Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild

As the Tennessee Titans transition from a fringe playoff team to a franchise focused on long-term sustainability, their front office—led by general manager Ran Carthon—faces a critical series of decisions to kickstart a targeted rebuild. After years of relying on veteran talent (like Derrick Henry and Harold Landry III) to compete in the AFC South, the Titans now find themselves at a crossroads: clinging to short-term success would likely lead to roster decay, while a deliberate rebuild could position them as division contenders by 2027. The front office’s strategy must balance three core pillars: maximizing value from aging veterans, investing in young talent through the draft, and managing the salary cap to avoid future constraints. These moves won’t yield immediate results, but they’re essential to building a roster that can compete consistently—rather than oscillating between playoff appearances and losing seasons. Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild isn’t just about cutting players or drafting prospects; it’s about crafting a blueprint for sustained success.

The first critical front office move is conducting a ruthless roster evaluation to identify “core keepers” and “trade candidates”—a process that will shape the rebuild’s trajectory. Core keepers are young, cost-controlled players who align with the Titans’ long-term vision: quarterback Will Levis (25 years old, under contract through 2026), defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (27, signed through 2028), and safety Andre Cisco (24, under contract through 2027) top this list. These players form the foundation of the rebuild, and the front office must prioritize extending them (if needed) to avoid losing them in free agency. Conversely, trade candidates are veterans with expiring contracts or high salary-cap hits who can net draft capital: Henry (31, final year of contract), Landry (29, \(19M cap hit in 2026), and cornerback Kristian Fulton (26, pending free agent) fit this category. Trading Henry, in particular, could yield a second-round pick and free up \)12M in cap space—resources that can be reinvested in the offensive line or secondary. “The key is to be honest about which players can grow with the rebuild and which can help us acquire future assets,” said one NFL front office executive in an interview with The Athletic. Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild starts with making unemotional decisions about roster composition.

Salary cap management is another cornerstone of the Titans’ rebuild, as the front office works to clear space for future signings and avoid the “cap hell” that has derailed other franchises. As of 2026, the Titans project to have \(45M in cap space—but that number shrinks significantly when accounting for pending extensions (like Levis, who will likely command a \)30M+ annual salary by 2027). To create flexibility, the front office will need to make two key moves: restructure contracts for players like Simmons (whose \(24M cap hit in 2026 can be converted into a signing bonus to spread costs over future years) and release or trade high-cost, low-impact veterans (like offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, who carries a \)8M dead cap hit but hasn’t played since 2023). The front office must also resist the urge to sign expensive “win-now” free agents, instead using cap space to sign one-year, prove-it deals with role players (e.g., a backup offensive tackle or rotational defensive end) who can fill gaps without tying up long-term resources. “Cap management during a rebuild is about patience,” said a former NFL salary cap analyst. “You don’t want to sign a player today who prevents you from extending your core tomorrow.” Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild depends on fiscal discipline to avoid limiting future options.

For the Tennessee Titans, the 2026 NFL Draft will be the single most important event of the rebuild—making draft strategy a top front office priority. With an expected first-round pick (projected to be in the 15–20 range), the Titans must target a position that addresses a critical, long-term need: offensive tackle. The offensive line has been a weakness for years, and protecting Levis is essential to his development; drafting a prospect like Ohio State’s Josh Fryar (a 6’6”, 315-pound tackle with elite pass-blocking skills) would immediately upgrade the left tackle spot and provide stability for a decade. Beyond the first round, the front office should focus on “value picks” in the middle rounds—players with high upside but minor flaws, like a small-school wide receiver or a developmental linebacker. The Titans should also use draft capital acquired via trades (e.g., from Henry or Landry) to move up in later rounds and target specific prospects, rather than hoarding picks for the sake of quantity. “The draft is where rebuilds are won or lost,” Carthon said in a recent press conference. “We need to be precise with our picks, focusing on players who fit our scheme and have the character to grow with this franchise.” The Tennessee Titans front office must also invest in their scouting department—adding analysts and college scouts—to ensure they’re not missing hidden gems in later rounds. Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild rises or falls on draft success.

Another key front office move for the Tennessee Titans is redefining their free agency strategy to prioritize “rebuild-friendly” signings—players who can contribute immediately without blocking young talent. This means avoiding big-money, long-term deals for veterans and instead targeting two types of free agents: “bridge players” (veterans on one-year deals who can mentor rookies, like a 32-year-old slot cornerback) and “low-risk, high-reward” prospects (players coming off injuries or down seasons who can bounce back, like a former third-round wide receiver who missed 2025 with a knee injury). For example, signing a bridge offensive guard like Dalton Risner (30, one-year, $5M deal) would provide stability on the line while a rookie tackle develops, without tying up cap space long-term. The front office must also be willing to walk away from overpriced free agents, even if they fill a need—overpaying for a running back or linebacker now would only hinder the ability to extend core players later. “Free agency during a rebuild is about complementing the draft, not replacing it,” said a league source. The Tennessee Titans should also use free agency to address special teams needs (e.g., a punter or kick returner), a often-overlooked area that can swing games and buy time for a young roster. Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild requires using free agency as a tool to support, not distract from, the draft.

Looking ahead, the Tennessee Titans front office must also focus on building a culture of accountability and development—moves that extend beyond roster transactions but are critical to the rebuild’s success. This includes empowering the coaching staff to prioritize player development over win-loss totals in the short term: head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his tough-love approach, should be given leeway to play rookies in key roles, even if it leads to mistakes early on. The front office should also invest in off-the-field resources, like upgrading the team’s training facility and adding sports science staff, to reduce injuries and maximize player potential. Additionally, the front office must improve communication with fans—being transparent about the rebuild’s timeline and goals to manage expectations and maintain support. “A rebuild isn’t just about the roster—it’s about building trust with the fanbase,” Carthon said. The Tennessee Titans front office must also resist external pressure to “win now” (e.g., from ownership or media) and stay committed to the long-term plan, even if the team endures a 6–11 season in 2026. Front Office Moves for Tennessee Titans Rebuild is ultimately about more than transactions; it’s about creating a franchise culture that breeds success for years to come.