key veterans.

The Tennessee Titans’ secondary also has tradeable assets, most notably safety Kevin Byard—a 10-year veteran and two-time All-Pro who has been the heart of the defense since 2016. Byard, 30, is under contract through 2025, but his $14.1 million cap hit next season has made him a target for teams looking to upgrade their secondary (like the Kansas City Chiefs, who struggled with safety play this season). Byard’s leadership and versatility (he can play both free and strong safety) make him valuable, but his age and the Titans’ need to get younger in the secondary have fueled rumors. “Byard is still a high-level player, but the Titans have young safeties like Amani Hooker who could step into larger roles,” said an NFL scout. “Trading Byard would free up cap space and give Hooker a chance to start, while netting a mid-round draft pick.” However, Byard’s connection to the community—he’s active in Nashville charities and has spoken publicly about his love for the Titans—adds another layer to the decision. For the Tennessee Titans, trading Byard would be a tough move emotionally, but it could be necessary to create opportunities for younger players. Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets shows that the Tennessee Titans’ secondary assets are part of a larger conversation about balancing veteran leadership with youth development.

Another asset generating trade buzz is wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who joined the Titans last season on a one-year, $13 million deal. Hopkins, 31, had a solid season (64 catches for 788 yards and 3 touchdowns) but missed three games with injuries, and his future in Nashville is uncertain. The Titans could choose to re-sign him to a short-term deal, but trade speculation has linked him to teams like the Buffalo Bills (who need a No. 2 receiver opposite Stefon Diggs) and the Cincinnati Bengals (looking to replace Tee Higgins if he leaves in free agency). “Hopkins still has the hands and route-running ability to help a playoff team, but he’s not the deep threat he once was,” said a sports radio host in Nashville. “For the Titans, trading him (if they can work out a contract extension first) would be a way to get value without committing long-term. If they let him walk in free agency, they get nothing.” The Tennessee Titans’ decision on Hopkins will also tie into their quarterback plans: if they draft a young signal-caller, keeping Hopkins to mentor him could make sense; if they stick with Ryan Tannehill, trading Hopkins to cut costs may be smarter. Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets underscores that the Tennessee Titans’ wide receiver assets are tied to their bigger quarterback and offensive identity decisions.

Finally, trade speculation around the Tennessee Titans’ assets has sparked debate about the team’s overall strategy—and whether general manager Ran Carthon has a clear vision for the future. Some analysts argue the Titans should “blow it up” and trade all their veteran assets for draft picks, citing the team’s aging roster and lack of young talent at key positions (like quarterback and offensive line). Others believe a “selective rebuild” is better: keep Simmons and Byard (younger, foundational players) and trade Henry and Hopkins (older, expiring contracts) to accumulate picks. “Carthon is in a tough spot,” said an NFL insider who has covered the Titans for years. “He inherited a roster that’s stuck in mediocrity—too good to get top draft picks, too bad to compete for a Super Bowl. Trading assets is necessary, but he has to be careful not to alienate fans or destroy the team’s culture.” For the Tennessee Titans, every trade decision will send a message: to fans, to players, and to future free agents. Will they be a team that competes annually, or one that takes a few years to rebuild? Trade Speculation Grows for the Tennessee Titans Assets concludes that the Tennessee Titans’ asset decisions this offseason are more than just football moves—they’re about defining the franchise’s identity for the next decade. As the NFL Combine and draft approach, the speculation will only grow, and every leak or rumor will bring the Titans one step closer to answering that question.