Tennessee Titans News & Rumors

Titans Release S Mike Edwards

It seemed hard to fathom, but Mike Edwards‘ tenure in Tennessee was even shorter than his stint in Buffalo. A week after signing with the Titans following his release from the Bills, Edwards has now been released a second time in just eight days, according to Titans senior writer/editor Jim Wyatt.

In Buffalo to start the year, the former Buccaneers and Chiefs defender was stuck behind Taylor RappDamar Hamlin and second-round rookie Cole Bishop in the rotation at safety. The Bills attempted to make him available for the trade market shortly before the deadline but failed to offload the 28-year-old, so they decided to release him.

Edwards signed a one-year, $2.8MM deal with the Bills more than a week into free agency this offseason, despite interest that Buffalo had shown in Julian Blackmon. The agreement did not produce notable playing time, as the former third-round pick saw just seven defensive snaps in three games for the Bills over the first nine weeks of the season.

It was actually Edwards who asked for the release from Buffalo. A day later, Edwards found his next contract in Nashville, presumably coming in to replace starting safety Quandre Diggs after a season-ending Lisfranc injury. Outside of starter Amani Hooker, the Titans have two young safeties on their roster: Mike Brown and Julius Wood. Brown is a third-year player who had just 58 snaps on defense on the year before matching that season-total in a start last week. Wood is an undrafted rookie who has played exclusively on special teams.

It was presumed that Brown may take a bigger role while Edwards learned the defense, so it wasn’t a complete surprise that he got the start while Edwards remained inactive this week. Today’s release, though, is a bit surprising. He leaves Tennessee having not played a single snap. It’s unclear what the reason was for his release, and it’s unclear what his plans are moving forward, but Edwards will likely aim to stay at his next destination a bit longer.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/12/24

Today’s practice squad moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

  • Released: LB Cam Johnson

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

The Falcons have added a notable name to their special teams corps in Jakeem Grant. The long-time Dolphins returner has collected six ST touchdowns in his career (four via punts, two via kickoffs), and he’s even hauled in 100 catches. However, the veteran hasn’t seen the field since the 2021 campaign while spending the past few years on Cleveland’s practice squad.

With Dak Prescott done for the season, the Cowboys have added some extra QB depth. In comes old friend Will Grier, who spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns in Dallas. The former third-round pick has since bounced around the NFL, including stops with the Bengals, Patriots, and Chargers in just 2023. Grier still only has two career appearances on his resume, both coming with the Panthers in 2019.

The Texans have added some experienced OL depth in Cameron Erving. The veteran is coming off a 2023 campaign where he started two of his three appearances for the Saints, and he barely played in 11 appearances with the Panthers in 2022. Still, the 32-year-old brings 98 games (58 starts) of experience to Houston, a factor that could be valuable down the stretch. To make room on the practice squad, the Texans moved on from cornerback Desmond King. The veteran has only seen time in one game for Houston this season, although he’s not far removed from a 2022 campaign where he started 13 games for the Texans.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/12/24

Today’s minor moves:

Denver Broncos

Miami Dolphins

Philadelphia Eagles

Tennessee Titans

Bruss was waived by the Rams yesterday to make room for returning linemen Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson. A former third-round pick, Bruss didn’t make an appearance through his first two seasons in the NFL but started three of his eight appearances in 2024.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/9/24

Today’s minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

  • Elevated: LB Curtis Bolton, WR Isaiah Hodgins

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Spector will miss at least the next four games as a result of the Bills’ move. He has remained a mainstay on special teams this year, having also done so in 2022 and ’23. The former seventh-rounder has made three starts on defense, however, so his absence will be felt moving forward. Linebacker has been a position hit hard by injuries this season, and Buffalo’s depth at the second level will now be tested even further.

Wattenberg had his 21-day practice window opened by the Broncos earlier this week, paving the way for today’s activation. The 27-year-old operated as the team’s starting center prior to going down after having won a summer competition for the gig with Alex Forsyth. Forsyth handled first-team duties over the past four games, drawing a superior PFF evaluation and therefore potentially playing his way into an extended look atop the depth chart. At a minimum, having Wattenberg back will give Denver – a team with three IR activations left – depth up front.

Will Levis To Start For Titans In Week 10

As expected, Will Levis is set to return to action this week. Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced on Friday the second-year quarterback will get the start against the Chargers.

Levis has been out since suffering an AC joint sprain in Week 6. Veteran Mason Rudolph has handled starting duties in his place with Levis recovering. The latter has practiced in full this week, positioning him to reclaim his spot atop the depth chart. Tennessee’s staff had previously made it clear Levis would serve as starter once healthy.

The 2023 second-rounder has not developed as hoped in his first full campaign as QB1, which has doubled as Callahan’s first season in place. Levis lost one fumble in each of his first three games in 2024, and across his five total starts he threw seven interceptions. Improved ball security will be critical over the coming weeks as team and player look for positive momentum in the second half of the campaign.

The Titans sit at 2-6 on the year, and the decision to trade away DeAndre Hopkins is a sign of the team’s outlook for the rest of the season. Tennessee is also shorthanded along the offensive line with center Lloyd Cushenberry suffering a season-ending Achilles injury and on defense with Quandre Diggs out for the year due to his Lisfranc ailment. A postseason berth is not feasible, but better production from Levis and Co. would be welcomed ahead of an offseason in which changes could be made under center.

Rudolph completed only 59.4% of his passes upon taking over from Levis, throwing as many touchdowns (four) as interceptions along the way. The former Steeler joined Tennessee on a one-year deal, beating out Malik Willis for the backup gig during the summer. His free agent stock has no doubt taken a hit given his struggles in 2024, and it would come as no surprise if the Titans were to target a different veteran option on the open market this spring. As for Levis, his grip on the 2025 starting role will surely depend in large part on how he performs upon returning to the lineup.

Titans Sign Mike Edwards, Place Lloyd Cushenberry On IR

The Titans signed Mike Edwards after he was released by the Bills on Tuesday, adding safety depth after Quandre Diggs suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury on Sunday.

Diggs was placed on injured reserve, giving Edwards a chance at seeing the field right away in Tennessee.

Edwards only appeared in three games this season with a total of 20 snaps across defense and special teams after signing in Buffalo to compete for a starting safety job. He lost out to Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp and found himself on the trade block with little interest from around the league. Unable to find a trade partner, the Bills released Edwards to give him a chance to find more consistent playing time with a new team.

Outside of starter Amani Hooker, the Titans have two young safeties on their roster: Mike Brown and Julius Wood. Brown is a third-year player with just 58 snaps on defense this year while Wood is an undrafted rookie who has played exclusively on special teams. Brown could see an initial bump in playing time as Edwards picks up the defense, but the veteran is likely to take over a starting role within a few weeks.

Both Diggs and Edwards are set to be free agents after this season, and today’s moves will greatly impact their stock. Diggs will need to prove he’s fully healthy from a notoriously bothersome injury, while Edwards has a chance to audition for the Titans and potentially other teams looking for a veteran safety in the offseason.

The Titans also placed starting center Lloyd Cushenberry on injured reserve after a season-ending Achilles tear suffered in Week 9. Practice squad Corey Levin finished Sunday’s game at center with Daniel Brunskill, who is normally the backup, already starting at right guard for an injured Dillon Radunz.

Tennessee has multiple options for their offensive line moving forward depending on Radunz’s availability. If he can play, Brunskill can start at center. If not, Brunskill will play right guard with Levin called up from the practice squad to play center. Levin has two elevations remaining, but could be promoted to the active roster if the Titans see him as a depth option for the rest of the season.

2024 NFL Trades

We have reached the 2024 trade deadline, which came one week later than the league’s usual endpoint. An offseason measure to move the deadline back one week passed, sliding the deadline beyond Week 9 after it had resided the Tuesday following Week 8 since 2012. That opened the door to more activity this year.

The 2024 offseason also featured extensive work, as teams added starters and depth pieces. Here are the trades involving veteran players (or rookies already drafted) to take place this year:

March 4

Bears chose defensive end Austin Booker at No. 144

March 9

Broncos sent Seahawks No. 136, included 203 in trade with Jets for QB Zach Wilson

March 10

Patriots chose QB Joe Milton at 193

March 11

Bucs drafted WR Jalen McMillan at No. 92; Lions traded No. 201 to Eagles

Panthers traded down from No. 39, giving Rams access to DT Braden Fiske; team moved No. 141 in Bills deal that sent WR Xavier Legette to Carolina. Giants chose RB Tyrone Tracy at 166.

March 12

Bengals chose DB Daijahn Anthony at No. 224 

March 13

Texans traded No. 232 to Vikings

Ravens chose WR Devontez Walker at No. 113, QB Devin Leary at 218; Jets drafted RB Braelon Allen at 134

March 14

Commanders traded Nos. 78, 152 to Eagles in trade that sent CB Cooper DeJean to Philadelphia; Seahawks moved down from No. 102, drafted G Sataoa Laumea at 179

Bolts traded No. 110 to Patriots 

March 15

Steelers chose LB Payton Wilson at No. 98; Eagles traded No. 120 to Dolphins in package that brought back 2025 third-rounder

March 16

Fields must play in 51% of Steelers’ offensive snaps for pick to elevate from sixth to fourth round

March 22

Chiefs traded No. 221 to Bills; Titans chose OLB Jaylen Harrell at 252

March 29

Pick would have become second-rounder had Reddick played 67.5% of Jets’ 2024 defensive snaps and recorded at least 10 sacks. Reddick’s holdout ensured Philly’s pick will land in Round 3.

April 3

Texans dealt No. 189 to Lions for Nos. 205, 249

April 12

Browns chose CB Myles Harden at No. 227

April 22

In trade that gave Vikings J.J. McCarthy draft real estate at No. 10 overall, Jets sent No. 203 to Minnesota; Broncos chose C Nick Gargiulo at 256

April 27

May 9

August 9

August 11

August 14

Dallas carried Phillips on its active roster for two games, meeting minimum requirement for conditional sixth to transfer

August 22

Pick did not convey due to Commanders cutting York before he played in two games with team

August 23

August 24

August 26

August 27

August 28

October 14

October 15

Pick would upgrade to second-rounder if Adams earns first- or second-team All-Pro recognition or is on Jets’ active roster for 2024 AFC championship game or Super Bowl LIX

October 23

Pick would become fourth-rounder if Hopkins both plays 60% of Chiefs’ remaining offensive snaps and Kansas City advances to Super Bowl LIX

October 28

October 29

Robinson’s playing time will determine if Jags pick climbs to a fourth-rounder and whether Vikings will end up receiving 2026 seventh

November 4

November 5

Sixth-rounder going to New Orleans comes from pick Saints sent Commanders for John Ridgeway 

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/5/24

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

Titans DL Sebastian Joseph-Day Drawing Interest; Arden Key Still A Trade Candidate

The Titans’ offense was altered ahead on the trade front with DeAndre Hopkins being dealt to the Chiefs. As the deadline approaches, the team’s defensive front is worth watching closely.

Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day is drawing trade interest, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. That is also the case for defensive end Arden Key, who was recently added to the list of trade candidates. Fowler adds nothing is imminent on either front at this point, but time still remains for negotiations to take place with contending teams.

Joseph-Day began his career with the Rams, and his time with them allowed him to establish himself as a high-end presence against the run. The Chargers inked him to a three-year, $24MM pact in 2022, but that investment did not produce the desired results. Shortly after the Bolts fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last season, Joseph-Day was waived in a move which allowed him to return to the West Coast.

The 29-year-old quickly caught on with the 49ers to close out the campaign, but he was once again on the move in free agency this spring. Shortly after visiting the Titans, Joseph-Day inked a one-year deal. That pact includes a base salary of only $1.38MM, and paying out the remainder of that figure would be feasible for any number of teams looking to add along the D-line for the second half of the campaign. The former sixth-rounder has collected 21 tackles this season, along with 2.5 sacks.

Key was linked to the Cardinals over the weekend, with Arizona being one of several teams in the market for an addition along the edge. Given yesterday’s acquisition of Baron Browning, though, they are unlikely to make a further move on that front, especially since Key is not a rental. The former Raider, 49er and Jaguar nearly set a new career in sacks last year with six, and he is on his way to a new personal mark in 2024 (four in eight games). Key is on the books through 2025, and he is owed $7MM total that year along with a scheduled cap hit of $9.3MM.

Sitting at 2-6 on the year (despite boasting the league’s No. 1 total defense), the Titans represent obvious sellers for players who are pending free agents in particular. That makes Joseph-Day a strong candidate to be moved in the coming hours, but calls will no doubt continue coming in for Key as well.

AFC South Notes: Colts, Levis, Texans

Anthony Richardson‘s on-field work this season created an untenable setup for the Colts, who benched their starting quarterback for 39-year-old Joe Flacco. While the Colts are not giving up on Richardson — even as rebounds from early-career benchings are less common than those leading to downward tumbles — the second-year passer will also need to adjust his preparation. The Colts want to see Richardson improve in that area, with ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder going as far as indicating the former No. 4 overall pick’s pregame prep and lack of proper awareness of his job’s importance represented a bigger reason for the benching compared to the in-game performances.

Richardson taking the unusual step to sub himself out midway through a drive became a flashpoint for the Colts, who viewed the decision in Houston as the “last straw.” It is not too surprising to see Richardson struggle with preparation, seeing as he was a one-year Florida starter who entered the draft as a raw prospect. The Colts took a gamble on a player who would not have fallen much farther in that draft, but the team that has been unable to find QB stability post-Andrew Luck is in a holding pattern now. Flacco did not produce much Sunday night in Minnesota, but Indianapolis’ adjusted plan to play the veteran and develop the rookie is still a go for Week 10.

Here is the latest from the AFC South:

  • Xavier Worthy is the last man standing among the Chiefs’ Week 1 WR trio, but the Colts were connected to the former Texas Longhorns speedster in Round 1. After hosting Worthy on a “30” visit and then being connected to them shortly before the draft, the eventual Kansas City resident confirmed he spoke with the Colts during Day 1 of the draft. Worthy said the call with the Colts ended abruptly, telling Rich Eisen the Indy representative hung up on him. The Colts had made offers to trade up for a pass catcher but ended the defensive drought to open the draft by selecting EDGE Laiatu Latu at No. 15. Worthy went to the Chiefs, via a trade with the Bills, at No. 28. The Colts circled back to their WR aim by drafting Worthy college teammate Adonai Mitchell in Round 2.
  • The Titans are hopeful Will Levis returns for Week 10, Brian Callahan said Monday. Levis returned the game after his shoulder injury but was subsequently parked to go through rehab. Tennessee has turned to Mason Rudolph over the past three games but plans to reinstall Levis as the starter, despite his early-season miscues, once he recovers.
  • The Texans became the latest team to work out La’el Collins, doing so today. Houston also brought in Tremayne Anchrum and Ike Boettger, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, with Anchrum signing to the team’s practice squad. The Texans placed Kenyon Green on IR with another shoulder injury last week. Collins, now 31, has been in free agency since failing to make the Bills’ 53-man roster in training camp. The former Cowboys and Bengals RT starter has not played in a regular-season game since sustaining ACL and MCL tears in Week 16 of the 2022 season.