Titans Revamp Roster with Key Signings, Strengthen Both Sides of the Ball
The Tennessee Titans took a major step toward solidifying their defense by signing linebacker Cody Barton to a three-year deal, one of several key moves announced Thursday.
In a surprising trade, the Titans sent linebacker Kenneth Murray to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, despite his strong 2024 season with 95 tackles and a career-best 3.5 sacks. Barton now joins a revamped defensive front, playing behind Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons, first-round draft pick T’Vondre Sweat, and newly signed defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones, who inked a one-year contract.
With a new general manager, Mike Borgonzi, and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Titans are reshaping their roster aggressively.
Offensively, Tennessee made major strides in fixing their struggling offensive line. They signed left tackle Dan Moore to a four-year contract and added veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal. Last year’s No. 7 overall pick, JC Latham, who started all 17 games at left tackle, is now expected to shift to the right side. After surrendering 52 sacks in 2024—one of the worst marks in the league—the Titans also bolstered depth by signing offensive lineman Blake Hance.
The special teams unit saw a major shakeup as well. The Titans brought in 17-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker, replacing Ryan Stonehouse, who had set the top two single-season gross punting averages in NFL history. This move reunites Hekker with special teams coordinator John Fassel.
Tennessee continued its roster overhaul by signing safety Xavier Woods to a two-year deal and adding receiver Van Jefferson to boost the passing attack. Additionally, they released guard Saahdiq Charles while bringing back defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, who started 12 of 17 games last season.
With these bold moves, the Titans are positioning themselves for a transformative season under new leadership.
